Evaluation of andesite source as armourstone for a rubble mound breakwater (Hisarönü, Turkey)

Black Sea coast line is a hazardous region especially in winter due to the dominant wave action. Therefore, rubble mound breakwaters protected with armourstone used as ship shelters are vital structures especially for the fishermen. The deterioration of the armourstone with time in the form of abrasion and disintegration may result in the failure of the breakwater. In this study, the properties of the armourstone taken from an andesite quarry and used in the Hisarönü rubble mound breakwater were studied both in field and laboratory in order to assess their qualities and long-term durabilities. Based on the in situ observations and laboratory tests, the andesite is found to be generally marginal rock. CIRIA/CUR, RDI_s, RERS and Wet-Dry strength ratio classifications are in good agreement with the in situ observations and the results of the laboratory tests. However, RDI_d, Average Pore Diameter and Saturation Coefficient classifications cannot correctly predict long-term durability of the armourstone. Field studies reveal that block size of the andesite in the quarry increases with depth due to the increase in spacing of the cooling joints of the rock.     

Bench blasting design based on site-specific attenuation formula in a quarry

This research was performed on the quarry that will be opened to produce aggregates and rock filling material at Catalagzi region at Zonguldak province in Turkey. However, there are some structures which can be adversely affected by blasting at the quarry. These structures are a methane exploration drill hole and a house at the distances of 340 and 390 m, respectively. One of the main goals of this study is to perform a preliminary assessment of possible damage effect of ground vibrations induced by blasting on these structures by risk analysis based on ground vibration measurements. In order to propose a preliminary blast design models separately for aggregate and rock filling material production, six test shots with different maximum charge per delay were planned and fired at the quarry. In these shots, 90 events were recorded. To predict peak particle velocity (PPV), the relationship between the recorded peak particle velocities and scaled distances were investigated. During this investigation, the data pairs were statistically analyzed and a PPV prediction equation specific to this site with 95% prediction line were obtained. And also, this equation was used in the derivation of the practical blasting charts specific to this site as a practical way of predicting the peak particle velocity and maximum charge per delay for future blasting. A risk analysis was performed by using this equation. In the light of this analysis, preliminary blast design models were proposed to be used in this quarry for aggregate and rock filling material production.     

Developments in the Assessment of In-situ Block Size Distributions of Rock Masses

Summary  The block sizes in a rock mass play an important role in many rock engineering projects and therefore the assessment of in-situ block size distribution (IBSD) has been an increasing pursuit of researchers in mining, quarrying and highway cutting operations. This paper discusses further developments in the assessment of IBSD which build upon a broadly accessible approach for engineers published previously by the Geomaterials Unit. The original research provided look-up tables appropriate for field data, with theoretical joint set spacing distributions and an assumption that discontinuities extend indefinitely. The developments reported in the paper include: the prediction of IBSD with special reference to discontinuity sets with fractal spacing distributions; the influence of impersistence of discontinuities on the prediction of IBSD; and the use of grey correlation analysis when selecting a closely fitting theoretical distribution for discontinuity spacing data. Various approaches to IBSD assessment are discussed.     

Investigation of the site-specific character of blast vibration prediction

A new site-specific vibration prediction equation was developed based on site measurement performed in a sandstone quarry. Also, several vibration prediction equations were compiled from the blasting literature and used to predict ground vibration for the studied quarry. By this way, site-specific equation created by regression analysis and the equations obtained from the blasting literature were compared in terms of prediction accuracy. Some of the equations obtained from the literature made better predictions than the site-specific equation created for the studied quarry. The prediction equations were grouped, and the effects of the rock formation and mine type on the prediction accuracy were investigated. Suitable error measures for evaluation of ground vibration prediction were examined in detail. A new general prediction equation was created using site factors (K, β) of the examined studies. The general equation was created using 17 prediction equations reported by blast researchers. Prediction capability of the general equation was found to be strong. Diversity of the blast data is one of the strongest features of the general equation.     

Quality assessment of armourstone for a rubble mound breakwater (Sinop, Turkey)

Helald is a fishing town in the central Black Sea region where construction of a rubble mound breakwater is being planned. The construction of the breakwater requires good quality durable armourstone. Several laboratory tests are performed for the quality assessment of the two potential armourstone, namely, limestone and sandstone. The quality evaluation of the stones is done on the basis of CIRIA/CUR criteria, saturation coefficient, wet-to-dry strength ratio, and the rock durability index. The quality evaluations are then compared with the field performance of both rocks. Laboratory test results, durability assessments and field performance of the rocks indicate that the limestone is a good quality armourstone and it can be used for the breakwater construction. However, the sandstone is marginal to poor material with very poor field performance, and should not be used for the breakwater construction.     

