On Igniting Blasts by Means of Electricity

Year: 1878

By Julius H. Striedinger, C.E.

Prize-winning ASCE paper (Transactions, vol. VII) analyzing why large rock-blasting attempts mis-fired and how to guarantee simultaneous detonation of thousands of charges. Striedinger details low-tension fuses, galvanic-battery frames, and a gravity circuit-closer that were successfully used to remove Hallett’s Point Reef, with drawings, resistance data, and safety recommendations.