A two-dimensional kinematic model for predicting muckpile shape in bench blasting

Summary

Most existing models of blasting are stress-based and involve many fundamental parameters difficult or impossible to measure in practice. Even a single prediction with such models takes large quantities of computer time, so that calibration becomes a major impediment to their practical use.

The model in this paper is based on a simple kinematic approach to modelling muckpile formation. This has the advantage of relative simplicity, while still reflecting the essence of the blasting displacement process. Because of the simple implementation, the model can be calibrated against field data in a straightforward manner and then used for predictions at the same site. The inputs to the model are simply the blast design parameters. The output of the model is a muckpile cross-section, within which contours of diggability or distribution of materials can also be calculated. Case studies have shown that, provided the model is calibrated to the site condition, it will give accurate predictions for altered blast designs.