Rock fragmentation with plasma blasting technique has advantageous properties in contrast to the conventional blasting method in controlling of flying rocks and ground vibrations, when residents are complaining or surrounding structures stay in protection from blasting operations. The experiences show in urban construction works that the plasma blasting is the most possible method to prevent damages and minimize adverse environmnetal impacts. The fragmentation energy level is evaluated by numerical simulation using PFC-2D for various drill hole pattern and tested accordingly to get the feasibility. The energy output of plasma blasting system has been improved to a level of 1 MJ, which can break a 2~3 ㎥ granite boulder or 1.5 m height bench face. Measurements are carried out to get the ground vibration level and propagation equation, so that the control of the blasting operations can be performed more precisely and safely.
