Development of a model for predicting fragmentation due to blasting in underground spaces

The primary purpose of blasting operations is to achieve optimal rock fragmentation while minimizing the adverse effects associated with the blasting process. Effective fragmentation significantly influences overall production costs, including expenses related to loading, transporting, and crushing the materials. Consequently, accurately predicting the extent of fragmentation resulting from an explosion is essential for blasting designers. In open-pit blasting, various models have been developed to forecast fragmentation; however, tunnel explosions and underground characteristic present unique challenges that require specialized predictive models.