Abstract:
The present invention relates to the excavation or removal of large masses of earth situated on a downslope by means of landsliding the same on a layer or cushion of gaseous lubricant which is preferably generated or produced in situ. The plane of shear is determined and thereupon the subterranean rock is fractured by conventional hydrofracturing technique to produce a plane of shear substantially along the bottom of the earth mass. After the desired plane has been formed, a substantial quantity of liquid type explosive is forced into the fracture forming the shear plane and is thereupon detonated to produce a large quantity of gas which lifts the mass and serves as a lubricant so that its speed down slope accelerates very rapidly. Provision may be made for supplementing the gaseous lubricant layer as the mass moves toward the desired area of disposal. This may be accomplished by explosive charges located down stream and which are detonated while the mass is over them.