Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Development of a New Model to Predict Uniformity Index of Fragment Size Distribution Based on the Blasthole Parameters and Blastability Index

  • Rock Failure
  • Published:
Journal of Mining Science Aims and scope

Abstract

Uniformity index n represents the range of fragment size distribution and it is applied to evaluate fragment size by Rosin and Rammler cumulative distribution function for a muck pile. The uniformity index n of fragment size distribution has been assessed by digital image analysis technique using Split-Desktop for several blasthole parameters and different zones of in-situ rock mass conditions in five mines having a wide range of blastabilty index (BI). Rosin and Rammler equation has been determined by a new procedure using a software entitled Pixler to delineate images the same as manual method for achieving a proper fragment size distribution by Split-Desktop. The obtained values of n had significant differences with estimated n by the former equations. Relations between n and several blasthole parameters, BI and mean fragment size X50 of the results and their various combinations have been analyzed. Finally, a new empirical model having a good correlation has been developed to predict n value for using 25 ms electric delay detonators.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Dhekne, P.Y., Pradhan, M., Jade, R.K., and Mishra, R., Boulder Prediction in Rock Blasting Using Artificial Neural Network, J. Eng. and Appl. Sci., 2017, vol. 12, no. 1 pp. 47–61.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Inanloo Arabi Shad, H., Sereshki, F., Ataei, A., and Karamoozian, M., Investigation of Rock Blast Fragmentation Based on Specific Explosive Energy and In-Situ Block Size, J. Min. and Geo-Eng., 2017, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Faramarzi, F., Mansouri, H., and Ebrahimi Farsangi, M.A., A Rock Engineering Systems Based Model to Predict Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, J. Rock Mech. and Min. Sci., 2013, vol. 60, pp. 82–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Sanchidrian, J.F. and Ouchterlony, F., A Distribution-Free Description of Fragmentation by Blasting Based on Dimensional Analysis, J. Rock Mech. and Rock Eng., 2017, vol. 50, pp. 781–806.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Shi, X., Huang, D., Zhou, J., and Zhang, S., Fragmentation Distribution due to Blasting, J. Inform. and Computational Sci., 2013, vol. 10, no. 11, pp. 3511–3518.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Gheibie, S., Aghababaei, H., Hoseinie, S.H., and Pourrahimian, Y., Modified Kuz-Ram Fragmentation Model and Its Use at the Sungun Copper Mine, J. Rock Mech. and Min. Sci., 2009, vol. 46, no. 6, pp. 967–973.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Cunningham, C.V.B., The Kuz-Ram Model for Prediction of Fragmentation from Blasting, Holmberg R., Rustan A., Proc. 1st Int. Symp. on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, Lulea, Sweden, 1983, pp. 439–453.

  8. Cunningham, C.V.B., Fragmentation Estimations and the Kuz-Ram Model—Four Years On, Fourney W.L., Dick R.D., Proc. 2nd Int. Symp. on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, Keystone, CO, Society of Experimental Mechanics, Bethel, 1987, pp. 475–487.

  9. Cunningham, C.V.B., The Kuz-Ram Fragmentation Model-20 years On, Proc. of 3rd World Conf. on Explosives and Blasting, Brighton, UK, 2005, pp. 201–210.

  10. Kuznetsov, V.M., The Mean Diameter of the Fragments formed by Blasting Rock, J. Sov. Min. Sci., 1973, vol. 9, pp. 144–148.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Rosin, P. and Rammler, E., The Laws Governing the Fineness of Powdered Coal, J. Inst. Fuel., 1933, vol. 7, pp. 29–36.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Fréchet, M., Sur la loi de probabilité de l’écart maximum, Ann. Soc. Polon. Math., 1927, vol. 93, no. 6.

  13. Lilly, P.A., An Empirical Method of Assessing Rock Mass Blastability, Davidson J. R., Proc. of Large Open Pit Mine Conf., Newman, WA, The Australasian Institute of Min. and Metal, Parkville, 1986, pp. 89–92.

  14. Singh, S.P. and Narendrul, R., Factors Affecting the Productivity of Loaders in Surface Mines, J. Min., Reclamation and Environment, 2007.

