Breast down

{
  "id": "MLC-T-IND-000762",
  "term": "Breast down",
  "field": "Industrial and trades",
  "definition": "A method of excavating a tunnel face or shaft by removing material in horizontal layers, starting from the top and working downwards. Workers first excavate the upper section, the breast, before removing the layers below it, which provides continuous overhead cover for the crew. This technique is contrasted with underhand stoping, where excavation proceeds from the bottom upwards.",
  "subject": "Construction",
  "translations": {
    "de": "Vortrieb mit Sprengstoff",
    "es": "perforar y volar",
    "fr": "abattre par gradins"
  },
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/industrial/breast-down/"
}