Asymmetric Blasting: A Rock Mass Dependent Blast Design Method

Blasting has been the most frequently used method for rock breakage since black powder was first used to fragment rocks, more than two hundred years ago. This paper is an attempt to reassess standard design techniques used in blasting by providing an alternative approach to blast design. The new approach has been termed asymmetric blasting. Based on providing real time rock recognition through the capacity of measurement while drilling (MWD) techniques, asymmetric blasting is an approach to deal with rock properties as they occur in nature, i.e., randomly and asymmetrically spatially distributed. It is well accepted that performance of basic mining operations, such as excavation and crushing rely on a broken rock mass which has been pre conditioned by the blast. By pre-conditioned we mean well fragmented, sufficiently loose and with adequate muckpile profile. These muckpile characteristics affect loading and hauling [1]. The influence of blasting does not end there. Under the Mine to Mill paradigm, blasting has a significant leverage on downstream operations such as crushing and milling. There is a body of evidence that blasting affects mineral liberation [2]. Thus, the importance of blasting has increased from simply fragmenting and loosing the rock mass, to a broader role that encompasses many aspects of mining, which affects the cost of the end product. A new approach is proposed in this paper which facilitates this trend 'to treat non-homogeneous media (rock mass) in a non-homogeneous manner (an asymmetrical pattern) in order to achieve an optimal result (in terms of muckpile size distribution).' It is postulated there are no logical reasons (besides the current lack of means to infer rock mass properties in the blind zones of the bench and onsite precedents) for drilling a regular blast pattern over a rock mass that is inherently heterogeneous. Real and theoretical examples of such a method are presented.     

Prediction of surface blast patterns in limestone quarries using artificial neural networks

This paper is an application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in the prediction of the geometry of surface blast patterns in limestone quarries. The built model uses 11 input parameters which affect the design of the pattern. These parameters are: formation dip, blasthole diameter, blasthole inclination, bench height, initiation system, specific gravity of the rock, compressive and tensile strength, Young's modulus, specific energy of the explosive and the average resulting fragmentation size. Detailed data from a previous investigation were used to train and verify the network and predict burden and spacing of a blast. The built model was used to conduct parametric studies to show the effect of blasthole diameter and bench height on pattern geometry.     

The BLAST-CODE model - A Computer-Aided Bench Blast Design and Simulation System

Blast design is a critical factor dominating fragmentation and cost of actual bench blasts. However, due to the varying nature of rock properties and geology as well as free surface conditions, reliable theoretic formulae are still unavailable at present and in most cases blast design is carried out by personal experience. As an effort to find a more scientific and reliable tool for blast design, a computer-aided bench blast design and simulation system, the BLAST-CODE model, is developed for Shuichang surface mine, Mining Industry Company of the Capital Iron and Steel Corporation Beijing. The BLAST-CODE model consists of a database representing geological and topographical conditions of the mine and the modules Frag + and Disp + for blast design and prediction of resultant fragmentation and displacement of rock mass. The two modules are established in accordance with cratering theory qualitatively and modified quantitatively by regression of the data collected from 85 bench blasting practices conducted in 3 mines of the Shuichang surface mine. Blasting parameters are selected based upon quantitative and comprehensive evaluation on the effect of the factors such as rock properties, geology, free surface conditions and detonation characteristics of the explosive products in use. In order to ensure practicality and reliability of the system, the BLAST-CODE model allows automatic adjustment to the selected parameters such as burden B and spacing S as well as explosive charge amount Q of any blasthole under irregular topographic and/or varying blastability conditions of the rock mass to be blasted. Simulation of the BLAST-CODE model includes prediction of fragmentation and displacement that are demonstrated in terms of swell factor, characteristic rock size x c and size distribution coefficient n by Rossin-Ramler's equation, and 3-dimentional muck pile profile. The BLAST-CODE model also permits interactive parameter selection based on comparison of the predicted fragmentation and displacement as well as the cost for drilling, explosives, and accessories until the most effective option can be selected.     

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.     

