From 7 to 10 April 2025, the 14th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, FRAGBLAST14—the most influential academic conference in the global field of blasting engineering—was held in Antalya, Türkiye. Professor Jia Yongsheng, Vice President of Jianghan University and Executive Deputy Director of the SKLPB, together with Professor Jiang Nan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Blasting Mechanics of SKLPB, was invited to attend the event. During the conference, Professor Jia Yongsheng delivered a keynote speech titled “Research Progress and Prospects of Blasting Excavation Technology for Ultra-Long and Ultra-Deep Tunnels in China”. His presentation provided a comprehensive overview of China’s cutting-edge advances in tunnel blasting under complex geological conditions, drawing significant attention from the international academic community. Professor Jia also served as a session chair during the symposium.
The FRAGBLAST Symposium, held every three years, is widely recognized as the “Olympics” of the blasting engineering field. This year’s edition attracted over 1,000 experts, scholars, and industry representatives from more than 50 countries. A total of nine world-leading scholars were invited to deliver keynote speeches, among whom was Professor Jia Yongsheng. In his keynote address, Professor Jia focused on China’s recent innovations and practical achievements in blasting technology for the construction of ultra-long and ultra-deep tunnels. He offered a thorough analysis of the technical challenges encountered in high-energy and geologically complex environments, such as difficulties in controlling overbreak and underbreak, low excavation efficiency, and high safety risks. In response to these challenges, the research team led by the State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting has developed a series of innovative technologies, equipment, and materials. These advancements provide a replicable technological paradigm for deep-underground engineering worldwide.
Professor Jia Yongsheng delivers an invited keynote speech at FRAGBLAST14
Innovation at the Core of Precision Blasting Excellence
Professor Jia Yongsheng also chaired the fourth technical session of the symposium, where he engaged in extensive and in-depth discussions with scholars from the United States, Canada, Spain, Türkiye, and other countries on topics including blasting rock fragmentation theory, technology, and equipment development. His active involvement further demonstrated the robust research capabilities and growing international influence of the State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting at Jianghan University. The laboratory was jointly re-established by Jianghan University and Hohai University, based on the former Jianghan University Provincial-Ministerial Co-Constructed State Key Laboratory of Precision Blasting. It is the first national key laboratory in China dedicated to the fundamental application research of engineering blasting theory and technology in the civil sector. Under the leadership of Academician Xie Xianqi, Director of the Laboratory, the research team adheres to the “Four Orientations” principle, aligning closely with major national and provincial scientific and technological demands and strategic objectives. The Laboratory focuses on three core research areas: precision analysis of blasting effects, precision control of blasting performance, and precision management of blasting safety. It is committed to building a hub for innovation in blasting engineering, a center for high-level talent training, and a globally recognized force in blasting science and technology.
Professor Jia Yongsheng chairs keynote session
The FRAGBLAST Symposium is organized by The International Organizing Committee of Rock Fragmentation by Blasting （FIOC） and stands as the most established and influential academic conference in the field of blasting engineering. The next symposium is scheduled to be held in Canada in 2028. (By Jiang Nan)
