The Use of Waterjets in Cutting Granite

High pressure waterjets are now entering use on an increasing scale for primary rock excavation in quarries. In order to assess the parameters required for any such rock cutting operation a series of experiments need to be carried out in which the critical operational parameters are identified. This paper seeks to identify such a standard procedure with an explanation with the reasons for choice with the different stages undertaken. As an example case the design of a system for optimizing the cutting of granite is described. The paper discussed the results in light of the way in which the waterjets penetrate the granite. Improvements in performance of the system with the addition of abrasive are discussed. The need for a redesign of the system is then further discussed.