  15. Monjezi, M., Rezaei, M., and Yazdian A. Varjani., Prediction of Rock Fragmentation due to Blasting in Gol-E-Gohar Iron Mine Using Fuzzy Logic, J. Rock Mech. and Min. Sci, 2009, vol. 46, no. 8, pp. 1273–1280.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Kulatilake, P.H.S.W., Qiong, W., Hudaverd, T., and Kuzu, C., Mean Particle Size Prediction in Rock Blast Fragmentation Using Neural Networks, J. Eng. Geol., 2010, vol. 114, pp. 298–311.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Hudaverdi, T., Kulatilake, P., and Kuzu, C., Prediction of Blast Fragmentation Using Multivariate Analysis Procedures, J. Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomech., 2011, vol. 35, pp. 1318–1333.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Silva, J.D., Amaya, J.G., and Basso, F., Development of a Predictive Model of Fragmentation Using Drilling and Blasting Data in Open Pit Mining, J. of the Southern African Institute of Min. and Metal., 2017, vol. 117, pp. 1089–1094.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Onederra, I. and Riihioja, K., An Alternative Approach to Determine the Uniformity Index of RosinRammler Based on Fragmentation Models, Proc. 8th Int. Symp. on Rock Frag. by Blast, 2006, pp. 193–199.

  20. Roy, M.P., Paswan, R.K., Sarim, M., Kumar, S., Jha, R., and Singh, P.K., Rock Fragmentation by Blasting-A Review, J. Mines, Metals and Fuels, 2016, vol. 64, no. 9, pp. 424–431.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Split Engineering LLC Team, Manual of Split Desktop Image Analysis Software, Version 3.1. P.O. Box 41766, Tucson, AZ 85717-1766, 2015, www.spliteng.com.

  22. Weibull W. A Statistical Theory of the Strength of Materials, Ingeniorvetenskapsakade Miens Handlingar, 1939, pp. 1–45.

  23. Weibull, W., A Statistical Distribution Function of Wide Applicability, J. Appl. Mech, 1951, pp. 293–297.

  24. Gustafsson, R., Swedish Blasting Technique, SPI, Gothenburg, Sweden, 1973, pp. 61–62.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Ouchterlony, F., Sanchidrian, J.A., and Moser, P., Percentile Fragment Size Predictions for Blasted Rock and the Fragmentation-Energy Fan, J. Rock Mech. Rock Eng, 2017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-016-1094-x

  26. Sudhakar, J., Adhikari, G.R., and Gupta, R.N., Comparison of Fragmentation Measurements by Photographic and Image Analysis Techniques, J. Rock Mech. and Rock Eng., 2006, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 159–168.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Chung, S.H. and Katsabanis, P.D., Fragmentation Prediction Using Improved Engineering Formula, Int. J. Blast Fragment Fragblast, 2000, vol. 4, pp. 198–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Maerz, N.H., Palangio, T.C., and Franklin, J.A., WipFrag Image Based Granulometry System, Proc. FRAGBLAST 5, Workshop on Measurement of Blast Fragmentation, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 1996, pp. 91–99.

  29. Lilly, P.A., The use of Blastability Index in the Design of Blasts for Open Pit Mines, Szwedzicki T., Baird G.R., Little T.N., Proc. of Western Australian Conf. on Min. Geomech., Kalgoorlie, West Australia, Western Australia School of Mines, Kalgoorlie, 1992, pp. 421–426.

  30. Sereshki, F., Hoseini, S.M., and Ataei, M., Blast Fragmentation Analysis Using Image Processing, J. Min. and Geo-Eng., 2016, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 211–218.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Autodesk, 2017. Available at: http://pixlr.com/blog/123rf-acquires-autodesk-pixlr-to-boost-the-worlds-creative-ecosystem.

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mr D. Taghizadeh, Mining Engineer of Rashakan Limestone Mine, Mr M. Baghernegad, Managing Director of Sungun Open Pit Copper Mine, Mr M. Shabany, Managing Director of Angouran Lead and Zinc Open Pit Mine and Mr Ahmadzadeh, Mining Engineer of Soufian Limestone Mine and Mr S. Habibi, Mining Engineer of Bonab Tootakhaneh silica mine, for their continuous support during carrying out the project.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

    A. Nourian & H. Moomivand

Authors
  1. A. Nourian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. H. Moomivand
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to H. Moomivand.

Additional information

Published in Fiziko-Tekhnicheskie Problemy Razrabotki Poleznykh Iskopaemykh, 2020, No. 1, pp. 54–65.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Nourian, A., Moomivand, H. Development of a New Model to Predict Uniformity Index of Fragment Size Distribution Based on the Blasthole Parameters and Blastability Index. J Min Sci 56, 47–58 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062739120016478

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062739120016478

Keywords

Search

Navigation