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Rock Mechanics.pdf - Mining and Blasting

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Figure 17.8 Layout of blast holes in<br />

a pre-split blast, <strong>and</strong> transient stress<br />

conditions around a blast hole for very<br />

short <strong>and</strong> short delay between initiation<br />

of adjacent blast holes.<br />

BLASTING MECHANICS<br />

Perimeter blasting is the process in which closely controlled blasting practices<br />

are applied to produce a geometrically precise <strong>and</strong> relatively undisturbed ultimate<br />

surface. The objectives are to restrict the number <strong>and</strong> extent of new fractures in the<br />

rock, to prevent undue disturbance of the jointed mass, <strong>and</strong> therefore to preserve the<br />

inherent strength of the in situ rock. The consequences of effective perimeter blasting<br />

are expressed in the operational performance of the opening. In permanent openings,<br />

lower support costs are achieved. In temporary openings, reduced maintenance costs<br />

are obtained by reduced scaling. In both cases, excavation development rates may<br />

be improved by reduced overbreak, leading to reduced effort in scaling the freshly<br />

generated surface, <strong>and</strong> reduced loading <strong>and</strong> haulage of development mullock. Finally,<br />

smooth walls result in reduced frictional resistance to airflow <strong>and</strong> improved mine<br />

ventilation capacity.<br />

There are two techniques of perimeter blasting – pre-splitting <strong>and</strong> smooth blasting.<br />

Both methods are industrially important, <strong>and</strong> each complements the other in scope<br />

for practical application. They are based on the use of decoupled charges, in which<br />

the objective is to restrict the development of a rose of cracks around a hole. This is<br />

sought by isolating the explosive charge from the blasthole surface, using a charge<br />

diameter appreciably less than the blasthole diameter, <strong>and</strong> using spacers to locate<br />

the charge axis along the hole axis. Special explosives, based on NG, are formulated<br />

<strong>and</strong> packaged, to ensure stable detonation of the explosive at relatively low charge<br />

diameter.<br />

17.6.1 Pre-split blasting<br />

With this method, a continuous fracture which will form the final surface of an<br />

excavation is generated in the absence of a local free face. As an example, Figure 17.8a<br />

represents a cross section of a development heading. Parallel, close-spaced holes,<br />

which will define the excavation perimeter, are drilled in the direction of face advance.<br />

528

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