The Infl uence of Geology on Blasting Hazards and Results

摘要

The aim of any rock breaking activity is to achieve success by developing designs that are blastingrnobjective-specifi c and geology-specifi c, and then implementing such designs. This paper targetsrnmining geologists with the aim of extending their knowledge of the rock fragmentation processesrnand providing insights to the signifi cant relationships between geology and blasting. There are twornmain relationships, and if mining geologists appreciate both these relationships, then they canrnplay a key role in optimising production. The business risk continuum is introduced to supportrnthis understanding.rnThe fi rst relationship is between geology and potential blasting hazards, and the operationalrncomplexity required to manage those risks. The risks associated with eight different ground typesrnare discussed in terms of ground conditions, hazards and controls. These types are: reactivernground, hot ground, geothermal ground, fi brous ground, cavernous ground, combustible ground,rnpyritic ground and conductive ground.rnThe second relationship is between the bench geology and blasting results. The blasting resultsrndiscussed include: muckpile characteristics, remaining rock faces and blasting emissions. In thisrnregard, some detailed insights and graphical examples are given for the infl uence of geology onrnblasting emissions, in particular, vibration, airblast and fl yrock.rnA detailed description of the geological materials themselves can convey much useful informationrnfor blasting operators provided they are able to utilise this knowledge. Geologists are ideally suitedrnto provide this description more effectively if they are familiar with the blasting process and thernrock mass properties that infl uence blasting hazards and blasting results. It is also importantrnto have clear statements of blasting objectives and associated operational targets, and this willrnmaximise the likelihood of achieving the desired outcomes.rnThe main aim of the paper is to highlight that geology is currently not fully utilised in the blastingrnprocess. In this regard, geologists are often not entirely aware of the blasting process and how theyrncan contribute. The two signifi cant relationships discussed above are integral parts of this process,rnand thus they are discussed as separate issues in the main body of this investigation.