Discontinuity-sensitive assessment of blast fragmentation in jointed rock masses through digital image analysis and Kuz-Ram evaluation

Authors

  • Majid Noorian-Bidgoli Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Kashan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2586-2649
  • Mohammadhosein Saqazade Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Kashan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2027.1.6

Keywords:

Blast fragmentation, Jointed rock mass, Digital image analysis, Kuz–Ram model, Rock discontinuities, Split-Desktop

Abstract

Rock fragmentation is a key parameter influencing blasting effectiveness in mining engineering. This research examines the impact of geological discontinuities on blast fragmentation at the Kavir Almas Iron Ore Mine in Iran using digital image analysis and the modified Kuz-Ram approach. Field studies were conducted in three zones, each with blasting operations characterized by distinct geological discontinuities, joint spacings, orientations, and intensities. Rock fragments were analyzed using the Split-Desktop program, and the results were compared with predictions from the modified Kuz-Ram equation. The findings reveal notable differences in fragmentation efficiency across the zones. Zone 3 shows high fragmentation efficiency, with the D80 parameter decreasing from 138.66 mm in the intact rock mass to 20.29 mm after blasting. Zone 2 was the least efficient, due to poor discontinuity properties. A comparison of image analysis with Kuz-Ram predictions indicated that the empirical method underestimated fragmentation size, with errors ranging from 17.26% to 54.01%. The discontinuity impact index (DII) was developed to examine the effects of geological structures on fragmentation behavior. According to the findings, the rock mass's structural geology exerts a considerable influence on its fragmentation ability and must be taken into account when formulating empirical equations for predicting fragmentation. While the proposed method is site-dependent, this methodology may enable further research dedicated to evaluating discontinuity-controlled blast fragmentation in mining.

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Published

2026-10-26

Issue

Vol. 42 No. 1 (2027): Forthcoming Issue: No. 82

Section

Mining

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Majid Noorian-Bidgoli, Mohammadhosein Saqazade

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How to Cite

Noorian-Bidgoli, M., & Saqazade, M. (2026). Discontinuity-sensitive assessment of blast fragmentation in jointed rock masses through digital image analysis and Kuz-Ram evaluation. Rudarsko-geološko-Naftni Zbornik, 42(1), Article in Press. https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2027.1.6