Influence of Stiffness
Ratio and Powder Factor on Burden Rock Movement in Blasting Operations: A Case Study
on Limestone Mines
Channabassamma N., Avchar Akhil and Sastry Vedala Rama
Disaster Advances; Vol. 18(5); 82-91;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/185da82091; (2025)
Abstract
In opencast mining, blasting is a critical operation that significantly impacts
the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of material removal. This study focuses on
optimizing the use of explosive energy to move the burden, thereby reducing reliance
on mechanical methods. Effective blast design involves strategically utilizing energy
within a blast hole, considering factors such as explosive type, quantity, detonation
timing and blast hole geometry. Given the rapid nature of blasting, high-speed video
cameras are employed to capture the blast progression on a millisecond scale, providing
essential data for analyzing blast dynamics.
This research evaluates the influence of blast design parameters, specifically the
stiffness ratio (the ratio of bench height to the burden) and powder factor (the
amount of explosive per unit volume of rock), on the movement of burden rock in
a limestone mine. By examining these parameters, the study aims to optimize blast
designs to achieve improved fragmentation, reduced fly rock and minimized ground
vibrations, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of mining
operations.
