Jianghan University wins national award for precision blasting progress

Xie Xianqi and his team conduct research into precision blasting. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]

Jianghan University has been awarded the second prize in the 2025 national science and technology award for its project of key technologies and major engineering applications of precision blasting.

The project, led by Academician Xie Xianqi, director of the State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting at the university, represents a significant technological transformation from traditional, rough blasting to precise and controllable precision blasting.

After 18 years of relentless effort, the team established a theoretical and technological framework for precision blasting, achieving three major innovations: detailed effect analysis, precision equipment, and precise effect control.

They developed a theory for detailed analysis of blasting effects and a quantitative design method for engineering, addressing challenges such as difficult observation and inaccurate calculations in the blasting process.

The team also uncovered the intrinsic mechanism of blast load and medium response, developed precision-controlled blasting materials and intelligent construction equipment, and achieved domestic production of industrial electronic detonators and on-site mixed explosives.

They developed multi-effect collaborative precision control technology, solving global challenges such as low efficiency in large-scale mine blasting, the uncontrollable collapse of high-rise buildings, and significant blast-induced vibration damage to infrastructure.

The project's outcomes have been applied in over 600 major engineering projects, including the Julong Copper Mine in Xizang autonomous region, the Baihetan Hydropower Station, and the Ezhou Huahu Airport, generating direct economic benefits of 38.7 billion yuan ($5.72 billion).