Prediction of flyrock launch velocity using artificial neural networks

A critical analysis of recent research into the prediction of flyrock and related issues resulting from surface blasting activities

“…The final article in this series was published in 2015. The motivation behind this study (Stojadinovic´ et al, 2015) was that most prediction models require an accurate launch velocity as a key input. All of the previously proposed models are highly dependent on the quality and accuracy of the input parameters.…”

“…• Rock density • Compressive and tensile strength • Presence of groundwater. An ANN model with a 19-8-6-1 architecture was developed using a Peltarion synapse, described as a fuzzy algorithm for used optimization (Stojadinovic´ et al, 2015). The predictor that formed part of this system demonstrated the potential for predicting the initial velocity of flyrock fragments.…”

“…The predictor that formed part of this system demonstrated the potential for predicting the initial velocity of flyrock fragments. However, Stojadinovic´ et al (2015) emphasised that the predictor in this system was only a concept and not fully developed. The authors concluded that this was due to the similar geology at the three mining sites, resulting in a lack of diversity in the data.…”

Prediction of blast-induced flyrock using differential evolution algorithm

“…Fragments can be thrown beyond the desired pile limit, which is normal but is considered adverse effect of blasting and is called flyrock. Fragments propelled far beyond predefined safety limit are considered security breach and are called wild flyrock [1].Due to high potential to cause damage to machinery and nearby structures and to cause injuries, even fatal, to personnel, flyrock is the most dangerous adverse effect of blasting and this phenomenon is responsible for 28.3 % of the damages and injuries in surface mining activities [2].To prevent flyrock problem, various parameters such as the physico-mechanical properties of rock mass, explosives specifications and geometrical aspects of the blasting pattern should be considered while designing a blasting pattern. For example, flyrock may occur in situations where there is insufficient stemming, too small a burden because of overbreak from the preceding or proceeding blast, planes of weaknesses in rock which reduce resistance to blasting, and finally existence of loose rock fragment on top of the bench [3].…”

“…Fragments can be thrown beyond the desired pile limit, which is normal but is considered adverse effect of blasting and is called flyrock. Fragments propelled far beyond predefined safety limit are considered security breach and are called wild flyrock [1].…”