Optimum Blasting? Is it Minimum Cost Per Broken Rock or Maximum Value Per Broken Rock?

In most mining operations the ore undergoes several processes such as drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, crushing, grinding and liberation to become the final salable product. Drilling and blasting is an important step in this process chain and it's results such as fragmentation, muckpile shape and looseness, dilution, damage and rock softening effect the efficiency of downstream processes. The value created per ton of broken ore is the difference between the price it commands when sold as the final product and the cost to produce it. Traditionally, the total process in the mining industry is classified into two groups as mining and milling. These are managed as separate cost centres inspite of the interdependency. Each process has a budget and production target and emphasis is usually on maximising production (tons) and minimising cost rather than the overall profitability of the whole business unit. The efficiency of each process is considered to be satisfactory as long as they are within budget and meet the production targets. The mine and mill managers usually try to optimise each process independently rather than the entire process. This paper discusses the potential pitfalls of decreasing the drilling and blasting cost per ton of broken rock without considering its impact on downstream processes. It introduces a holistic approach to blast optimisation by identifying and measuring the leverage that blast results have on different downstream processes and then optimising the blast design to achieve the results that maximise the overall profitability rather than just minimising the drilling and blasting costs. This paper demonstrates the benefits of such a holistic approach to blasting based on computer model simulations and field studies from metal and open cut coal mining.     

An assessment of environmental impacts of quarry-blasting operation: a case study in Istanbul, Turkey

This study evaluates the impacts resulting from quarry-blasting operation on nearby buildings and structures as it generates ground vibration, air blast, and fly rocks. In this paper, first blasting operation and its possible environmental effects are defined. Then the methods of blast-vibration prediction and commonly accepted criteria to prevent damage were introduced. A field experimental work was conducted to minimize the vibration effects at Saribayir quarry as it is an identical case for the many quarries situated in and around Istanbul, Turkey. Although the local surrounding geology and rock mechanics have great influence on vibrations as uncontrollable parameter, the charge weight per delay, delay period, geometric parameters of the blasts were changed to solve the existing vibration problem in the studied quarry. To obtain a realistic result, 10 blasts were carried out and 30 seismic records were made in different places mainly very close the buildings and the other vulnerable structures around the quarry. The evaluation is performed whether the vibration level are within safe limits or not. The prediction equation based on scaled distance concept is also determined, however, it is a site-specific model and need to be updated when the quarry advances. The safe blast parameters which minimize the environmental effect were determined for the Saribayir quarry.     

质点振动速度监测在爆破掘进工程中的应用

工程爆破施工过程中如何控制其对周围建筑物、正在施工项目和处于养护龄期内的混凝土结构的影响一直是爆破施工中的实际问题,直接关系爆破施工的单响药量和施工进度。隧道爆破掘进施工中为了追求施工进度,往往在爆破方案中使用较大的单响装药量,从而忽略了大药量爆破产生的冲击波效应对隧道岩壁、已有结构的破坏,本文简单介绍了施工前或施工中,进行质点振动速度监测的实际应用。     

Unlocking possibility of blasting near residential structure using electronic detonators

Ever since development of human civilization, mining and agriculture has been the backbone of growth. Today the most developed countries of the world are the ones focused on core economical development, be it power generation, steel making, oil and gas production, or agriculture. Mining has been gaining importance over the years both from the economic perspective and as an area of sustained research. With the advent of globalization, things have changed very fast and today it is an industry that is driving the economies of several nations. Global competition has propelled countries to reach higher production levels through better techniques of drilling and blasting, excavation and mineral processing. We now have bigger and faster drill machines and excavators. In Explosives technology too significant progress has been made towards having safer explosives and accurate initiating systems that have increased overall control over blasting in terms of vibration, fragmentation, throw, fly rock and overall blast economics. Explosives and Rock Blasting Technology has advanced so much in the last few decades that blasting can now be precisely performed, controlled and predicted. Development of new tools like electronic blasting systems and advanced simulation software has made it possible to customize blasting results as per requirement. These developments have helped mining engineer worldwide in reaping huge productivity benefits besides making it possible to meet the environmental norms even in most demanding conditions. Inability to blast large size shots on account of proximity of mines to human habitation have always constrained mine management in fully leveraging the strength of large size production equipments. Mine managers have been forced to conduct small blasts on increased frequency to provide feed to large capacity shovels while compromising on Shovel productivity on account of undesirable movement of shovels during blasting. This paper deals with a case study at SEB quarry of Tata Steel wherein it was difficult to fire a big blast due to existing nearby structures. A critical scientific study was conducted before successfully firing of one of the biggest shot of 83 tonnes in the history of quarry. The paper discusses the issues being faced, alternate solutions opted and the final outcome.     

