| Abstract: | In the last decade, fragmentation prediction has been attempted by many researchers in the field of blasting. Kuznetsov developed an equation for the estimation of average fragment size, x 50 , based on explosive energy and powder factors. Cunningham introduced a uniformity index n as a function of drilling accuracy, blast geometry and a rock factor A associated with a “blastability index”, which can be calculated from the jointing, density and hardness of the blasted rock mass. Knowing the mean size and the uniformity index, a Rosin-Rammler distribution equation can then be derived for calculating the fragment size distribution in a blasted muckpile. Analysis of existing data has revealed serious discrepancies between actual and calculated uniformity indices. The current integrated approach combines the Kuznetsov or similar equation and a comminution concept like the Bond Index equation to enable the estimation of both the 50% and 80% passing sizes ( k 50 and k 80 ). By substituting these two passing sizes into the Rosin-Rammler equation, the characteristic size x c and the uniformity index n can be obtained to allow the calculation of various fragment sizes in a given blast. The effectiveness of this new fragmentation prediction approach has been tested using sieved data from small-scale bench blasts, available in the literature. This paper will cover all tested results and a discussion on the discrepancy between measurement and prediction due to possible energy loss during blasting. |
