1

Chapter 11
INDICES DE VOLABILIDAD
2
Several investigators have attempted to
correlate blast desing factors with
geological condition in order to promote
consistency in blasting performance, and
provide a path for design optimization.
INDICES DE VOLABILIDAD
3
LILLY'S BLASTABILITY INDEX
Lilly (1986) developed a blastability index based on a
combination of physical and structural properties of the
rock mass to be blasted. Lilly's blastability index has a
similar basis to the rock mass classification systems
developed by Bieniawski, Barton and Hansagi; and was
intended for use with the Kuz-Ram model developed by
Cunningham (1983). The factors, and their ratings, are
shown in table 1, and it is noted that the index is heavily
weighted towards the nature orientation of planes of
weakness in the rock mass:
( ) H SGI JPO JPS RMD BI + + + + = 5 . 0
4
Where Bi is the blastability index, and the other
terms are explained in table 1.
Lilly also related his blastability index to the
rock constants, A, required for imput to the Kuz-
Ram model (Cunningham, 1983)
A = 0.12 BI
5
The application of the blastability index can be
excepted to be site specific, but for the ore mines in
the Pilbara, Lilly found that the index ranger from a
low of around 20 for weak shales, to a high of around
100 for the massive, high density hematite. In these
application, the blastability index was then correlated
with an energy factor to determine the amount and
strength of explosive best suited to the rock types
being blasted. Larger blasts contained variable rock
types, and charging procedures were tailored to suit
the rock conditions in each section. Lillys correlation
with energy factor was of the form:
Energy factor= 0.015 BI
Where the energy factor was expressed in MJ/Tm.
6
Discontinuidades estructurales en un macizo rocoso.
7
Parameter Rating
Rock Mass Description (RMD)
Powdery/Friable
Blocky
Totally Massive

10
20
50
Joint Plane Spacing (JPS)
Close (<0.1 m)
Intermediate (0.1 to 1m)
Wide (> 1m)

10
20
50
Joint Plane Orientation (JPO)
Horizontal
Dip out of face
Strike normal to face
Dip into face

10
20
30
40
Specific Gravity Influence (SGI)
(where SG is in g/cc)
SGI =25*SG- 50
Hardness (H) 1 - 10
Ratings for blastability index parameters (after Lilly, 1986)
Table 1:
8
Slip Surface
Underground haulage
drift
Galera con taladros de drenaje.
9
Having calculated the appropriate energy requirements,
charge lengths and explosive strengths were chosen to
provide the maximun column height of explosive subject
minimum stemming length constraints and fixed blasthole
diameter.
The relative importance the different parameters in
deciding the fragmentation from blasting is highlighted in
Lillys index. Rock hardness for example, is used directly,
though the application is empirical, requiring the operator
to assess the factor on a scale of 1 to 10. This factor,
however, would have only a small influence on the total
blastability index, suggesting that rock strength does not
play a major role in determining fragmentation. This is
perhaps due to the extreme pressure generated by even
low strength explosive.
10
ANFO, for example, generates a blasthole
pressure of around 2 GPa, compared with a rock
tensile strength of usually no more than 30 MPa.
By assigning the effect of horizontal joint planes
a weighting of only 10, Lilly acnowledges the
relative minor impact which this type of jointing
has on fragmentation. Conversely, assigning a
weighting of 40 to 50 each for wide spaced joint,
massive rock types, and jointing dipping into the
face, recognises the significant impact each of
these factors can have on fragmentation and
blast performance.
11
AFROUZ BLASTABILITY INDEX
Afrouz et al (1988) defined a blastability index based
directly on Bieniawsky's rock mass classification
system, in conjunction with the empirical failure
criterion developed by Hoek & Brown (1980). The
method is little known, and the technical paper
presenting the method provides little field support.
The method, however, is worth closer investigation,
and is linked closely with theories developed by
Langefors & Kihlstrom (1978).
The Afrouz blastability index, e, is defined as:
12
Where:
m
t
, is the Hoek & Brown (1980) intact constant
varying from 7 to 25 for specimens free from joints,
RMR is the Bieniawski rock mass rating ranging
from 20 for poor quality rock to 100 for high quality
rocks.
( ) ( )
( )
( )
(

+
e=
3 . 6 / 100
2
14 / 100 14 / 100
4
2
RMR RMR
t
RMR
t
e e m e m
13
14
In his paper, Afrouz (1988) presents tables of values
for different rock types. The Afrouz blastability is also
equal to the ratio of compressive strength to tensile
strength, so that Afrouz (1988) believes that rock
strength has a major influence on fragmentation,
together with the rock mass condition as defined by
the Bieniawski rock mass classification system. After
estimating the blastability index, Afrouz develops a
relationship between the index and the specific
charge or powder factor, q, using the approach of
Langefors & Kihlstrom (1978). The relationship
developed is:
15
Where:
B is the blasthole burden,
S is the blasthole spacing, and
H is the heigt of the bench
For calculation of the parameters B, S &
H, Afrouz uses the methods outlined by
Langerfors & Kihlstrom (1978).
|
.
|

