Comparative Application of Digital Image Processing and Kuz-Ram Model in Blast Fragmentation Analysis: Case of Shayona Cement Quarry

Jabulani Matsimbe, Martin Shaba, Innocent Musonda, Megersa Dinka

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Blasting operation affects all downstream processes in the mining and construction cycle hence the need to carry out an effective blast to give the desired fragmentation. The present study compares the application of digital image processing and the Kuz-Ram model in particle size distribution analysis at a limestone quarry. Performance assessment utilized the root mean square error, correlation, and regression analysis. Digital image processing utilized WipFrag V3.3 software to analyze the images and benchmark improvements. One blast session was carried out for each mine site. Particle size less than 10 mm, and greater than 300 mm were treated as fines and oversize respectively. Results showed that the model predicted 2% fines and 2% oversize material while the observations on measured fragmentation showed 16.5% fines and 0% oversize for the Chikoa blast. For the Livwezi blast, the model predicted 3% fines and 1% oversize while the observations on measured fragmentation showed 0.27% fines and 42% oversize. The blast from Chikoa performed optimally better than that from the Livwezi mine site. The Kuz-Ram model performed well at predicting fragmentation for the Livwezi site with a 90.42% correlation while for Chikoa it was an 85.39% correlation. The model performed with high correlation values implying that it can be used on both sites to predict fragmentation during preliminary blast design.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Information Technology in Civil and Building Engineering - Proceedings of ICCCBE 2022 - Volume 2
EditorsSebastian Skatulla, Hans Beushausen
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages173-194
Number of pages22
ISBN (Print)9783031325144
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event19th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering, ICCCBE 2022 - Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: 26 Oct 202228 Oct 2022

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Volume358 LNCE
ISSN (Print)2366-2557
ISSN (Electronic)2366-2565

Conference

Conference19th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering, ICCCBE 2022
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityCape Town
Period26/10/2228/10/22

Keywords

  • blasting
  • computing
  • construction
  • fragmentation
  • mining
  • photogrammetry
  • wipfrag

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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