Blasting excavation and stability control technology for ultra-high steep rock slope of hydropower engineering in China: a review

China has entered a high-speed construction period on hydropower engineering since the late 20th century. Blasting is the major way for rock excavation on large projects, especially for ultra-high steep rock slope. Due to the constraints of topography and geomorphology, requirements on blasting excavation and stability of the reserved rock after blasting are strict for ultra-high steep rock slope. Thus, blasting and reinforcement technology have caused engineer's attention. This article reviewed the blasting excavation and stability control technology of Chinese hydropower engineering slope and discussed the progress and limitation. Slope on the left bank of Jinping I hydropower station was selected as a case study to reflect the blasting excavation and stability control technology in a rather challenging hydropower engineering slope. The blasting excavation and stability control technology involved in this article can give some reference for other similar engineering projects.