An experimental method is proposed to assess blasting requirements based on in-situ cratering behavior. The method relies on single hole blast (SHB) tests to derive burden-dependent relationships. A non-linear crater model of the form is calibrated from SHB test results to describe the cratering behavior. Parameters and represent characteristic blastability index parameters that depend on geomechanical and operational conditions. A series of experimental SHB tests were conducted at three hard rock mines. The craters were mapped to capture the breakout profile and calibrate the model. Results showed that coefficient presents an inverse linear correlation with burden , while exponent s is approximately constant for a considerable range of burden values. Experimental results are used to define burden dependent relationship for bench blast designs and blasthole placement in underground development rounds. A complementary analysis addresses the prevalence of multiple cratering mechanisms according to geology and burden dimension.
AfrouzA, HassaniFP, UcarR.1988. An investigation into blasting design for mining excavations. Int J Min Sci Technol. 7(1)):45–62. doi:10.1016/S0167-9031(88)90952-8.
2.
AubertinJD.2020. Characterization of rock salt response to blasting using terrestrial laser scanning technology. Queen's University.
3.
AubertinJD, HutchinsonDJ, DiederichsM.2021a. Horizontal single hole blast testing – Part 1: Systematic measurements using TLS surveys. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 114:103985. doi:10.1016/j.tust.2021.103985.
4.
AubertinJD, HutchinsonDJ, DiederichsM.2021b. Horizontal single hole blast testing – Part 2: Field observations and experimental trends from SHB campaigns at two underground salt mines. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 114:103984. doi:10.1016/j.tust.2021.103984.
5.
AubertinJD, HutchinsonDJ, DiederichsMS.2021c. Towards blast design guidelines for underground rock salt mines. Blasting and Fragmentation. 13:77–101.
6.
AubertinJD, HutchinsonDJ, TriebelR.2018. Proposed improvements for single blasthole test reporting methodology and observations form a series of tests conducted in underground rock salt mines. In: SchunnessonH, JohanssonD, editors. 12th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting. Lulea: Lulea University of Technology; p. 495–507.
7.
BartonN, LienR, LundeJ.1974. Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support. Rock Mech Felsmechanik Mec des Roches. 6(4):189–236. doi:10.1007/BF01239496.
8.
BieniawskiZT.1973. Engineering classification of jointed rock masses. Civ Eng S Afr. 15:343–353. doi:10.10520/AJA10212019_17397.
9.
BilginHA.1991. Single hole test blasting at an open pit mine in full scale: a case study. Int J Surf Min Reclam Environ. 5(4):191–194. doi:10.1080/09208119108944307.
10.
BrinkmannJR.1990. An experimental study of the effects of shock and gas penetration in blasting. In: Proceedings Third International Symposium on Rock Fragmentatio by Blasting, FRAGBLAST 3. Rotterdam: Balkema; p. 55–66.
11.
FieldJE, Ladegaard-PedersenA.1971. The importance of the reflected stress wave in rock blasting. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr. 8(3):213–226. doi:10.1016/0148-9062(71)90020-9.
12.
FourneyWL, DickRD, WangXJ, WeiY.1993. Fragmentation mechanism in crater blasting. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr. 30:413–429. doi:10.1016/0148-9062(93)91723-V.
HoekE, BrownET.1980. Empirical strength criterion for rock masses. J Geotech Eng Div. 106(9):1013–1035. doi:10.1061/AJGEB6.0001029.
15.
JimenoCL, JimenoEL, CarcedoFJA.1995. Drilling and blasting of rocks. New York: Taylor and Francis.
16.
KouSQ, RustanA.1992. Burden related to blasthole diameter in rock blasting. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr. 29(6):543–553. doi:10.1016/0148-9062(92)91612-9.
17.
KutterHK, FairhurstC.1971. On the fracture process in blasting. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr. 8(3):181–202. doi:10.1016/0148-9062(71)90018-0.
18.
LangeforsU, KihlstromB.1963. The modern technique of rock blasting. New York: Wiley.
19.
MosinetsVN.1966. Mechanism of rock breaking by blasting in relation to its fracturing and elastic constants. Sov Min Sci. 2(5):492–499. doi:10.1007/BF02497640.
20.
OlssonM, NieS, BergqvistI, OuchterlonyF.2002. What causes cracks in rock blasting. In: Proceedings of Sixth Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting. Beijing: Taylor and Francis; p. 221–233.
21.
OuchterlonyF, MoserP.2012. Lessons from single-hole blasting in mortar, concrete and rocks. In: Rock fragmentation by blasting. New Delhi: CRC Press; p. 3–14.
22.
PerssonP-A, HolmbergR, LeeJ.2018. Rock blasting and explosives engineering. CRC Press.
23.
RustanA.1995. Controlled fragmentation and contours in rock blasting [doctoral thesis]: Lulea University of Technology.
24.
RustanA, NieSL.1992. New method to test the rock breaking properties of explosives in full scale. Int J Surf Min Reclam Environ. 6(4):191–200. doi:10.1080/09208119208944336.
25.
SalumAH, MurthyVMSR.2019. Optimising blast pulls and controlling blast-induced excavation damage zone in tunnelling through varied rock classes. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 85:307–318. doi:10.1016/j.tust.2018.11.029.
26.
SanchidriánJA, SegarraP, LópezLM.2007. Energy components in rock blasting. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci. 44(1):130–147. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2006.05.002.
27.
Van RossumG, DrakeFL.2009. Python 3 reference manual. Scotts Valley (CA): CreateSpace.
28.
Von RabcewiczL.1964a. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (Part One). Water Power. 16:453–457.
29.
Von RabcewiczL.1964b. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (Part Two). Water Power. 16:511–515.
30.
WimmerM.2007. An experimental investigation of blastability. Stockholm.
31.
WimmerM, MoserP, OuchterlonyF.2008. Experimental investigation of blastability. In: 5th International Conference and Exhibition on Mass Mining. Lulea: Lulea University of Technology.
