Abstract
Abstract Aspects of highway rock engineering relating to excavation and slope stability, with emphasis on the evolution of successful design and construction techniques in the UK, are considered. Early techniques for highway rock excavation were labour intensive and time consuming. New techniques of drilling and blasting, introduced in the 20th century, dramatically increased the ease with which rock could be excavated. However, these new techniques considerably damaged the host rocks, adversely affecting face stability and increasing the requirements for remedial work and maintenance. Effective rock engineering techniques have now been developed for designing slopes in harmony with the geotechnical environment and for harnessing the power of high explosives without imparting damage to the design slope. Such techniques include the optimized design technique and presplit blasting, important aspects of which are described. Aspects other than final face stability must be taken into account when designing a rock excavation. These include the environmental impact and the possible requirements of new contract procedures such as design and build.
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