This research examines optimization of blasting parameters for economic production of granite aggregates in Ratcon and NSCE quarries located atIbadan,OyoState. Samples were collected from the study areas for the determination of rock density and porosity. Schmidt hammer was used for in situ determination of rock hardness. Uniaxial compressive strength of in situ rock was estimated from the values obtained from Schmidt hammer rebound hardness test and density determined from laboratory test. Blasting data were collected from the study areas for optimization. Multiple regression analysis using computer aided solution SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) was used to analyse data obtained from the laboratory test, field test and the study areas. The estimated mean uniaxial compressive strength value of NSCE is 240MPa and that of Ratcon is 200MPa and their average densities and average porosities are2.63g/cm3,2.55g/cm3, 1.88% and 2.25% respectively. Eleven parameters were input into the multiple regression analysis to generate the models. Two parameters out of eleven input parameters such as geometric volume of blast (Y1) and number of boulders generated after blasting (Y2) were dependent variables and the remaining nine such as X1(Drill hole diameter), X2(Drill hole depth), X3(Spacing), X4(Burden), X5(Average charge per hole), X6(Rock density), X7
References
[1]
C. V. B. Cunningham, “Control over Blasting Parameters and Its Effect on Quarry Productivity,” AECI Explosives and Chemical Limited, Rondebosch, 2011, p. 2.
[2]
M. A. Saliu and J. M. Akande, “Drilling and Blasting Pattern Selection for Fragmentation Optimization in Raycon Quarry,” Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Vol. 2, No. 12, 2007, p. 1768.
[3]
A. T. S. Massawe and R. B. Karim, “Regression Models of the Impact of Rockmass and Blasting Design Variables on the Effectiveness of Iron Ore Surface Blasting,” Department of Chemical and Mining Engineering College of Engineering and Technology, University of Dar es Salam, Dar es Salam, 2011, pp. 56-56.
[4]
ISRM, “Rock Characterization, Testing on Monitoring,” In: E. T. Brown, Ed., ISRM Suggested Methods, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1981, p. 211.
[5]
ASTM, “Annual Book of ASTM Standards-Construction: Soil and Rocks,” ASTM Publication, West Conshohocken, 1994, p. 975.
[6]
D. U. Deere and R. P. Miller, “Engineering Classification and Index Properties for Intact Rock,” Technical Report No. AFNL-TR-65-116, Air Force Weapon Laboratory, New Mexico, 1966.
[7]
C. S. Sun, D. W. Later and G. Chen, “Analysis of the Effect of Borehole Size on Explosive Energy Loss in Rock Blasting,” Fragblast: International Journal for Blasting and Fragmentation, Vol. 5, No. 4, 2001, pp. 235-246. doi:10.1076/frag.5.4.235.3618
[8]
C. L. Jimeno, E. L. Jimeno and J. A. C. Francisco, “Drilling and Blasting of Rock,” Taylor & Francis, New York, 1995.
[9]
B. Bahman, “The Effects of Geological Parameters on Rock Blasting Using the Hopkinson Split Bar,” International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, Vol. 34, No. 3-4, 1997, pp. e1-e9.
[10]
B. N. Kutuzov, B. I. Komashenko, B. F. Noskov, C. B. Gabrahamov and A. A. Muzirkov, “Lab and Practical Exercises in the Explosive Breakage of Rocks,” Nedra, Moscow, 1981.
