Explicit dynamics based numerical simulation approach for assessment of impact of relief hole on blast induced deformation pattern in an underground face blast

The breakage of rock mass by blasting has many challenges. The optimal breakage in an underground development face/tunnel blast is dominantly dependent on the relief area provided to the blast holes. The cut portion in the burn cut face blast is significantly important to achieve the controlled deformation due to the blast. This paper has discussed the impact of the number and diameter of the relief holes on the breakage pattern of the rock. The numerical simulation with varying numbers and diameter of relief hole was carried out for this purpose. Finite element modeller explicit dynamics of Ansys-Autodyn was used for the simulation work. The isosurface of non-deformed zone was plotted to compare the extent of deformation under varying conditions of relief holes. The analysis shows that the higher number of relief holes with optimum diameter gives more controlled deformation than single relief hole with larger diameter. The nearfield vibration was also recorded by placement of seismograph. The waveform analysis of the recorded vibration was carried out. The redesigning of the blasting pattern was done using the results of numerical simulation and waveform analysis. The redesigned pattern consists of four relief holes of 115 mm diameter. The blasting output with the revised design has resulted into the considerable improvements in the pull and reduction of overbreak. The revised pattern has addressed the issue of the socket formation at the site