DESCRIPTION
Crackem is a non-explosive, expansive, silent cracking agent used for stone breaking, granite and marble quarrying, concrete cutting and demolition. Crackem is easy to use, cost effective and a safer option for silently breaking up hard materials like rock or concrete.

Images of Broken Rocks

APPLICATION
Crackem’s effectiveness depends on the placement, diameter and depth of the holes drilled in the material. Crackem is an alternative to using noisy, hazardous concrete and rock breaking solutions like explosives, jack hammering, concrete saws and stone cutters - particularly on sites with where noise and safety regulations are restrictive. Crackem also eliminates concerns associated with confined spaces or environmental pollution.

ADVANTAGES


• Economical
• Reduces labour and expensive equipment
• Safe rock breaking solution
• Easy to use
• Non-Explosive
• Non-Hazardous
• Non-Toxic
• Minimizes safety concerns
• Eliminates noise and dust
• Environmentally friendly

TYPICAL PROPERTIES


• Physical appearance: White to Grey odourless powder
• Specific Gravity: 2.1 – 2.3

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT
Drilling machines: Use electrical drill, rock drill or crawler mounted drill machine.

Drilling Direction: It is preferable to drill holes vertically; however in the case of a wall or pillar where vertical drilling is difficult an inclined hole may be drilled. A greater effect is achieved with a deeper hole.

Hole Diameter and Hole Spacing: The breaking plan of the hole design sections should serve as a guideline in making the best decision. In general the preferable hole diameter is 36mm up to 70mm. The holes should not be spaced more than 40cm apart with 36mm diameter holes. The bigger the diameter of the bore the wider the spacing can be between holes. Hole depth should be a drilled to a depth of 80 – 90 % of material (minimum of 70 % of the material’s depth).

Hole Pattern: Holes must be drilled to allow a free face for the Crackem to push towards. To demolish a slab without pushing out the walls which surround it, drill a cone shaped pattern at the centre and fill these holes first. The cone will pop upwards and create a free face. Hole pattern also depends on how fast you need results. More holes spaced closer together will give faster cracking time and smaller pieces. Boulders are much easier to break than reinforced concrete, and drill holes can be spaced further apart, especially if breaking speed is not critical.

Empty holes can also be used to direct cracks: they cost less than filled holes. This will save money compared to filling all the holes, but will slow down the breaking time.

Mixing: Crackem is a powder that must be thoroughly mixed with cool clean water in a ratio of 30 % of the overall weight.

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