Comparative analysis of rock fragmentation by blasting using nonelectric initiation systems and detonating cords

The article presents the comparative grain-size analysis of rocks after blasting in similar geological conditions and with similar blasting patterns but using different initiation systems, namely, nonelectric initiation and detonating cord. The spotlight is on the quality of rock fragmentation by blasting as this criterion is the most demonstrative and informative estimate of blasting efficiency. This study aims to determine optimum parameters of blasting with detonating cords so that the grain-size composition of blasted rocks is the same as in blasting with nonelectric initiation systems. The relevance of the study consists in the increasing frequency of application of detonating cords as the downhole lines in blastholes charges with emulsion explosives in open pit mining practices, that has never happened before. Probable consequences of the use of detonating cords in the column charge emulsion explosives were evaluated from the analysis of grain-size composition in comparison with fragmentation by blasting with nonelectrical initiation. It is found that the quality of blasting with detonating cords in more solid unwatered rock mass in summer is the same as in blasting with nonelectric initiation systems. Furthermore, for the double benching operations, it is recommended to use nonelectric initiation systems rather than detonating cords. It is also set that in certain geological conditions and with correctly selected blast designs, detonating cords can substitute nonelectrical initiation systems. The research findings are applicable for open pit mining.

Brukhavetskaya A. O. Comparative analysis of rock fragmentation by blasting using nonelectric initiation systems and detonating cords. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2024;(3):31-41. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2024_3_0_31.

A.O. Brukhavetskaya, Graduate Student, University of Science and Technology MISIS, 119049, Moscow, Russia, e-mail: bruhavetskaya@gmail.com.

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