Environmental impacts of bench blasting at Hisarcik Boron open pit mine in Turkey

This paper presents the results of ground vibration measurements carried out in Hisarcik Boron open pit mine located on the west side of central Anatolia near Kütahya province in Turkey. Within the scope of this study to predict peak particle velocity (PPV) level for this site, ground vibration components were measured for 304 shots during bench blasting. In blasting operations, ANFO (blasting agent), gelatin dynamite (priming), and delay electric detonators (firing) were used as explosives. Parameters of scaled distance (charge quantity per delay and the distance between the source and the station) were recorded carefully and the ground vibration components were measured for all blast events using two different types of vibration monitors (one White Mini-Seis and one Instantel Minimate Plus Model). The absolute distances between shot points and monitor stations were determined using GPS. The equation of square root scaled distance extensively used in the literature was taken into consideration for the prediction of PPV. Then, the data pairs of scaled distance and particle velocity obtained from the 565 event records were analyzed statistically. At the end of statistical evaluation of the data pairs, an empirical relation which gives 50% prediction line with a reasonable correlation coefficient was established between PPV and scaled distance.     

Application of Air Decks in Production Blasting to Improve Fragmentation and Economics of an Open Pit Mine

In blasting with air decks, repeated oscillation of shock waves within the air gap increases the time over which it acts on the surrounding rock mass by a factor at between 2 and 5. The ultimate effect lies in increasing the crack network in the surrounding rock and reducing the burden movement. Trials of air deck blasting in the structurally unfavourable footwall side of an open pit manganese mine has resulted in substantial improvements in fragmentation and blast economics. Better fragmentation resulted in improved shovel loading efficiency by 50–60%. Secondary blasting was almost eliminated. Use of ANFO explosive with this technique reduced explosive cost by 31.6%. Other benefits included reductions in overbreak, throw and ground vibration of the order of 60–70, 65–85 and 44% respectively. This paper reviews the theory of air deck blasting and describes in detail the air deck blast trials conducted in a manganese open pit mine in India. The blast performance data have been analysed to evaluate the benefits of air decking over conventional blasting.     

The Energy of Detonation: A Fresh Look at Pressure in the Blasthole

Commercial explosives range from pure emulsions to pure ANFO, with blends of these providing interesting alternatives: energy is often adjusted through addition of aluminium, or the control of density. The energy rating of explosives is derived chiefly from detonation codes, which are used to derive expressions for the internal energy change of the detonation products as they do work under expansion. While all codes used for this purpose work on the basis of Ideal detonation, it is common knowledge that commercial explosives operate in the Non-Ideal domain, which affects the mode of energy delivery to the environment. However, since Ideality represents the foundation from which actual performance evolves, it is valuable to examine the intrinsic energy release of a formulation before attempting to understand the influence of Non-Ideality. In examining the Ideal pressure profile of fundamental formulations, remarkable correlation hay been found with field performance, and this increases understanding of the influence of various formulation modifications, especially in regard to the stage at which energy is released, and the effect on rockbreaking. This work has emphasised the value of attempting to understand and define better the Non-Ideal detonation process.     

Analysis of Blast Vibration Characteristics Across a Trench and a Pre-Split Plane

This paper presents the influence of various discontinuities, natural or artificial, on magnitude and frequencies of blast induced ground vibrations. These discontinuities were geological faults, a pond, a shaft incline, a trench and a pre-split plane interposed in the path of vibration propagation. In the post-trench region, ground vibrations in terms of peak particle velocity were significantly reduced and dominant frequencies in higher bands were consequently observed. Depth of trench with respect to blastholes were varied and consequent vibration characteristics were analyzed. The techniques of creating a trench and pre-split plane were successfully implemented in controlling vibration and in increasing the explosives charge to meet the scheduled production target of an opencast mine. Comparisons of ground vibration characteristics affected by a trench and a pre-split plane of the same depth are described in the text. The findings lead to the conclusion that such experimental data are necessary for production blasting in open cast mines under constrained conditions.     

