Bloomsdale Excavating’s reputation for safety and competence on the job site played a large role in this project, which involved the blasting and excavation of 500,000 cubic yards of rock for future plant expansion. This was performed in very close proximity to the existing plant. The site towered vertically over 100 feet tall within 50 feet of existing plant silos. The silos were to remain in operation throughout the project. One unfavorable incident could cause severe damage to the existing plant or injury to employees. Blasting occurred two to three times a day, requiring the removal of all company and plant employees. Communication, cooperation and planning between Bloomsdale and Buzzi Unicem were crucial to this project.

The blasted rock was hauled to waste within the plant site. Haul routes had to be well planned and communicated with Buzzi’s forces as Bloomsdale shared some of the same haul roads and waste areas.

Some of the last area to blast was against a thin strip of rock that housed the footings to a very large existing covered building. These footings were to end up on an “island” of solid rock once Bloomsdale was finished. The “island” had to remain intact, otherwise the building would have been structurally unsound. Bloomsdale managed the vibration by putting off very small blasts. In order for Buzzi to remain in operation, Bloomsdale had to find an alternative method to remove the last 10,000 cubic yards of rock. Bloomsdale crews utilized a milling machine to grind the remaining rock. This material was used to create a temporary parking lot and Bloomsdale walked away with a very satisfied client.