\
|
+
|
.
|

\
|
e
+
e
+ =
H
B
S
B
q
5 . 1
1
2 . 5 04 . 1
20 . 0
16
INIDE DE BOLABILIDAD DE V.
BORQUEZ
DRILLING AND BLASTING ANALYSIS
The cost estimate derived here are based on
the simulation of several drilling
performances for various types of rocks,
according to field and drill core
observations. In this section, specific
variables in the drilling and blasting
operation are indetified.
17
td
S
P K
B
2
12
|
=
Modelo matemtico postulado por Pearse:
Donde:
B = Burden (m)
K = ndice de volabilidad
C= Diametro del taladro (pulg.)
P
2
= Presin de detonacin del explosivo (PSi)
S
td
= Resistencia Tensional Dinmica de la Roca (MPa)
18
Donde:
ERQD = ndice de calidad de roca equivalente (%)
ERQD = RQD x JSF (Equivalent Rock Quality Designation)
RQD = ndice de calidad de la roca (Rock Quality
Designation)
JSF = Joint Strength Correction Factor.
) ( 27 . 0 96 . 1 ERQD Ln K =
19
In mining, all the unit operations are
interrelated. However, drilling and
blasting are of utmost importance. Drill
patterns, and blasting techniques are
planned to break rock efficiently while
avoiding undesirable dilution and
unstable conditiond in the mine.
Optimization of the other procedures,
such as loading, hauling, and crushing
operation, depends upon the desired
fragmentation.
20
The economics of these interrelated
procedures are strongly dependent on
the drilling and blasting operation, which
in turn are directly responsible for
proveiding the desired rock
fragmentation. Therefore, it is critical to
analyze the economics of the drilling and
blasting design.
The tree basic elements governing the
economics of the drilling and blasting
design are:
21
1.Rock geomechanical parameters,
including geological structures, joints,
frequency and orientation.
2.Explosives porperties; and
3.Drilling characteristics and equipment.
A conceptual diagram that shows how the
drilling and blasting design is optimized is
presented in Figure I.
The variables that govern the drilling and
blasting performance are discused in the
following sections.
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Drilling Variables
Penetration rate is a factor that has a major
influence on the productivity and,
consequently, on the overall cost per unit.
The penetration rate (PR) is a function of the
uniaxial compressive strength (Sc), diameter
of the drill hole (), type of drill and
pulldown pressure (W/), and the revolutions
of drill pipe per minute (rpm). Therefore:
( ) rpm W Sc f PR , / , , | | =
23
Analysis of the drill performances on rocks
of different strength was reported by Bauer,
several monlinear correlation of penetartion
rate versus rock compressive strength, and
penetration rate versus revolution of drill
pipe per minute for various pulldown
pressure were presented.
FIGURE I
24
td
S
P K
Burden Eq Pearse
design blasting and Drilling
2
12
|

( )
( )
( )
( ) B
Size
p
Wi a
PS
c b
25 . 1
*
10
=
Desired Not desired
Drilling and blasting diagram
Rock
geomechanical
Characteristic
Explosive
properties
Drilling equipment

Drilling and blasting
patterns calculation
Actual fragmentation
Desired
No Yes
To next mining sequence
Predicted fragmentation
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Otros factores que se deben conocer para poder
aplicar mecnica de rocas a la voladura, son los
siguientes:
Rock Density (
R
)
Longitudinal wave velocity within the rock mass (PW
V
)
Tranversal wave velocity within the rock mass (TW
V
)
Youngs Moduli of elasticity (E)
Poisson Ratio (u)
Compressive Resistance (S
C
)
Dynamic Tensile Stregth (S
td
)
Shock Attenuation, etc.
26
The last two properties can be determinated by
procedures developed by cils scientific staff. These
procedures are based on some modifications of
hopkinsons tests.
These tests require actual explosive charges,
sample of the rocks and the diffusion of a lasser ray
to measure the velocity of the particles of the rock
are the characteristics of this test.
The measurements of the rock mass to be blasted
can be require, also, a sismic determination of the
rock mass and the plane of the geological
structures.
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Problema de aplicacin 1.
Los ingenieros de una compaa minera necesitan
conocer el ndice de volabilidad de Afrouz, donde
ejecutaran una excavacin subterrnea
permanente, teniendo en cuenta que la roca es
muy buena; y adems se cuenta con la siguiente
informacin de campo:
Las rugosidades son el doble del numero de
alteraciones = 2; adems dicho macizo rocoso
tiene tres contactos.
Agua: 1 L/min.
SRF = 0.5
Mt = 8
En el siguiente diagrama conceptual, se tiene la
informacin necesaria y suficiente para
resolver el problema planteados.
28
Se pide:
i. Usando uno de los modelos matemticos estudiados
en clase, determinar los parmetros geomecnicos del
macizo rocoso.
ii. Determinar el ndice de volabilidad de Afruoz
iii. Discutir los resultados.
29
Nac para alcanzar el xito, no para fracasar
Nac para triunfar, no para inclinar mi cabeza en seal de derrota.
Nac para saborear las victorias y brindar por ellas, no para gemir
y lamentarme.
Qu es lo que me ha sucedido? En que momento todos mis
sueos se desvanecieron en una griscea mediocridad, en la
cual las personas promedio se aplauden unas a otras como si
fuesen seres sobresalientes?
Ninguna persona ha sido jams tan engaada por otra, como por
si misma. El cobarde esta convencido de que solo esta actuando
con cautela, y el avaro piensa que esta practicando la fragilidad.
No hay nada que resulte tan sencillo como engaarse uno
mismo.
Nadie, en toda mi vida, me ha engaado tanto como yo me he
engaado a mi mismo.
Profesor.