Development and Validation of Universal 3D Blast Fragmentation Model

Abstract

The dominant technology in hard rock mining is drilling and blasting; therefore, the importance of fragment size estimation is an essential problem in the mining industry. By using a theoretical foundation that explains rock-fracturing mechanisms by blasting, a 3D fragmentation model with general applicability was developed. The main capabilities of the model are the ability to consider different and complex blasting patterns, both with parallel and non-parallel boreholes, and different explosive and rock properties. The geological input of the model is defined by generating the primary blocks within rock mass using discrete fracture networks. The model handles different, complex geological setups and blasting scenarios that include bench, ring, and tunneling blasting. Also, it considers borehole deviation, misfires, and the influence of previous blasts. Full-scale ring blasts were carried out to validate the model against real-world data, and the results showed a high level of agreement between model predictions and in situ data. In situ data were collected using image processing methodology and WipFrag v4 software. X50 and X80 size values showed a maximum error in prediction of around 15%, while R2 values between fragmentation curves were approximately 90% without a detailed model calibration to the obtained data.

Raises advance using emulsion explosives

“…To check the calculating D&B parameters using the new method during raise advance, it is necessary to conduct a numerical simulation of the change in the stress-strain state of the rock mass under the influence of an explosion. Today, one of the most effective methods for studying the mechanism of explosive destruction of rocks is the use of numerical simulation by the finite element method (FEM) [18,19], which is one of the most developed methods for simulation phenomena and processes with maximum approximation to reality [20,21]. The use of numerical modeling makes it possible to study processes and phenomena that are impossible or economically impractical to study under practical conditions [22 -24].…”