Rock Doesn't Move Itself
Eastern Ontario is Canadian Shield country. If you're building on rock — whether it's a residential foundation, a road cut, a utility trench, or a commercial site — you need an engineer who understands what's involved in removing it safely, efficiently, and within regulation. This is a genuine specialty at AMP Engineering. Tony Pascoal Sr., P.Eng, is a retired explosives engineer with over 45 years of experience in mining and construction blasting. That background isn't common in the residential and commercial engineering space, and it gives us a significant edge on projects where rock is the primary obstacle.
We design blast plans for controlled rock removal, prepare excavation engineering packages for sites with challenging geology, and provide engineering oversight for projects where blasting or mechanical rock breaking is required. Our designs account for vibration limits, proximity to existing structures, flyrock control, and regulatory compliance. We've worked on everything from basement excavations in bedrock to large-scale road cuts, and we approach each project with the same discipline: thorough analysis, conservative design, and clear documentation.
If you're a contractor dealing with unexpected rock on a job site, or a property owner facing a foundation excavation that hits bedrock, we can assess the situation and provide an engineered solution — whether that means a blast plan, mechanical breaking specifications, or a redesign that works with the rock instead of against it.
What This Includes
Site & Geology Assessment
Evaluation of rock type, fracture patterns, depth, and proximity to structures, utilities, and property boundaries to determine the best removal approach.
Blast Plan Design
Engineered blast patterns including hole spacing, depth, charge weights, delay sequencing, and stemming specifications for controlled rock fragmentation.
Vibration & Flyrock Analysis
Peak particle velocity calculations and flyrock distance analysis to ensure compliance with provincial limits and protection of nearby structures.
Excavation Engineering
Engineered drawings and specifications for rock excavation, including cut slopes, benching, and temporary rock face stabilization where required.
Regulatory Compliance
Documentation and engineering packages that meet Ontario blasting regulations, municipal requirements, and insurance stipulations.
On-Site Oversight
Optional field presence during blasting operations to verify execution matches the engineered design and address any conditions encountered.