Mechanism of tracer blasting

Summary A variety of overbreak control techniques are used during excavation with the drill and blast system. Tracer blasting is used in Canadian underground mines to minimize blast damage and involves placing a low-strength detonating cord along the length of a blast hole prior to charging with ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO). The results of tracer blasting are not always consistent and its mechanism is only hazily comprehended. In the absence of a clearly defined mechanism, it is difficult to analyse the results of tracer blasting and to identify the factors responsible for the inconsistency of results.A series of bench blasts and pipe tests were carried out to investigate the mechanism of tracer blasting. The evidence indicated partial deflagration and desensitization of ANFO, thus reducing the total available explosive energy. The rock mass surrounding the traced blasthole experienced a low level of ground vibrations. As a result of the continuous side initiation of ANFO, energy partitioning was more in favour of gas energy. A mechanism of tracer blasting has been proposed and the factors responsible for the inconsistency of the results have been identified in this paper.     

The Blasting Test and Blasting Vibration Monitoring of Vertical Crater Retreat Mining Method in the Luohe Iron Mine

Because the land requisition and demolishing became difficult more and more, the mining scheme of Luohe iron mine was changed from caving method to filling method. In order to ensure the safety of the residence and the underground tunnel cavern within the mobile belt of the underground mining, the Luohe iron mine did the blasting test on the vertical crater retreat mining method and blasting vibration monitoring. The blasting experiments use common emulsified oil explosives and non-electric initiation system. The way of caved ore adopts the cutting groove and bench side. The NUBOX-6016 intelligent vibration monitor was chosen in the blasting vibration monitoring. Twice experiments on the blasting vibration monitoring were done on the surface or in the underground refuge cavern. The first test select the three monitoring points on the ground and the second select two monitoring points on the ground and a monitoring point in the underground refuge cavern. The blasting vibration monitoring data were conducted by the regression analysis in the Sodev’s empirical formula. The vibration attenuation formula about the underground blasting vibration transmitting in three directions is derived. The blasting test on the vertical crater retreat mining method and the blasting vibration were analyzed. It is estimated if the vibration damage possibly the surface buildings and related facilities of mine.     

Finite element analysis of vibrations induced by propagating waves generated by tunnel blasting

Summary The excavation of underground tunnels close to existing substructures or the ground surface presents problems especially when blasting is being carried out. The high intensity waves which are generated and propagated through the rock medium, due to the detonation of explosives, may still have large amplitudes when they reach the ground surface. In order to study the vibration effects due to these propagating waves associated with blasting, a finite element simulation of tunnel blasting has been carried out in this paper.An example of a new tunnel excavated below an existing tunnel has been studied. Even though this problem is three dimensional in nature, due to the large computational efforts involved in three dimensional dynamic analysis, a two dimensional finite element analysis has been adopted. A pseudo-plane strain concept has been used since it has been found that the results obtained using such an approach are more realistic than the conventional plane strain analysis.It is concluded that results from such a numerical analysis could compliment the field investigations to produce guidelines for safe and controlled blasting.     

The Evolution of Wall Control Programs at Kidston Gold Mines

Concerns with crest losses have seen changes to a number of design and operating parameters to retain the integrity of the wall and the berms of the Kidston Gold Mines' Eldridge Pit. Until trials began in 1999 most final wall designs utilised large diameter blastholes up to the presplit row to achieve the wall angle. The berm crests were being lost, wall support requirements were increasing and affecting mining schedules and several fault areas were putting pit access at risk. Standard designs had been determined during the early mining years and while periodic modifications had been made there was a need for major blast pattern revision. This paper traces the development of wall control blasting programs over the years, relating designs to the geology and the evidence in the walls with the theories of the day and includes the recent trials that were conducted in what is a most unforgiving geology. Trials and improvements to ensure the walls were safe were conducted even as the mine neared its economic life. Instrumented monitoring of trials blasts has greatly increased the understanding of the damage criteria and enabled rapid revision of designs. Recent changes included reduction in presplit energy, charge redistribution and use of smaller blastholes for the trim patterns. Determination of a minimum proximity-to-final wall limit for production blastholes, establishment of the correct standoff to berm crests and walls and selective use of presplitting techniques for protecting crests have resulted in cost effectiveness, improved bench crest retention and an overall reduction in visible wall damage.     