Modelling the effects of discontinuity orientation, continuity, and dip on the process of burden breakage in bench blasting

The objective of this paper is to introduce the development of a dynamic blasthole expansion model, which is coupled to the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) code of Shi (1988). The developed model considers the effects of blast geometry (blasthole shape, angle, and location), the physical properties of the intact rock and existing discontinuities, the distribution and orientation of pre-existing discontinuities, and the blasthole pressure on the processes of burden breakage, fragment throw and muckpile formation. The newly modified DDA code (DDA_BLAST) describes the expansion of the blasthole as a function of blast chamber volume and time. It is assumed in the code that the rock is already fragmented in-situ due to the intersection of pre-existing discontinuities and the passage of stress wave. Hence, the model only considers the gas pressurization phase of the blasting process. Moreover, the proposed model for the blasthole expansion assumes an adiabatic expansion of explosion products and variations in the explosion pressure upon expansion of the blast chamber are calculated from an equation of state. Accordingly, the newly modified DDA_BLAST code was used to simulate typical blasting problems in jointed media and delve into the mechanisms involved (in a macro scale) in the gas pressurization phase of the blasting process, burden breakage, and the effects of the discontinuity properties on the process of rock breakage by blasting.     

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.     

矿用泥浆脉冲无线随钻测量装置研发及应用

针对现有煤矿井下随钻测量系统信号传输必须依赖通缆专用钻杆而不能采用常规钻杆的技术限制,提出泥浆脉冲无线传输技术,以钻杆柱内环空间为信号传输通道,通过对孔内轨迹参数测量、泥浆脉冲载波信号传输、间歇工作模式设计与控制、孔口信号接收与解调处理等关键技术研究,研制了基于泥浆脉冲的矿用无线随钻测量装置YHD3-1500,并在山西晋城寺河和成庄煤矿进行了试验。试验结果表明:泥浆脉冲无线随钻测量装置信号幅度大、传输距离远、工作时间长、工作稳定性强。装置使用过程中不受钻杆限制,不但可提高钻孔深度,又可实现钻孔轨迹实时控制,进一步拓宽了定向钻进应用领域,具有极大的推广应用价值。      

Performance Evaluation of Button Bits in Coal Measure Rocks by Using Multiple Regression Analyses

Electro-hydraulic and jumbo drills are commonly used for underground coal mines and tunnel drives for the purpose of blasthole drilling and rock bolt installations. Not only machine parameters but also environmental conditions have significant effects on drilling. This study characterizes the performance of button bits during blasthole drilling in coal measure rocks by using multiple regression analyses. The penetration rate of jumbo and electro-hydraulic drills was measured in the field by employing bits in different diameters and the specific energy of the drilling was calculated at various locations, including highway tunnels and underground roadways of coal mines. Large block samples were collected from each location at which in situ drilling measurements were performed. Then, the effects of rock properties and machine parameters on the drilling performance were examined. Multiple regression models were developed for the prediction of the specific energy of the drilling and the penetration rate. The results revealed that hole area, impact (blow) energy, blows per minute of the piston within the drill, and some rock properties, such as the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and the drilling rate index (DRI), influence the drill performance.     

Acoustic core logging in blast-damaged rock

Thill, R.E. and D' Andrea, D. V., 1975. Acoustic core logging in blast-damaged rock. Eng. Geol., 10: 13–36.The Bureau of Mines, in cooperation with the Duval Corp., conducted a blast-fragmentation experiment to determine the feasibility of preparing a porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit for in-situ leaching. The blast was designed with ten 9-inch-diameter blastholes to depths of 110 feet in an equilateral triangle configuration; spacings between blastholes were 15, 20, and 25 ft. One of the major problems in the experiment was in assessing blast damage. Acoustic core-logging equipment and methods were devised and used as one approach in solving this problem. Ultrasonic pulse travel-times were determined in four diametral directions at 2-ft intervals of depth to a final depth of 120 ft in three preblast and six postblast drill cores at the Duval test site. The acoustic logging program provided compressional wave travel-time at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° around the core circumference, maximum travel-time difference, mean compressional-wave velocity, and an anisotropy factor. Other acoustic parameters introduced in the analyses were stiffness modulus, seismic quality designation (SQD), and a compensated velocity to account for portions of the core that were nonrecoverable or too highly fractured to permit diametral travel-time measurements.The acoustic parameters all indicated the deterioration in structural quality from the preblast condition, in which the rock already was badly fractured and weathered, to the more highly fractured postblast condition. Because of the highly fragmented, poor structural condition of the rock after blasting, the rock was indicated to be suitable for in-situ leaching, at least at the 20- and 15-ft blasthole spacings, and even in some zones in the rock at the 25-ft blasthole spacing.     

