Influence of Rock Mass Parameters in Optimal Design of Rock Blasting

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INFLUENCE OF ROCK MASS PARAMETERS IN OPTIMAL DESIGN OF ROCK

BLASTING
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______________________________________________________________________________________________
INFLUENCE OF THE ROCK MASS PARAMETERS IN OPTIMAL DESIGN OF

ROCK BLASTING (1st part of 3)
By: Fredy Rijalba Palacios ([email protected])
Technical University of Madrid (SPAIN)
Madrid, 6st, November of 2015.
1.- INTRODUCTION
This article describe a analytical methodology for the design of rock blasting in
mine production, systematizing some experiences in this regard.
In the modern technology of rock blasting, the blasting are designed and analyzed
according to a ratio of energy (E), mass (M) and time (T). The explosive energy;
the strain energy (Et) and the bubble energy (Eb) is derived by computer analysis
and potential work of the available energy is expressed in numerical values.
The mass (M) involved in the blast design is determined by the geometry of the
blast and by the rock density (Dr). The time (T) is also an important parameter
because it is required to complete the three basic stages of the process of
fracturing.
For a long time the blast design was entrusted to personal experience; in a long
process of trial and error energy requirements for specific types of rocks they have
been established, in order to meet the required production using the equipment
available.
It is today, then, to systematize the accumulated experience to support the design

of blasting in the correct understanding of the process of fracturing rocks and
their variables involved, and organizing practical application methodologies.
2. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE ROCK BLASTING
In rock blasting the instant availability of high-energy explosive is used as a

resource for breaking rocks produce efficiently and economically. This operation
involves two main effects: fragmentation (average size of the fragments obtained,
and percentage distribution by size) and displacement (movement of the mass of
fragmented rock).
In this context, we adhere to the premise that there are three key variables that
have a predominant influence on the results of a blast, namely:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
a) Explosive (explosives and accessories).
b) Blasting geometry.
c) The mass Rocky (rock and rock mass)
In order of importance to the influence of each of these variables, we begin by

analyzing the parameters characterizing the rock and the rock mass. Subsequent
articles will address the other two basic variables and their organization into a
model of blasting, as design methodology in engineering boot rocks.
3. PARAMETERS OF MASS ROCK
The main problem here is to characterize the rock and the rock mass, so as to
adjust its geomechanical behavior to a certain type of explosive (according to the
required energy consumption) and a certain geometry to provide us blasting
material tonnage involving specific production programs.
3.1. Rock parameters
Most parameters described below can be determined by assays laboratorio¹.
Density (Dr): Indicates the difficulty about rock blasting and whether it will be
necessary to use non-explosive or high energy voltage (Et), or bubble (Eb), to
break it. Is a basic data to calculate the tonnage moved.
In fact this parameter controls the energy ratio Eb / Et to use. The impulse of the
rock in the field of energy bubble, Eb, is governed by the following expression:
(López Jimeno, 1986)
Where:
Where:
P = gas pressure at the instant t
a = area of action of the gases at the moment.
M = mass to move around the hole
V = velocity of projection.
tv = time period in which the gases act before escaping into the atmosphere.
(*)Test recommended by the IRSM.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Porosity (n): From a practical standpoint indicates the proportion of pores and
cavities contained in the rock and its ability to attract and retain water. In
general porous rocks causes two types of effects:
Attenuate the energy of the shock wave and reduce the compressive strength of
the rock.
Interrupt the propagation of the radial cracks reducing the gas pressure in the
indentations of the rocks.
In Fig. 1, the pressure drop of the exhaust gases by the voids is plotted
Fig. N° 1
Pressure drop from the exhaust gas to an empty space
This parameter also controls the energy ratio Eb / Et, since the fragmentation of
porous rocks require high energy bubble, Eb.
Hardness: Indicates about the degree of difficulty of drilling, although the term is
usually used to indicate ease of blasting. Accordingly rocks can be soft,
intermediate and hard (or very hard).
Toughness: Indicates the ease or difficulty of breaking of rocks as a result of