节理角度对预裂爆破成缝效果的影响研究

预裂爆破的现场实践表明,诸如节理、软弱夹层和断层等地质不连续面是影响预裂爆破效果的一个重要因素。运用LS-DYNA 3D程序研究了不同角度的节理对预裂爆破效果的影响。通过数值模拟发现,岩体中节理的存在对预裂爆破效果影响显著,其吸收应力波能量并阻碍应力波的传播,且影响预裂缝产状。研究结果表明,节理附近的预裂缝大多沿节理垂直方向开裂,逐渐与被破坏节理连接,节理夹角较小时,易形成锯齿状裂缝,且较难贯通。随着节理与炮孔连线夹角的增大,应力波在节理处的透射率越大,节理附近位置上的质点振速也越大,预裂缝更趋于平直且更易贯通。当节理垂直炮孔连线时透射率最大,所形成的预裂缝与炮孔连线基本重合,不会出现锯齿形裂缝,相对成缝效果最佳。     

Artificial neural network or empirical criteria? A comparative approach in evaluating maximum charge per delay in surface mining — Sungun copper mine

Ground vibration due to blasting causes damages in the existence of the surface structures nearby the mine. The study of vibration control plays an important role in minimizing environmental effects of blasting in mines. Ground vibration regulations primarily rely on the peak particle velocity (PPV, mm/s). Prediction of maximum charge weight per delay (Q, kg) by distance from blasting face up to vibration monitoring point as well as allowable PPV was proposed in order to perform under control blasting and therefore avoiding damages on structures nearby the mine. Various empirical predictor equations have proposed to determine the PPV and maximum charge per delay. Maximum charge per delay is calculated by using PPV predictors indirectly or Q predictor directly. This paper presents the results of ground vibration measurement induced by bench blasting in Sungun copper mine in Iran. The scope of this study is to evaluate the capability of two different methods in order to predict maximum charge per delay. A comparison between two ways of investigations including empirical equations and artificial neural network (ANN) are presented. It has been shown that the applicability of ANN method is more promising than any under study empirical equations.     

某水电站聚碴坑高边墙稳定分析和加固措施研究

受大药量岩塞爆破时爆破强烈震动和强震时水压力、高速水流作用下的岩塞聚碴坑高边墙围岩稳定问题显得十分突出。在研究边墙围岩的软弱结构面的物理力学特征及其组合形式与边墙的交割关系的基础上，充分考虑皮震动荷载影响因素，选择滑体单位宽度，按视倾向下滑，应用岩体力学和工程力学的有关理论进行稳定分析计算和锚索锚固计算的研究方法，经运行实践证明是可行的。     

The use of air decks in production blasting in an open pit coal mine

The influence of air deck blasting on blast performance and blast economics and its feasibility has been studied in the production blasting of soft and medium strength sandstone overburden rocks in an open pit coal mine in India. The air deck blasting technique was very effective in soft and medium strength rocks. Its main effects resulted in reducing fines, in producing more uniform fragmentation and in improving blast economics. The fines were reduced by 60–70% in homogeneous sandstones. Oversize boulders were reduced by 80% and shovel loading efficiency was improved by 20–40% in blocky sandstones. The explosive cost was reduced by 10–35% dependent on the type of rock mass. Throw, backbreak and ground vibration were reduced by 10–35%, 50–80% and 30–94% respectively. For a particular rock mass and blast design environment, air deck length (ADL) significantly influenced the fragmentation. ADL as represented by air deck factor (ADF) in the range of 0.10–0.35 times the original charge length (OCL) produced optimum results. ADF beyond 0.35 resulted in poor fragmentation and in inadequate burden movement.     

浅埋大跨隧道施工爆破监测与减震技术

以沪-蓉线庙垭分岔隧道工程为背景,研究了其浅埋大跨段掘进爆破的地表震动效应及大断面开挖减震控制技术,并结合爆破监测数据的回归分析,确立了地震波垂向衰减规律的数学模型。综合分析地表及洞内地震波的震动特性发现,地表质点振动主振频率主要集中在低频段;由于表土的滤波作用,主振频率随距离的增加而减小的趋势并不明显;洞内混凝土衬砌减弱了爆破对围岩的冲击,高频地震波衰减极快;开挖区上部的地表振速通常大于未开挖区的振速,浅埋大跨隧道爆破安全控制应以已开挖区顶部的地表振速为准。     

隧道开挖施工的爆破振动监测与控制技术

以万松岭隧道工程开挖为研究对象,对隧道工程开挖施工爆破地震波的振动监测方法及控制技术进行了研究。通过对爆破振动监测结果的回归分析,建立了隧道工程开挖爆破振动传播的数学模型;确立了其传播衰减规律。结合工程实际,提出了修正后的爆破地震波衰减经验数学公式;经对比分析,所得爆破地震波衰减规律公式预测的质点振动速度具有较高的精度。同时,结合该隧道工程开挖爆破施工,从选择合理爆破时差、最大装药量、微差起爆、掘进进尺、预裂爆破等5个方面提出了爆破振动控制技术措施使该隧道开挖施工爆破中的地面振动速度值控制在了安全范围以内,从而确保了施工段地面建筑群的安全和该隧道工程开挖爆破作业的安全。其研究对指导隧道工程开挖爆破施工和保证地面建筑物安全起到了重要作用。     

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.     

