An Investigation on the Rock Fragmentation Prediction Models Based on Rock and Rock Mass Properties

One of the basic requirements for being able to optimize blasting in mining is the ability to predict rock fragmentation with high accuracy. Rock fragmentation depends on many variables such as rock and rock mass properties and blasting parameters. Owing to the fact that there is no complete theoretical solution for rock fragmentation prediction, empirical models for its prediction have been developed over the past three decades. In this study, a literature review on the effects of rock and rock mass properties on rock fragmentation has been performed. The most well known rock fragmentation prediction models are explained and scored based on rock and rock mass parameters. Investigations showed that there is a rather unanimous opinion on the importance of effect of various rock and rock mass parameters on blasting results. The literature eview also revealed that the modified Kuz-Ram fragmentation model take into account more rock and rock mass parameters quantitatively rather than other rock fragmentation prediction models.

Keywords:

rock fragmentation , rock properties , rock mass properties