Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1984-85: VUWAE 29
Friday 7
Friday 7
Building access ramp onto Batter Point. Large sea ice block at access on glacier required blasting. Slab 3 m × 2 m × 1-1.5 m thick.
Ice Quarry south of Camp blasted by Pyne and Wright. Snow 0.5-0.7 m deep cleared of ice and trench blasted for D4 to clear and expose a working face.
Ice strongly shattered after blast, easily removed with D4. Future blasting for ice blocks try 5′ holes with 1/2 stick at bottom, single row, holes about 1 m apart. For future quarries the trench should be aligned parallel to the SSE wind direction for easier clearing of snow drifts by the D4.