The success of the expansion of the Panama Canal has depended to a large extent on our design software and the use of our own blasting solutions: water resistant, with a well above average performance and lower cost.
RIOFLEX MARINE. Our exclusive RIOFLEX technology was crucial for the first phase. Its water resistance allows it to be inside a water well for up to four weeks without its characteristics being affected. In addition, its effectiveness was demonstrated after 114 blasts and no complaints from neighboring communities.
RIOBLAST. In order to ensure maximum control over the safety, efficiency, vibration and reduction of PPV, more than 127 alternative drilling plans were designed through our own development tool, RIOBLAST: design software that allows us to execute the simulation and creation of contour maps for the blasting with the objective of choosing and applying the best solution in each blasting.
RIOFLEX GX 8000 and GX 7000. Both explosives have been developed by MAXAM according to the highest quality standards. Their use during the expansion project allowed us to meet the objectives set and exceed the customer's expectations concerning vibration levels, fragmentation, times and environmental regulations.
Throughout the project, all members of the MAXAM team have shared the same passion for overcoming challenges and reaching beyond the customer’s expectations and the environmental needs of the area. The objectives of the operation were established around the possible scenarios of each phase of the project in response to the question of “what would happen if...”.
Phase 01
- Ensure vibrations were below the authorized levels due to the proximity of several communities.
- Remove the fragmented rock with dredging equipment, that is, 95% of the explosive material should be below 300 millimeters.
- Achieve maximum productivity to achieve more competitive costs.
Phase 02
- The size of the fragmentation should be P95% <300 millimeters="" (11.8="" in.)="" at="" the="" basalt="" layer="" in="" order="" to="" achieve="" efficient="" excavation.="">
- The project required high guarantees of successful blasting since the levels imposed on each excavation had to be achieved with a single explosion.
- Monitoring of the potential impact of soil vibrations and hydrodynamic shock waves on nearby structures.
Phase 03
- This stage, known as PAC-4, required the removal of more than 26 million m3 of unclassified material for the construction of the navigation channel.
- Use of multiple types of blasting solutions depending on the type of soil, fragmentation levels and environmental regulations.
Our continuous improvement program (CIP), based on the identification of objectives and their monitoring in real time to find new and better solutions, has been a key factor in achieving the success of the project and achieving maximum efficiency.
Together with saving time and money, our program is an example of MAXAM's ambition to grow and improve every day in order to continue offering solutions adapted to complex challenges such as the expansion of the Panama Canal.
Safety has been a crucial point throughout the expansion project for both the customer and our own team, as well as for existing buildings and locks, and the communities and environmental setting in which we operate.
Our own tools, such as RIOBLAST, allowed us to calculate all the possible scenarios to limit explosive loads with the most convenient fragmentation results without damaging anything that was near the blasts. On the other hand, we use six seismographs to measure seismic energy and achieve greater control and prediction regarding the effects of blasting without exceeding the established vibration levels.