Allowed Quantity of Explosive Charge Depending on the Distance from the Blast

This paper analyses results of trial, construction and quarry blasting, carried out in sediment rock deposits, mainly limestone and dolomite. Based on results of seismic measurements and engineering geological observations in sedimentary formation, an empirical relationship was established between ground vibration and geological strength index (GSI). The charge weight of explosive that may be detonated per delay for any given distance of nearby structures from the blast is approximately determined by using the concept of the scaled distance (SD) along with the DIN 4150 standard.     

Multivariate statistical analysis approach for prediction of blast-induced ground vibration

Excavation of coal, overburden, and mineral deposits by blasting is dominant over the globe to date, although there are certain undesirable effects of blasting which need to be controlled. Blast-induced vibration is one of the major concerns for blast designers as it may lead to structural damage. The empirical method for prediction of blast-induced vibration has been adopted by many researchers in the form of predictor equations. Predictor equations are site specific and indirectly related to physicomechanical and geological properties of rock mass as blast-induced ground vibration is a function of various controllable and uncontrollable parameters. Rock parameters for blasting face and propagation media for blast vibration waves are uncontrollable parameters, whereas blast design parameters like hole diameter, hole depth, column length of explosive charge, total number of blast holes, burden, spacing, explosive charge per delay, total explosive charge in a blasting round, and initiation system are controllable parameters. Optimization of blast design parameters is based on site condition and availability of equipment. Most of the smaller mines have predesigned blasting parameters except explosive charge per delay, total explosive charge, and distance of blast face from surface structures. However, larger opencast mines have variations in blast design parameters for different benches based on strata condition: Multivariate predictor equation is necessary in such case. This paper deals with a case study to establish multivariate predictor equation for Moher and Moher Amlohri Extension opencast mine of India. The multivariate statistical regression approach to establish linear and logarithmic scale relation between variables to predict peak particle velocity (PPV) has been used for this purpose. Blast design has been proposed based on established multivariate regression equation to optimize blast design parameters keeping PPV within legislative limits.     

Evaluation of Ground Vibration due to Surface Blasting at a Celestite Open-pit Mine

In bench blast design, not only the technical and economical aspects, such as block size, uniformity and cost, but also the elimination of environmental problems resulting from ground vibration and air blast should be taken into consideration. Prediction of ground vibration components is of great importance when responding to and avoiding environmentally-related complaints. This paper presents the results of ground vibration measurements carried out in a celestite open-pit mine during blast optimisation studies. The particle velocity components (longitudinal, transversal, vertical and peak) and the airblast measurement results were evaluated considering the scaled distance relationship. The statistical analysis of 47 data sets yielded an empirical relationship between peak particle velocity and scaled distance. This approach which is suggested for the present site gives the 50% line and the upper bound 95% prediction limit with reasonable correlation.     

A two-dimensional kinematic model for predicting muckpile shape in bench blasting

Summary Most existing models of blasting are stress-based and involve many fundamental parameters difficult or impossible to measure in practice. Even a single prediction with such models takes large quantities of computer time, so that calibration becomes a major impediment to their practical use.The model in this paper is based on a simple kinematic approach to modelling muckpile formation. This has the advantage of relative simplicity, while still reflecting the essence of the blasting displacement process. Because of the simple implementation, the model can be calibrated against field data in a straightforward manner and then used for predictions at the same site. The inputs to the model are simply the blast design parameters. The output of the model is a muckpile cross-section, within which contours of diggability or distribution of materials can also be calculated. Case studies have shown that, provided the model is calibrated to the site condition, it will give accurate predictions for altered blast designs.     

