Optimization of blasting geometry for different rock types

Abstract

Sri Lankan quarries observe their own blasting parameters and standards mainly based on experience gained over the years. Some of them are not the optimum values, due to the fact most of the quarries economical problems. In this research an attempt has been made to find the optimum burden and spacing for different rocks in Sri Lanka using a graphical relationship with spacing or burden vs cost per unit production while keeping drilling parameters such as drill hole diameter, drill hole depth, angle of drilling, bench height and explosive quantity per drill hole constant. Optimum burden and spacing means the burden or spacing which gives production with lower cost with the ground vibration and air blast at permissible limits. To determine the ground vibration and the air blast over pressure of tire optimum values at particular distances, a neural network was computed by training the data we gathered.