In mining and geotechnical engineering, the implementation of blasting excavation of rock mass and protection of the integrity of surrounding rock are contradictory but must be of great concern. The explosive in the borehole will not only blast the pre-excavated rock mass but also inevitably damage and destroy the surrounding rock. To minimize the damage and destruction of surrounding rock during blasting, directional blasting technology (smooth blasting technology) is produced.

The impact jet caused by cumulative blasting is widely used in various underground projects because of its good directivity. At present, directional controlled blasting can be divided into two types: One kind of blasting technology is to apply an uneven explosion load on the hole wall, which makes the hole wall produce cracks at the predetermined section; another one is to generate the notch in the section of the hole wall so that the crack is formed and developed first at the notch. These two directional blasting techniques have made great contributions to the development of underground engineering. To apply directional blasting technology to rock engineering better, it is necessary to explore the influence regulation of directional blasting technology on the propagation of rock cracks. Moreover, further research is needed to assess the damaged areas and provide a reliable reference basis for directional blasting excavation of rock mass in underground rock engineering.

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together original research and review articles discussing the latest blasting theory, equipment, and technology. Submissions should include recent engineering problems and solutions. Research can include theoretical development and field investigations.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Frontier theory and methods for directional blasting technology
• Case design and analysis of directional blasting engineering-based on-site monitoring data
• Numerical simulation and field test of directional blasting technology research
• New methods and techniques for testing the propagation regulation of cracks and damaged areas in rock during directional blasting tests
• Development and application of new directional blasting equipment and technology