Structural control over fragmentation: Characterization and case studies

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:398326

Doucet, C; Lizotte, Y ^[1]; Paventi, M ^[2]; Scoble, M ^[3]

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1. Department of Natural Resources Canada, Val d`Or, Quebec (Canada). CANMET Mining Research Labs.
2. Inco Ltd., Thompson, Manitoba (Canada). Mines Research Dept.
3. McGill Univ., Montreal, Quebec (Canada). Dept. of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering

Laboratory studies in homogeneous material indicate that the area of new surfaces created by blasting is proportional to the energy imparted to the material. Field studies, however, show that fragmentation is also related to the rockmass structure. This paper reviews ongoing compilation of a comprehensive and integrated blasting database which is based upon field monitoring and laboratory testing. A priority application of the database is to support attempts to more fully understand structural control over fragmentation. Database construction and the relative importance of rockmass physical and mechanical properties are considered in the paper. A methodology for data collection prior to, during and after blasting is reviewed. Data summaries from three case studies of blast performance in surface and underground mines are presented. These illustrate various aspects of the methodology, which included image analysis to quantify the fragment shape and remnant geology evident in the muckpile as part of the evaluation of structural control over fragmentation.

• OSTI ID: 398326
• Report Number(s): CONF-9401127--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
FRAGMENTATION
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
PROCESS CONTROL
RESERVOIR ROCK
ROCK MECHANICS
SURFACE MINING
UNDERGROUND MINING