compressive and tensile efforts made during blasting.
Accordingly rocks can be: friable, middle or tough. Widespread blasting rock
classification is as follows:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
GENERALIZED CLASSIFICATION FOR ROCK BLASTING
TOUGHNESS INTERMEDIATE FRIABLES
Gneiss Rhyolite Altered rocks
Granite-Gabbro Andesite Serpentine
Aplite Dacita Gypsum-Anhydrite
Syenite-Monzonite Trachite Slate-Phylite
Diorite-Granodiorite Lucita-Clay compact Ronolita
Basalt-Dolomite Obsidian (volcanic glass) Cluster and no gap cemented
Silicified limestone Tuff- Volcanic breccia Coal-Anthracite
Quartzite Cemented sandstone Marl
Hematite-Silica Limestone-Dolomite Lime light
Heave Iron Ores Marbel-Barite Travertine
Magnetite-Pyrrhotite Cemented conglomérate Sandstone
Andesite-Recent dacites Porphyry copper Pomez-Tufita
Hard Porphyry Cu, Pb,Zn,Sn Ore Iron ores
Dense Lamprophyres Iron ores Limonite-Ocher
Quartz gold-Tugnsten (Marcasite-Siderite-Hematite- Antracite
Pyrite-Martita. Compacted Soils
Moisture (% w): Percentage water content in the rock. His ability to capture water
until saturated is called "embedding".
This parameter accelerates shock wave thereby increasing fracturing rock

(RIJALBA F. ,1987) and also conditions the use of a water resistant explosive.
Dynamic resistance (Rc, Rt): These resistances are generally well correlated
with the density of the rock and its altered state, as well as seismic propagation
speed.
On the other hand the rock strength depend on time, which explains its
(significantly higher than the static resistance) resistant ability to support a
greater effort in a short period of time (COL RAMIREZ and ... .. 1994).
This requires, in the characterizations of the rock (and solid) for the purpose of
blasting, to consider their dynamic resistance. These values can be determined by
______________________________________________________________________________________________
dynamic tests (high speed application loads) and go correcting data obtained in
field trials with stress-strain measurement in blocks of rock (blasting with small
loads).
Elastic properties of rocks: Except for certain types of homogeneous rocks

(igneous and metamorphic) that may correlate well with the density, it is not
possible a strict assimilation behavior of the rock to the theory of elasticity;
however, the rocks can be considered as follows:
a) Hugoniot Elastic Limit: The most rocks exhibit these high values, so in a
state of tension under these rocks act elastically.
b) Speed of seismic wave propagation: the speed range with which the induced
seismic waves propagate in the rock. They correlate with the strain energy (Et) of
the explosive. Rocks with higher seismic velocities require higher energy
consumption of explosives, ie higher speeds explosives detonation.
The equation to be filled is the impedance matching:
Vd. De = Vr. Dr
Where:
Vd = velocity of detonation of the explosive.

De = Density of the explosive.
Vr = velocity of propagation of the shock wave of the rock.
Dr = density of the rock.
c) Young's modulus (E) indicates the strength capacity of the rock deformation
that produces the energy of the explosive.
When the value of “E” is high, the explosive gases will find greater
strength to compress and expand the rock.
d) Index Poisson (v): indicates how the rock stores and releases energy.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
This parameter correlates well with the fragmentation of the rock. A rock with a
high rate of Poisson store more energy than one with a lower value. In this line
you can say that for a given energy level, you can expect a better rock
fragmentation when the Poisson index is low.
e) Bulk modulus (K): set by a relationship between the developed pressure and
volumetric change unit.
The K parameter correlates well with the flyrock. Since the pressure of the gases
inside the cracks push the rock toward the free face, is a function of K,
correlation exists largely.
On the other hand, since the velocities of seismic waves based on the
characteristics of the materials through which spread, it is possible to build on
this for the experimental determination of rock density ( Dr), You can calculate
the elastic module following:
Where:
Vp = velocity of propagation of longitudinal waves.

