ABSTRACT
Rock excavations in tunnel construction or mining works are usually performed by means of the action of pressure waves generated from controlled explosions and by impact loading from excavation machines. As a consequence, the pressure wave amplitude and duration are important. Firstly, for economic reasons, we need to obtain the desired effects with the lowest costs. Secondly, for safety measures, risks from heavy impact or vibrations especially in urban underground excavations should be avoided. The optimised choice of the impact loading parameters of the excavation machines are important, and also for the same reasons, the proper choice and design of the excavation machines.
