1.

0 VOLADURA
Rock Blasting is one of the key areas that directly influences the productivity of mines as large quantities of
well-fragmented ROM are required for the processing plants. It is desirable to minimise damage
desired to rock slope after excavation of materials. The production of well-fragmented rock facilitates
the post-excavation stages, such as, loading, transportation, handling and crushing. These requirements are
possible only if proper blasting techniques are adopted & applied so as to control rock fragmentation
and the consequent damages effected. Proper control of factors, such as, type, weight and distribution of
explosives, blast hole diameter, effective burden, effective spacing, blast hole inclination, stemming,
initiation sequence for detonation of explosives, delay between successive sequence hole or row firing

1 Indian Bureau of Mines

Application of Rock Mechanics in Surface and Underground Mining

etc. are essential for achieving optimum results. Rock Mechanics

techniques that are based on rock mass characterisation studies
help in selection of blasting parameters for specific rock mass.

1.1 GROUND VIBRATION STUDY

The ground vibration studies are helpful in designing blasting
parameters, in order to reduce the distance of fly rocks and
improved fragmentation. Blast induced vibrations are measured
with the help of blasting seismograph. Depending on the site’s ground
conditions, an equation may be established to calculate a safe charge
weight per delay and safe distance for measuring the ground
vibration due to blasting within the permissible safe limits so as to
avoid possible damage to important surface structures, such as,
railway lines, crushers, buildings, archeological sites, temples
and village localities. All these would have to be in compliance
with the various regulations of the Mining Act.

1.2 GROUND CONTROL / STRATA CONTROL

Many underground mines have problems of stope design, ground
control and support systems. For the purpose of analysis of the
stability of existing pillars so as to avoid possible impending failure
and to achieve safer designs of future stopes and pillar, geotechnical
study is required. By using various instruments and close monitoring,
stability of crown and rib pillars could be achieved.

1.3 SELECTION OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Geo-technical studies form an integral part for the assessment of
ground conditions for support requirement. The geomechanics
classification of rock mass in drives, stopes on the basis of rock mass
classification, stand-up time for open stope, tunnel or without
providing support can be studied. Type of supports and its density
can be calculated.

2 Indian Bureau of Mines