Vs = velocity of propagation of shear waves.
V =Poisson’s Module
So what :
______________________________________________________________________________________________
f) Intrinsic resistances: measured the ability of the rock to mitigate the stress
wave generated by the detonation of the explosive. It correlates roughly with the
density, permeability, moisture and discontinuities of rocks. For low values of
this parameter, the stress wave is of greater magnitude and intensity of fracturing
rock increase.
3.2. Parameters of the rock mass
Lithology: involves defining the mineral-sterile contact (generally forced to go to

two meshes of different blasting) and contacts between rock types (or mineral)
different from each other. On the other hand should characterize the rock texture
in the overall context. (Howart and Rowland, 1987) have developed a quantitative
measurement of rock texture that can be correlated with the mechanical
properties of the rocks, which can be useful in some specific cases.
Geological discontinuities: ultimately define the behavior of the rocks off the
blast. They refer to the major characters stratification, joints, faults, cleavage
planes. In many cases structural pattern blasting rock exerts greater control over
the resulting fragmentation.
Since this parameter is the most important to adequately characterize the rock
mass blasting purposes, it requires further analysis.
Where:
K (f) = Continuity fracture
T (r) = Tensile strength of intact rock in the direction normal to the plane of
weakness.
The cohesion of the planes of weakness is calculated by the formula:
Where:
C (r) = Cohesion intact
C (f) = cohesion fracture

______________________________________________________________________________________________
The coefficient of friction for said planes is expressed as follows:
Where:
Mu (f) = friction coefficient experimentally determined fracture.
The conclusions drawn by WILLIAM (1978), are summarized as follows:
"In blasting direction along the planes of weakness, large volumes of rock can be
unleashed."
"In blasting perpendicular to the main planes of weakness, the formation of loose
rock volumes taking place after a considerable delay, compared to the previous
case."
f) ASH (1973) established that training and extension fractures during blasting is
controlled by the pattern of structural geological discontinuity predominantly and
maximum break will occur when the load is located in extended spacing and
oriented in a line normal to the direction predominant and fired at intervals of
delay jointing short period. The opposite will happen when the loads are spaced
closed schemes, oriented in a line parallel to the predominant direction of jointing
and are fired simultaneously.
g) ISMAIL and GOZON (1987) have appreciated the existing technical literature
on the effect of discontinuities in fragmentation techniques for blasting and
blasting they have been made on a small scale. From this they conclude that from
the point of view of the optimal use of explosive energy.
"The fragmentation of rocks containing discontinuities, first need assessment and

determination of the predominant direction of the cracks. These drills should be
perpendicular to this direction in order to maximize the use of explosive energy. "
"The use of studs on some points of discontinuity can enable the reduction by
10% of large boulders.
Fig. 2 plots the effects of content and granite sample size and weight of explosive
charge on fissured rock fragmentation. Turns 1 and 3 represent the same content
in granites: but with a difference of 10 times the weight of the payload for better
fragmentation occurs 3. 3.
4. EFFECTS OF GEOLOGIC DISCONTINUITIES
Geological discontinuities greatly complicate rock blasting operation. Therefore

we are interested in investigating the relationship between the orientation of the
discontinuities and the spatial position of the blasting holes. In this respect many
researchers have made important contributions. Adjusting their findings to our
______________________________________________________________________________________________
particular problem we can incorporate them into our model of blasting in
question.
a) Panchenko (1972) considered the investigation of the laws of fissured rock

fragmentation and established that:
"When banks are formed of large blocks, the maximum breaking rocks is
observed in the direction perpendicular to the side of the block in which the load
is located"
This means that in terms of the distance on the load, the degree of rupture is
given by:
Where:
R = diameter of the bore
It occurs that the distance 10 R, rupture is 90% of the blocks; but R 25 decreases
abruptly about 10%.
b) KAUFMAN (1971) established an empirical formula for expressing the

frequency of cracks, whose influence on the particle size and the cost of crushing
is important. The frequency of cracks can be calculated by the empirical formula:
Where:
I (f) = frequency of cracking (number of cracks per m2)
V (e) = content of fragment sizes greater than 350 mm)
c) Efremov et al (1980) analyzed the influence of the structure of a broken

