Predicting Single-hole Blast-induced Fracture Zone Using Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

During the blasting process, a fracture zone is formed in the vicinity of the blast hole. Any damage that extends beyond the excavation boundary line necessitates the implementation of an additional support system to assure safety. Typically, fracture zone radius is estimated from blast hole pressure using theoretical methods due to its simplicity. However, linear charge concentration (kg/m) is used for tunnel blasting. This paper compiles Swedish experimental datasets to estimate the radius of fracture zones based on linear charge concentration. Further numerical analyses are performed in LS-DYNA for coupled single-hole blasting. The Riedel-Hiermaier-Thoma (RHT) model has been selected as the constitutive model for this investigation. The numerical model is validated against small-scale laboratory tests. Parametric studies are conducted to predict fracture zones in granite and sandstone rocks using two kinds of explosives, PETN and AFNO. The analyses evaluate ten types of blast hole sizes, ranging from 17 to 100 mm. The results indicate that granite has a larger fracture zone than sandstone, and the PETN explosive predicts more damage than ANFO. Smaller blast holes exhibit smaller fracture zones in comparison to larger blast holes. Wave propagation is more rapidly attenuated in granite than in sandstone. Subsequently, the predicted fracture zone outcomes are compared with the empirical dataset. Fracture zones of medium blast hole diameter align well with the experimental data set. A predictive equation is derived from the data set, which may be used to evaluate blast design to manage fracture zones beyond the excavation line.