Blast-Fragmentation Prediction Derived From the Fragment Size-Energy Fan Concept

Abstract The size-energy fan concept formulation is developed into a prediction model of the fragment size distribution from blast design and rock mass variables. scaled with characteristic discontinuity spacing orientation. energy strength cooperation degree between adjacent holes. A function introduced that modifies in-row delay, non-dimensionalized P -wave velocity holes spacing. increases as delay up to certain value, beyond which decreases fragmentation coarser. Several models are presented, using Swebrec-based slopes percent passing starting point, subsequent improvements involving alternative formulations function, encompass non-Swebrec underlying size. include 12 14 parameters, controlling effect on variables describing mass, explosive initiation sequence, geometry. parameters determined fits data base was used for xP-frag model, expanded seventeen additional blasts. All distributions by sieving weighing blasted muckpiles. different sequentially discussed. presented improve performance xP-frag, while including much smaller number and, unlike keeping physically sound pattern, effectively extending its nature descriptive frame fragmentation-energy relations, predictive tool.