№84-13
Justification of drilling and blasting parameters for hard rocks fragmentation in open-pit mines and quarries taking into account the crack formation zone
O. Shustov1, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2738-9891
M. Kononenko1, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1439-1183
O. Khomenko1, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7498-8494
A. Kosenko1, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3058-4820
O. Cherniaieva1 https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5367-6221
1 Dnipro University of Technology, Dnipro, Ukraine
Coll.res.pap.nat.min.univ. 2026, 84:171–183
Full text (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/84.171
ABSTRACT
Purpose. Determination of the radius of the crack formation zone taking into account the zone of inelastic deformations to justify the parameters of drilling and blasting operations (D&B) in the process of destruction of hard rocks in open-pit mines and quarries.
The methodology. A study to determine the radius of the crack formation zone based on the size of the inelastic deformation zone by changing the stress-strain state of the rock mass around the borehole charge under the action of an explosion was carried out using numerical simulation using finite elements in the SolidWorks Simulation software package.Based on the obtained crack formation zone radius and classical hydrodynamic detonation theory, a numerical model was developed for calculating the line of least resistance (LLR) along the bench toe. The validity of the developed model was confirmed by comparing the calculated LLR values with actual data under real open-pit mines and quarries conditions.
Findings. An empirical formula for calculating the radius of the crack formation zone in a unfractured monolithic rock mass was obtained based on the results of numerical simulation of the inelastic deformation zone during blasting of the blasthole charge. A power-law dependence of the value of the LLR along the bench toe on the borehole diameter, the density and detonation velocity of the explosive, the tensile-compressive strength of the rocks, and the degree of their fracturing has been established. The difference between the calculated and actual values of the LLR along the bench toe ranges from +3% to –9%. A method of the D&B parameters for hard rocks fragmentation in open-pit mines and quarries is proposed.
The originality. For the first time, a power-law dependence has been established for calculating the LLR along the bench toe on the radius of the crack formation zone, which comprehensively takes into account the borehole diameter, the density and detonation velocity of explosive, the tensile-compressive strength limits of rocks and their fracturing, which ensures a more accurate calculation of the D&B parameters for the hard rocks fragmentation in open-pit mines and quarries.
Practical implications.The developed methodology allows for the determination of D&B rational parameters for the effective hard rocks fragmentation in open-pit mines and quarries, thereby reducing blasting operations.
Keywords: hard rocks, borehole, explosive, crack formation zone, line of least resistance along the bench toe.
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date of first submission of the article to the publication – 01/10/2026
date of acceptance of the article for publication after review – 02/12/2026
date of publication – 03/30/2026