Controlled blasting in a limestone mine using electronic detonators: A case study

Except for very deep-seated deposits, open cast mining method has been recognized as the safest and most productive mode for mining minerals. Ever growing demand in minerals and coal has compelled the mine operators to increase the size of mine, which has resulted in an increasing trend towards large capacity open cast projects. Explosives and blasting techniques play a significant role in efficient opencast mining operations. There have been constant technological developments towards safer, faster, economical and more efficient blasting systems. Further, globally increased competitiveness has necessitated to carryout blasts in such a way that the desired degree of fragmentation is achieved in the primary blast, with minimum undesired side effects such as ground vibration, air blast/noise, flyrock, generation of oversize boulders, formation of toe, and over break or back break. Hence, the ultimate objective of the blasting engineer is to ensure that the blasts are carried out in an eco-friendly manner. This paper presents a case study of limestone mine where a controlled blasting was conducted near a green structure of wagon tippler (at 2 m) being constructed for foundation work of belt conveyor as the mine management wants to double the existing production. This paper deals with controlled blast design and its implementation using electronic detonators with signature hole technique.     

大型基坑内支撑体系爆破拆除技术

阐述了采用控制爆破技术在复杂环境下拆除大型基坑内钢筋混凝土支撑的方法。在特殊的环境条件下进行支撑爆破时,采用预先切断振源、减少单段起爆药量的防震方法以及搭建防护棚的方法,可以有效控制爆破振动、飞石、扬尘对周围的影响。实践证明,采用控制爆破技术拆除大型基坑内钢筋混凝土支撑是安全、高效的。     

Influence of Gassing Agent and Density on Detonation Velocity of Bulk Emulsion Explosives

The demand for coal from surface mining projects are on the higher side like never before for which blasting is the basic unit operation. The explosive plays an important role in blasting and also influence the explosive-rock interaction. The most common explosive type used in surface mines is emulsion explosives. This paper presents the study on the detonation velocity of bulk emulsion explosives due to variation in gassing agent and density. In this study Sodium Nitrite (NaNO₂) has been used as the gas generating additive and the performance of emulsion explosives with different concentrations of gassing agents at different temperatures has been observed. This study was undertaken to also understand the cyclic variation of temperature on gassing kinetics and performance of explosive. The effect of cooling on detonic-behaviour of bulk emulsion explosives has also been studied and presented in this paper.     

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.     

A Further Study on the Mechanism of Airdecking

Airdecking is used in mining for two quite different applications. One is to enhance the fragmentation by amplifying the induced fracturing and the second is for pre-split blasting in which the borehole fracturing is reduced. This paper deals with the first of these effects. A forth coming paper will describe pre-splitting by airdecking. The use of air decks to enhance rock fragmentation and so to reduce explosive costs has been the practice for quite long time. Although a number of studies has been conducted to verify the advantages of blasting with air decks and to investigate the mechanisms involved, the proposed mechanisms still cannot explain clearly the phenomena observed in practice and the design approach adopted for this kind of blasting is still primary based on rules-of-thumb. In this paper, the theory of shock tubes is adopted to (a) investigate the processes of the expanding detonation products, (b) study the interactions between the explosion products and the stemming or bottom of blasthole, and (c) to decide the distribution of the changing pressure of explosion products along blasthole. Numerical simulation and theoretical analyses are then performed to study the physical process of blasting with air decks. Finally, a reasonable value for the airdecking ratio is decided theoretically. It is shown that the pressure-unloading process caused by the propagation of the rarefaction wave and the reflected rarefaction waves in the detonation products plays an important role in the enhanced fragmentation of rock when blasting with air decks. The unloading process can induce tensile stresses of rather high magnitude in the rock mass surrounding blasthole. This favors fracturing of the rock. The reflected shock wave with a magnitude of gas pressure higher than that of the average detonation pressure in a fully charged blasthole acts as the main energy source to break the rock in the air deck and stemming portions. The second and succeeding strain waves induced by the unloading or reloading of the pressurewithin the blasthole also contribute to form the initial fracture network in the rock around the blasthole. It is also revealed that there exists a reasonable range of values for the airdecking ratio. For ANFO, this value varies from 0.13-0.40.