Further Field Applications of Electronic Detonator Technology

The increasing use of the Daveytronic digital programmable detonators is continuing to yield data reinforcing earlier studies concluding that accurate timing will provide substantial performance and economic benefits. This study quantifies performance increases as they relate to fragmentation, excavation, vibration control and productivity in a limestone aggregate mining operation. High levels of field controls were adhered to during the drilling and blasting process as they related to blast design, bench preparation, pattern layout, drilling and blasthole loading. Following each blast, the fragmentation composite of the post-blast muckpile was quantified. The excavation and crushing procedures were then studied to quantify any down stream advantages due to improvements in fragmentation. This study will help provide the industry with more information as to the advantages of high accuracy electronic blasting systems over conventional pyrotechnic systems.     

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.     

3-D Visual Drill and Blast Design

State-of-the-art software and computer technology provides a vehicle for a new approach to designing and verification of blasting patterns and training of professionals in this area of mining. The objective of this paper is to discuss the use of 3-D computer graphics to improve the understanding of the challenges facing drill and blast operations and describe technologies available for drill and blast planning in surface mining. It is postulated that this approach will have a positive impact on future students, researchers, and mine operators by improving their ability to use techniques, skills, and visually rich tools in solving and documenting mining engineering problems.     

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.     

Productivity optimisation in weak sedimentary formations for improved coal production and roof stability—an approach

Far-field peak particle velocity (PPV) measurements were made in the roof while blasting in coal development drivages at Tandsi Mine, Western Coalfields Limited, India. The roof was fragile at this mine and was posing constant support problems for mining, resulting in low productivity. The PPV measurements have been used to decipher the damage zone in the roof. The extent of damage obtained has been compared to establish the threshold limits for the damage zone. Conversely, the maximum charge per delay that can be exploded is calculated and a suitable blast design has been recommended for maintaining the roof stability and pull. A roof vibration predictor equation has been developed that shows a consistent trend indicating that it may have future use in a similar geo-mining setup. The blast pattern recommended has reduced the damage extent, though marginally, but helped in improving pull. Critical PPV for incipient rock damage in underground coal mine development drivages under fragile roof were computed. The PPV level for incipient crack growth was found to vary from 500 to 800 mm/s while for overbreak it varied from 800 to 1200 mm/s. It was also observed that the location of cut holes, charge concentration and firing sequence were found to be responsible for the difference in their damage potential.     

Controlled Fracture Growth by Blasting While Protecting Damages to Remaining Rock

Summary. Conventional blasting causes cracks and fractures in the rock. Controlled blasting techniques produce the macrocrack in a desired direction and eliminate microcrack in the remaining rock. Macrocrack development in desired direction is required for extraction of dimensional stone and at the same time there is need to reduce microcrack development in the block and remaining rock. To achieve the objectives, experimental work in the quarries was carried out for separating marble block from the in situ strata as practiced in some of the Indian mines by using detonating cord of 30 to 50 g/m by varying hole spacing, hole diameter, air cushioning, water and sand filled blast-holes. Blasthole notching was carried out. Further, tests were carried out by using various liners inside the blasthole to determine the damages in the extracted block and remaining rock. The designed experimental work was undertaken and rock samples were collected by coring before and after blasting for quantification of microcrack in the rock. P-wave velocity and microscopic studies were conducted for quantification of damages. Experiments were also conducted at laboratory scale for the quantification of damages in single circular and notched holes with variation of stemming and liners. The P-wave velocity close to hole always reduces after blast and in case of NG-based charge and detonating cord it decreases up to 1/3^rd. With PVC pipe and paper tube liners decrease is negligible. Thus, by using notched hole with paper tube, decrease in P-wave is minimum indicating least damage.     

