Blast damage control in jointed rock mass

Highly jointed rocks often cause problems associated with blast damage and the stability of the back and/or walls of the excavation. A field study was performed to understand the role played by the joint parameters in inducing blast damage. The field work included blasting of small scale models, drift rounds and monitoring of blast damage at several operating mines. The damage was assessed by blast vibration monitoring, half cast factor, overbreak measurement and visual inspection.

The effect of spacing, orientation, aperture, condition, filling material and wall strength of joints on blast damage is described. The interaction between the joint planes and explosive energy has been discussed and the overbreak control measures have been suggested.