Safety in quarrying ornamental stones by using diamond wire

Diamond wire (DW) cutting technique, extensively utilised in Carrara marble quarries (Alpi Apuane, Tuscany, Italy), led to a sensitive drop in terms of production costs, as well as final product Volume was increased and waste volume significantly decreased. On the other hand, serious environmental problems were recorded due to an increase in production of fine particle waste, as well as accidents and injuries to the personnel caused by wire breakage. The present research program is particularly concerned on the characterisation of the parameters involved in the mechanism of beads throw caused by wire breakage. The paper refers to the experimental results obtained from laboratory tests carried out on several kinds of commercial DW by using a test apparatus developed by DICMA of Bologna University. Finally, most recent technologies applied in Versilia and Carrara quarries, developed in cooperation between DICMA and DW constructors, in order to improve DW automation and enhance safety conditions, are presented.