煤层顶板大直径定向钻孔用双级双速PDC钻头设计及应用

大直径定向钻进成孔技术的发展, 为“以孔代巷”技术抽采采空区上隅角瓦斯提供了技术支持。受限于井下设备条件, 常规大直径钻孔主要采用逐级扩孔工艺。然而, 逐级扩孔钻进需要多次提钻、下钻, 辅助时间长、工人劳动强度大。为提高煤层顶板大直径钻孔成孔效率, 开发了双级双速钻进工艺, 该工艺采用螺杆马达与钻机分别驱动一级、二级钻头进行单次双级扩孔钻进, 可大大提高成孔效率。通过分析双级双速钻进工艺特点、拟钻地层岩性等, 从剖面形状、切削齿排布、水路设计以及导向器设计等方面设计了双级双速钻头, 该钻头采用球头螺旋形导向器, 更容易沿既有钻孔轨迹钻进; 采用等切削布齿, 提高破岩效率、降低切削齿不均匀磨损, 进而提高钻头寿命与钻进效率。设计的双级双速钻头进行了现场试验, 试验表明双级双速钻头能够沿先导孔钻进, 较常规逐级扩孔钻头综合效率提高25%以上, 使用后钻头磨损均匀, 满足了双级双速工艺要求, 大大提高了煤层顶板大直径钻孔施工效率。      

Applications of NTNU/SINTEF Drillability Indices in Hard Rock Tunneling

Drillability indices, i.e., the Drilling Rate Index? (DRI), Bit Wear Index? (BWI), Cutter Life Index? (CLI), and Vickers Hardness Number Rock (VHNR), are indirect measures of rock drillability. These indices are recognized as providing practical characterization of rock properties used in the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) time and cost prediction models available for hard rock tunneling and surface excavation. The tests form the foundation of various hard rock equipment capacity and performance prediction methods. In this paper, application of the tests for tunnel boring machine (TBM) and drill and blast (D&B) tunneling is investigated and the impact of the indices on excavation time and costs is presented.     

Theoretical Concept to Understand Plan and Design Smooth Blasting Pattern

Considering different mechanical cutting tools for excavation of rock, drilling and blasting is said to be inexpensive and at the same time most acceptable and compatible to any geo-excavation condition. Depending upon strength properties of in-situ rock mass, characteristics of joint pattern and required quality of blasting, control blasting techniques viz., pre-split and smooth blasting are commonly implemented to achieve an undamaged periphery rock-wall. To minimize magnitude of damage or overbreak, the paper emphasized that in-situ stresses and re-distribution of stresses during the process of excavation should be considered prior to selection of explosive parameters and implementation of any suitable blast pattern. Rock structure being not massive in nature, the paper firstly explains the influence of discontinuities and design parameters on smooth-wall blasting. Considering the empirical equations for estimation of stress wave’s magnitude and its attenuation characteristics through transmitting medium, the paper has put forward a mathematical model for smooth blasting pattern. The model firstly illustrates that rock burden for each hole should be sub-divided into thin micro strips/slabs to understand the characteristics of wave transmission through the medium and lastly with the help of beam theory of structural dynamics have put forward a mathematical model to analyze and design an effective smooth blasting pattern to achieve an undamaged periphery rock-wall.     

Prediction and controlling of flyrock in blasting operation using artificial neural network

Flyrock is one of the most hazardous events in blasting operation of surface mines. There are several empirical methods to predict flyrock. Low performance of such models is due to complexity of flyrock analysis. Existence of various effective parameters and their unknown relationships are the main reasons for inaccuracy of the empirical models. Presently, application of new approaches such as artificial intelligence is highly recommended. In this paper, an attempt has been made to predict and control flyrock in blasting operation of Sangan iron mine, Iran incorporating rock properties and blast design parameters using artificial neural network (ANN) method. A three-layer feedforward back-propagation neural network having 13 hidden neurons with nine input parameters and one output parameter were trained using 192 experimental blast datasets. It was also observed that in ascending order, blastability index, charge per delay, hole diameter, stemming length, powder factor are the most effective parameters on the flyrock. Reducing charge per delay caused significant reduction in the flyrock from 165 to 25 m in the Sangan iron mine.     

Tunnel blasting techniques in difficult ground conditions

Summary The quality of tunnelling can be improved by proper blast design which takes into account the rock mass conditions. The effects of different rock mass properties on tunnel blast performance need to be assessed. The strength of the formation and joint orientation critically affected fragmentation and overbreak in a model study of blasting. Similar effects were noted in situ when the performance of a blast pattern in different rock mass conditions in the Tandsi inclines (Bihar, India) were analysed. Accordingly, the on-going blast pattern was modified for the poor ground conditions prevailing in the rest of the inclines. Improved fragmentation and smooth profile were obtained as a result; the rate of drivage improved considerably and the cost of excavation was reduced. Based on the observations in the model studies and the investigations at Tandsi, some guidelines for optimum blast design in difficult ground conditions are suggested.