Fragmentation Assessment using the FragScan System: Quality of a Blast

Checking the quality of a blast may be considered as subjective. Checking this quality will require measuring objective parameters. One of them is the resulting fragmentation of the blasted product. Numerous fragmentation 'measuring' systems have been developed and marketed, based on image-processing. This presentation of FragScan will illustrate advantages and difficulties when using such a system. FragScan is essentially defending a policy of large and representative sampling. The purpose is to show how fragmentation is discriminating both productivity and profit of quarry operations on a blast-by blast basis. The next step will then be to 'drive' the blasting process to reach a 'better' fragmentation. Other applications require the fragmentation as an essential result: this is the case for large boulders used in structure-reinforcement. Several case-studies have shown that FragScan can be used for quality-control, checking size-distribution of the product according to the requirements of the end-user. Only clear thinking about the precise use of such a 'measurement' will further the success of this task.     

Prediction of ground vibration due to quarry blasting based on gene expression programming: a new model for peak particle velocity prediction

Blasting is a widely used technique for rock fragmentation in opencast mines and tunneling projects. Ground vibration is one of the most environmental effects produced by blasting operation. Therefore, the proper prediction of blast-induced ground vibrations is essential to identify safety area of blasting. This paper presents a predictive model based on gene expression programming (GEP) for estimating ground vibration produced by blasting operations conducted in a granite quarry, Malaysia. To achieve this aim, a total number of 102 blasting operations were investigated and relevant blasting parameters were measured. Furthermore, the most influential parameters on ground vibration, i.e., burden-to-spacing ratio, hole depth, stemming, powder factor, maximum charge per delay, and the distance from the blast face were considered and utilized to construct the GEP model. In order to show the capability of GEP model in estimating ground vibration, nonlinear multiple regression (NLMR) technique was also performed using the same datasets. The results demonstrated that the proposed model is able to predict blast-induced ground vibration more accurately than other developed technique. Coefficient of determination values of 0.914 and 0.874 for training and testing datasets of GEP model, respectively show superiority of this model in predicting ground vibration, while these values were obtained as 0.829 and 0.790 for NLMR model.     

Studies on the Effect of Burden on Blast Damage and the Implementation of New Blasting Practices to Improve Productivity at KCGMs Fimiston Mine

Wall control blasting practices arc necessary to reduce the impact of blasting on mine faces but can also have a significant negative impact on mine productivity and operating costs. The conventional practice in deep open pit mines is to use so-called trim blasts adjacent to pit walls. To provide burden relief these trim blasts have fewer rows than full production blasts and are fired to a cleared free-face: hence they are termed 'unchoked.' This practice leads to scheduling constraints on the pit operations and can cause ore dilution due to excessive muckpile movement. The use of such trim blasts stems from the perception that increased wall damage results from 'choked' blasts. These concerns are based on the unproven assumptions that blast vibration levels and explosive gas penetration increase with increased blast burden and face confinement. This paper describes work undertaken as part of a major investigation into wall control blasting at the KCGM Fimiston Mine, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. It details a study to assess damage effects due to blast burden. Borehole air pressure measurements and borehole video camera inspections owere done behind a series of single blastholes drilled owith varying burden distances, as owell as behind a dedicated trim blast and a full production blast. It was found that the measured damage effects, including visible rock cracking, dilation, and the limited extent of gas penetration behind the blastholes, did not vary significantly with burden or blast type for the cases tested. This result was in complete agreement with detailed vibration measurements conducted by Blair and Armstrong [1] during the study, which found that vibration was independent of blast burden. As a result of these investigations, changes to the blasting practices at the mine were implemented. Dedicated trim blasts and free-face blasting have been replaced by modified production blasts and the practice of 'choking' blasts has been introduced. This has resulted in a significant improvement in productivity and cost savings without compromising pit wall integrity.     

