Strain‐based modeling and analysis for rock blasting and geomechanics applications

Abstract Predicting rock blasting outcomes in mining has been crucial since its inception. Blasting remains the most energy‐ and cost‐efficient method for rock breaking and is often the only practical option. However, the mechanism is complex, influenced by various rock properties, explosives, and blast design parameters, making their effects difficult to quantify. Traditional stress‐based models struggle with many parameters, such as stress and Poisson's ratio, which are challenging to measure in the field. Empirical models, though simpler, often oversimplify blast conditions. Both types of models are limited to simulating a few blastholes and cannot handle full‐scale blasts involving hundreds of blastholes. However, modeling full‐scale blasts with all blast design parameters is most required for modern mining applications. This paper presents a novel strain‐based modeling approach for blasting and geomechanical applications, utilizing measurable variables such as particle velocity, strain, and displacement. By bypassing complex constitutive relations, strain‐based models capture critical blasting trends and simulate full‐scale blasts with full‐blast design parameters with minimal calibration. The framework encompasses field strain measurements, model construction based on measurable variables, and laboratory‐derived strain‐failure criteria, each offering potential for future enhancement. Additionally, a standardized field test for site characterization is recommended. The approach is demonstrated through the Multiple Blasthole Fragmentation model, which simulates rock fragmentation and fragment strain during blasting, highlighting the practicality and effectiveness of strain‐based modeling for multiple blasthole blasts. Moreover, this approach extends beyond blasting, with potential applications in highwall stability monitoring and other geomechanical applications. Strain‐based modeling provides a simplified yet effective solution, avoiding the complexities of rock constitutive relations and field stress measurements while enabling full‐blast design simulations for large‐scale field blasts.