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Rock Mechanics.pdf - Mining and Blasting

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Figure 17.1 An empirical matching<br />

of explosive <strong>and</strong> rock mass properties.<br />

BLASTING MECHANICS<br />

(in joules) per 0.1 kg of explosive. The Relative Strength Value of an explosive is the<br />

ratio of its calculated useful work output, relative to that of ANFO, taken as a basis of<br />

100 units. Details of explosive strength specification are discussed by Harries (1977).<br />

The partitioning of explosive energy between shock energy <strong>and</strong> bubble energy<br />

suggests that the ASV of an explosive is an incomplete measure of its potential performance<br />

in rock. The term ‘brisance’ is used to indicate the potential ‘shattering<br />

action’ of an explosive. It is related directly to the detonation pressure of the explosive,<br />

which is itself related to detonation velocity. High-brisance explosives may<br />

be characterised by detonation velocities greater than about 5000 m s −1 . Explosives<br />

with detonation velocities less than 2500 m s −1 would be classed as low-brisance<br />

compounds.<br />

Several rock properties determine the performance of a particular explosive in the<br />

medium. The capacity of the rock mass to transmit energy is related in part to<br />

the Young’s modulus of the rock medium. The ease of generating new fractures<br />

in the medium is a function of the strength properties of the rock material, which may<br />

be represented for convenience by the uniaxial compressive strength C0. The unit<br />

weight of the rock mass affects both the energy required to displace the fragmented<br />

rock, <strong>and</strong> the energy transmissive properties of the intact medium.<br />

Efficient <strong>and</strong> successful performance of an explosive in a rock mass requires that its<br />

properties be compatible with those of the subject rock mass. An empirical correlation<br />

of the preferred explosive type, for a range of rock material <strong>and</strong> rock mass properties,<br />

is proposed in Figure 17.1. For very low average fracture spacing, or very low material<br />

compressive strength, the rock mass may be ripped or dug mechanically, rather than<br />

blasted. A significant observation from Figure 17.1 is that ANFO is a suitable explosive<br />

for use in a wide range of rock mass conditions. The application of high-brisance<br />

explosives is justified only in the strongest, more massive rock formations.<br />

520

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