How to Break the Tough Rock

Breaking tough rock with an integrated rock drilling and splitting machine is a highly efficient and modern method that replaces traditional jackhammers and explosive blasting in many scenarios. It's a two-step process performed by a single machine.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do it, from principles to practical steps.

The Core Principle: Why It Works

This method exploits the fundamental weakness of rock: its high compressive strength but low tensile strength.

Drilling: A high-pressure hydraulic drill creates a precise hole in the rock. This is the "preparation" stage.

Splitting: A hydraulic splitting head (or "splitter") is inserted into the hole. The splitter exerts an immense lateral/radial force (over 400-500 tons is common), which puts the rock under tensile stress. Since rock is weak in tension, it cracks easily along the line of least resistance.

This combination is far more effective, quieter, and safer than using percussive force alone.

Step-by-Step Operating Procedure

Here is the detailed workflow for using an integrated drilling and splitting machine.

Step 1: Site Assessment and Planning

Survey the Rock Face: Identify natural fracture lines, seams, and weaknesses. The goal is to use these to your advantage.

Mark Drilling Points: Plan your drilling pattern. For a large rock mass, you will create a series of holes in a grid or line.

Hole Spacing: Typically 0.5 to 1.5 meters apart, depending on rock toughness. Softer rock allows for wider spacing; harder rock requires closer holes.

Hole Depth: Generally 80-95% of the rock's depth. You don't want to drill all the way through, as this reduces the splitting efficiency.

Line of Holes: To break off a large section, drill a line of holes. The split will propagate from one hole to the next.

Step 2: Setup and Safety

Position the Machine: Place the integrated unit on stable, level ground. Ensure the hydraulic hoses are untangled and clear of sharp edges.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This is non-negotiable.

Safety glasses or a face shield,Hearing protection (the drill is loud),Steel-toed boots. Hard hat, Heavy-duty gloves

Step 3: The Drilling Phase

Select the Drill Bit: Choose a diamond-tipped or high-carbon steel drill bit suitable for the rock type and the diameter of your splitting head.

Align the Drill Rig: Position the drill rod perpendicular to the rock surface (or at the planned angle) at your first marked spot.

Start Drilling: Engage the hydraulic drill. Use a steady, consistent pressure. Periodically retract the bit to clear rock dust from the hole, which prevents the bit from getting stuck and ensures efficient drilling.

Achieve Target Depth: Drill to the pre-determined depth. Repeat this process for all the marked holes in your planned sequence.

Step 4: The Splitting Phase (The Key Action)

Retract the Drill, Deploy the Splitter: On the integrated machine, you will now switch the hydraulic circuit from the drill to the splitting head.

Insert the Splitting Head: Carefully place the wedge-shaped splitting head (attached to the machine's arm) into the drilled hole. The feathers (the outer sleeves) should have good contact with the borehole walls.

Activate the Splitter: Engage the hydraulic pump. The central wedge will be driven down between the feathers, generating immense outward pressure.

Monitor the Crack: You will hear a low "pop" or "crack" sound, and a visible fracture will appear on the rock surface, usually within 10-30 seconds.

Retract and Move: Once the rock has cracked, retract the wedge, move the splitting head to the next hole, and repeat the process.

Crucial Tip: The cracks from each hole will connect with each other. By splitting sequentially along a line, you can break off a large, controlled section of rock.

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