Newspapers as a validation proxy for GIS modeling in Fujairah,United Arab Emirates: identifying flood-prone areas

Prediction and control of blast-induced ground vibration is a matter of concern in mining industry since long. Several approaches ranging from scaled distance regression, different numerical methods to wave superimposition theories have been tried by many researchers for better prediction and control of blast-induced ground vibration. Signature hole analysis is one of the popular simulation methods to predict the ground vibration generated due to production blast. It superimposes the recorded signature hole waveform using a computer program to predict the production blast-induced vibration. The technique inputs the designated time of detonation of each hole and superimposes the waves generated by each hole to predict the nearest value of peak particle velocity and frequency of blast-induced ground vibration. Although a very useful approach, it requires a computer program to simulate the linear superimposition of waveforms. The simulation is not possible for every blast as it takes time and also is difficult for field engineers to simulate every time, whereas it is always easy for blasting engineers to adapt and use an empirical equation/approach for prediction and control of blast-induced ground vibration than simulation. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop an innovative and simplified analytical approach of signature hole analysis. The simplified sinusoidal wave equation is obtained from recorded signature hole ground vibration waveform properties and is superimposed mathematically according to the multi-hole blast design to predict the production blast-induced ground vibrations. The validation of the developed approach was done in three different sites, and up to 15% more accuracy in prediction of the blast, vibrations are achieved in comparison with signature hole analysis prediction.

     

The analysis of ground vibrations induced by bench blasting at Akyol quarry and practical blasting charts

Ground vibrations arising from excavation with blasting is one of the fundamental problems in the mining industry. Therefore, the prediction of ground vibration components plays an important role in the minimization of environmental complaints. In this study, 582 events were recorded during limestone production at a quarry (Akyol Quarry) during a period of time. The blasting parameters of these shots were also carefully recorded. During the statistical analysis of the collected data, three predictor equations proposed by the United States Bureau of Mines (USBM), Ambraseys–Hendron and Langefors–Kihlstrom were used to establish a relationship between peak particle velocity and scaled distance described by these prediction equations. As a result of this analysis, the most powerful relationship was determined and proposed to be used in this site. And also, this equation was used in the derivation of the practical blasting charts specific to this site as a practical way of predicting the peak particle velocity and maximum charge amount per delay for future blasting.     

Fragmentation prediction using improved engineering formulae

In the last decade, fragmentation prediction has been attempted by many researchers in the field of blasting. Kuznetsov developed an equation for the estimation of average fragment size, x 50 , based on explosive energy and powder factors. Cunningham introduced a uniformity index n as a function of drilling accuracy, blast geometry and a rock factor A associated with a “blastability index”, which can be calculated from the jointing, density and hardness of the blasted rock mass. Knowing the mean size and the uniformity index, a Rosin-Rammler distribution equation can then be derived for calculating the fragment size distribution in a blasted muckpile. Analysis of existing data has revealed serious discrepancies between actual and calculated uniformity indices. The current integrated approach combines the Kuznetsov or similar equation and a comminution concept like the Bond Index equation to enable the estimation of both the 50% and 80% passing sizes ( k 50 and k 80 ). By substituting these two passing sizes into the Rosin-Rammler equation, the characteristic size x c and the uniformity index n can be obtained to allow the calculation of various fragment sizes in a given blast. The effectiveness of this new fragmentation prediction approach has been tested using sieved data from small-scale bench blasts, available in the literature. This paper will cover all tested results and a discussion on the discrepancy between measurement and prediction due to possible energy loss during blasting.     

Fragmentation Energy in Rock Blasting

The theoretical explosive energy used in blasting is a common issue in many recent research works (Spathis 1999; Sanchidrian 2003). It is currently admitted that the theoretical available energy of the explosives is split into several parts during a blast: seismic, kinetic, backbreaks, heave, heat and fragmentation energies. Concerning this last one, the energy devoted to the breakage and to the creation of blocks within the muckpile can be separated from the microcracking energy which is devoted to developing new and/or extending existing micro cracks within the blocks (Hamdi et al. 2001; López et al. 2002). In order to investigate these two types of energy, a first and important task is to precisely study the main parameters characterising the two constitutive elements of the rock mass (rock matrix and discontinuity system). This should provide useful guidelines for the choice of the blasting parameters (type of explosive, blasting pattern, etc.), in order to finally control the comminution process. Within the frame of the EU LESS FINES research project, devoted to the control of fines production, the methodology was developed in order to: (1) characterize the in situ rock mass, by evaluating the density, anisotropy, interconnectivity and fractal dimension of the discontinuity system and (2) evaluate fragmentation (both micro and macro) energy spent during the blasting operation. The methodology was applied to three production blasts performed in the Klinthagen quarry (Sweden) allowing to estimate the part of the fragmentation energy devoted to the formation of muck pile blocks on one side and to the muckpile blocks microcracking on the other side.