In stone quarrying, tamping is the process of:

Explanation:

• Tamping is done to safely confine the explosive charge in a drilled hole during blasting operations.

• It ensures that the maximum force of the explosion is directed towards breaking the rock rather than escaping through the hole.

• Typically, damp clay or moist soil is used for tamping as it effectively seals the hole and does not ignite or react with the explosive.

• The material is soft enough to compact and fills all voids, preventing premature venting.

• After the explosive is placed in the drilled hole, damp clay is filled in layers above it.

• A non-metallic tamping rod (usually wooden or plastic) is used to compress the clay gently and uniformly without sparking.

Additional Information

• Quarrying is the process of extracting natural stones like granite, limestone, marble, and sandstone from the earth’s surface.

• The goal is to obtain large blocks or slabs that can be used for construction, monuments, or industrial use.

• The process begins with geological surveys to assess rock quality, durability, and location.

• Access roads, power supply, and water management systems are set up before quarrying starts.

• Holes are drilled at strategic locations on the rock face using jackhammers or drilling rigs.

• Explosives are placed inside the holes and tamped with damp clay to prepare for blasting.

• Controlled blasting is then carried out to fracture the rock into manageable pieces.

• After blasting, oversized blocks may be further broken using wedges, hammers, or hydraulic splitters.

• This step ensures the rock can be transported easily or shaped as needed.

• Extracted stones are loaded using cranes, loaders, or manual labor onto trucks or trolleys.

• They are then transported to processing units or storage yards for cutting, dressing, and polishing.