resulting in the average size of fragments due to blasting medium. They
concluded that the particle size of the material determines the most relevant
parameters of size distribution of fragments.
d) Efremov and Kalinichenko (1974) concluded from their experiments that the
intensity of the fragmentation and uniform breakdown of an anisotropic medium
can be driven first by the lamination orientation with respect to the cavity and the
explosive charge " free face "(free surface).
______________________________________________________________________________________________
e) WILLIAM (1978) have investigated in models of rock relationships plane of
weakness, fracture length and dimensions of the "rock bridge" intact.
The separation of the planes of weakness is given by:
Where:
I (f) = cumulative length along fracture planes of weakness.
L (r) = cumulative length "rock bridges" intact.
The tensile strength of the planes of weakness is given by:
Fig, 2
Effects of granite samples content and weight of the payload on the fragmentation. (ISMAEL and GOZON,
1987)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Fig. 3
Influence of blasting sequence on the degree of fracturing. ISMAIL and Gozon, 1987.
The Figure 3 shows the relationship between the blasting direction defined by its
sequence on the degree fissured rock fracturing. For fissured rock longitudinally
and transversely, the degree of fracturing increases with increasing delays.
Curves 1 and 2 in this figure refer to the values of static and dynamic strength of
the rock, respectively.
5. ROCK MASS CHARACTERIZATIONS GEOMECHANICS
Analyzing each of the parameters of rock and rock mass that influence their
behavior during blasting, interested in going to the weighting of these quantifying
their relative importance in the characterization of the rock mass. The objective is
to obtain a geometric index, generic indicator of the quality of rock blasting
purposes and correlatable with explosive energy consumption required.
In Figure 4 a schedule to follow for this geomechanical index represents.
It should be remembered that this rate should be contrasted with the field results
obtained in the execution of rock blasting. A statistical treatment of this problem
will be of sufficient validity most cases. If interested go to greater accuracy,
geostatistics can be used to create local estimates of the properties of the rock
mass without excessive samples.
By using variogram model, geostatistics to characterize the spatial variability of

parameters characterizing the rock mass and special locations of the sample
values (Hoerger and Young, 1987).
It is, geostatistics, while providing an inquiry procedure, also provides a first

check to ensure that the estimation procedure is valid and effective as expected.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Clearly available information is the starting point. But as all parameters of rock
and rock mass are quantifiable in varying grades, can then expect good results.
Exist other statistical tools that we could use like Multiple Linear Regression or
Discriminant Multivariat Analysis; which provide us with a means to estimate
laws of behavior of fracturing and fragmentation of the rock when properly
characterize the geomechanical properties of the rock and the rock mass.
In this regard (RIJALBA, F., 2015) has estimated the following equation about an
index geomechanical purposes of calculation and design of rock blasting:
GI = f (Rc, RQD, Jv, Od)
Where:
GI = Geomechanical Index
Rc = Compressive strength of the intact rock
RQD = Rock Quality Index
Jv = Number of geological discontinuities by square meter
Od = Predominant orientation of the geological discontinuities
Fig. 4.
Outline to follow for obtaining an Geomechanical Index

______________________________________________________________________________________________
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
1 - Ash, RL. Influence of Geological Discontinuities on Rock Blasting. Ph.D.

Thesis, University of Minnesota, 1973.
2. Efremov, E.I. ... et al .: Inflluence of the structure of medium-size fragment on

composrtion in blasting Soviet Mining Science, Vol. 16, No. 1, 1980
3. Efremov, V. E. Kalinichenko, V.N. Singularities in the rupture of anisotropic

roc by an explosive. Mining Soviet Science. 1974.
4. Kaufman, IA: Simulation of the structure of rock mass for investigating the
effects of blast With the aid of models made from materials equivalent, Mining
Soviet Science.
5. Howart, D.F. Roelands, J. C. : The effects of rock texture on adrillability and

rock properties. Department of Minning, and Metallurgical Engineering,
University of Quvesland, St. Lucia, Australia, 1987.
6. Hoerger, F. S. Young, SD: Predicting Local rock mass behavior using

geostatics, Ming Engineering departmant, tecnological Michigan University,
Houghton, USA, 1977.
7. Ismail, AM, Gozon, SV: Effects of the discontinuities on fragmentation by

blesting, Ohio Univesity, USA, 1987.
8. López Jimeno, E .: Implementation of a method of calculation and design of

bench blasting. PhD thesis. E.T.S. Mining Engineers of Madrid, 1986.
9. Panchenko, DF, et al: Breakage of fissured rocks by blasting Soviet Mining

