Abstract
As one of the quiet rock fracture methods, a slide-type hydraulic rock fracture machine was made on a trial basis. This machine was able to add a concentrated load in the pressure hole using a wedge in four directions perpendicularly for obtaining an effective fracture.
Using this machine, the effect of empty holes and size of pressure plate on rock fracture was investigated by theoretical analysis, laboratory and field tests. Results of the investigations showed that empty holes are effective to reduce the force required for fracture. It was also found that the force and energy required for fracture decrease with increasing size of the pressure plate.
