When is mounding considered effective?

Mounding is a technique used in the management of unexploded ordnance (UXO) to contain or mitigate the potential effects of a munition explosion. This method is particularly effective for lighter munitions, typically those weighing up to 20 lbs. The rationale behind this is that lighter munitions have less explosive yield and, therefore, can be effectively contained by sufficient earthen or similar materials stacked around them.

This practice aims to absorb and deflect the blast wave and reduce the risk of injury or further damage from any accidental detonation. While mounding can be applied to heavier munitions as well, its effectiveness diminishes with increased weight due to the greater explosive force and shrapnel produced by larger ordnance. Therefore, the focus on munitions up to 20 lbs highlights the practical limits of mounding as a safety technique in UXO management.