Science.
10. Oyanguren Ramirez, P.: and Col ...: Rock Mechanics applied to
underground metal mining, IGME 1984.
11. William B .: Influence of rock structure on blasting New York, 1978.
12. Rijalba, Fredy, 2015: “Study of a geomechanical index of rock mass for
calculation and design of rock blasting”, Madrid, 2015-Group SPS.
More information in:
http:// www.fredyrijalba.com
http://www.gruposps.com
Email: [email protected]
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INFLUENCE OF ROCK MASS PARAMETERS IN OPTIMAL DESIGN OF ROCK

Conference Paper · September 2015

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

INFLUENCE OF THE ROCK MASS PARAMETERS IN OPTIMAL DESIGN OF

By: Fredy Rijalba Palacios ([email protected])

Technical University of Madrid (SPAIN)

Madrid, 6st, November of 2015.

It is today, then, to systematize the accumulated experience to support the design

2. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE ROCK BLASTING

In rock blasting the instant availability of high-energy explosive is used as a

c) The mass Rocky (rock and rock mass)

In order of importance to the influence of each of these variables, we begin by

3. PARAMETERS OF MASS ROCK

3.1. Rock parameters

Most parameters described below can be determined by assays laboratorio¹.

P = gas pressure at the instant t

a = area of action of the gases at the moment.

M = mass to move around the hole

Pressure drop from the exhaust gas to an empty space

Toughness: Indicates the ease or difficulty of breaking of rocks as a result of

TOUGHNESS INTERMEDIATE FRIABLES

Gneiss Rhyolite Altered rocks

Granite-Gabbro Andesite Serpentine

Aplite Dacita Gypsum-Anhydrite

Syenite-Monzonite Trachite Slate-Phylite

Diorite-Granodiorite Lucita-Clay compact Ronolita

Basalt-Dolomite Obsidian (volcanic glass) Cluster and no gap cemented

Silicified limestone Tuff- Volcanic breccia Coal-Anthracite

Quartzite Cemented sandstone Marl

Hematite-Silica Limestone-Dolomite Lime light

Heave Iron Ores Marbel-Barite Travertine

Magnetite-Pyrrhotite Cemented conglomérate Sandstone

Andesite-Recent dacites Porphyry copper Pomez-Tufita

Hard Porphyry Cu, Pb,Zn,Sn Ore Iron ores

Dense Lamprophyres Iron ores Limonite-Ocher

Quartz gold-Tugnsten (Marcasite-Siderite-Hematite- Antracite

Pyrite-Martita. Compacted Soils

This parameter accelerates shock wave thereby increasing fracturing rock

Elastic properties of rocks: Except for certain types of homogeneous rocks

The equation to be filled is the impedance matching:

Vd = velocity of detonation of the explosive.

Vp = velocity of propagation of longitudinal waves.

3.2. Parameters of the rock mass

Lithology: involves defining the mineral-sterile contact (generally forced to go to

K (f) = Continuity fracture

The cohesion of the planes of weakness is calculated by the formula:

C (r) = Cohesion intact

C (f) = cohesion fracture

Mu (f) = friction coefficient experimentally determined fracture.

The conclusions drawn by WILLIAM (1978), are summarized as follows:

"The fragmentation of rocks containing discontinuities, first need assessment and

4. EFFECTS OF GEOLOGIC DISCONTINUITIES

Geological discontinuities greatly complicate rock blasting operation. Therefore

a) Panchenko (1972) considered the investigation of the laws of fissured rock

R = diameter of the bore

b) KAUFMAN (1971) established an empirical formula for expressing the

I (f) = frequency of cracking (number of cracks per m2)