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Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 11480

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Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Skrzypkowski

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30 Av., 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Interests: underground mining methods; computer-aided design for mining; physical test; numerical modeling; bolting; backfilling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Andrzej Biessikirski

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30 Av., 30-059 Kraków, Poland
Interests: explosives; ANFO; ammonium nitrate(V); fragmentation; blast-induced vibration; fumes; critical raw materials; mineral extraction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to our Special Issue on "Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining", which will explore the cutting-edge developments and new research directions in blasting techniques for both open-pit and underground mining. Blasting is widely regarded as the primary method for quarrying rock masses due to its cost-effectiveness and capacity to produce large volumes of well-fragmented rock in a relatively short time. However, the detonation process is accompanied by potential adverse effects, including blast-induced vibrations, fly-rock, and acoustic waves. Efforts to mitigate these impacts, along with initiatives toward achieving zero emissions, are driving the search for advanced solutions in blasting techniques. This Special Issue aims to address key topics such as innovative explosive compositions, optimized blasting designs, advanced drilling and blasting processes, blasting safety, and methods to minimize environmental impacts including prediction algorithms, such as blast-induced vibrations and fume emissions.

In this Special Issue of Applied Sciences, we intend to focus on innovative laboratory, numerical, and industrial research that has had a positive impact on the development of blasting in mining. We hope that you will consider submitting your original manuscripts to this Special Issue for peer review.

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Skrzypkowski
Prof. Dr. Andrzej Biessikirski
Guest Editors

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Keywords

blasting works
explosives
fragmentation
detonation properties
blast-induced vibration
drilling
blast and ring design
blasting safety

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 6161 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Neighboring Hole Impacts on Inter-Hole Dynamic Presplitting Process with Consideration of Crack Width Variations

by Xiao Liu, Peng Yan, Jin Zhu, Xiasen Yang, Xiangyu Zhang, Chao Zhou, Wenbo Lu, Ming Chen, Gaohui Wang and Yang Wang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 10036; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151810036 - 14 Sep 2025

Viewed by 451

Abstract

To analyze the effect of neighboring hole impacts on the inter-hole presplitting process, the dynamic cracking behavior under explosive load and ground stress is theoretically investigated by developing an inter-hole cracking model. Considering the variations in crack width, the influence mechanisms of stress waves from both in-hole and adjacent holes on the dynamic cracking process of presplitting blasting are examined through numerical simulations. Meanwhile, explosion tests under different detonation conditions were carried out to verify and further elucidate the dynamic effects of inter-hole presplitting blasting. The results indicate that the opening of presplitting holes can be restricted, reduced, or even closed during the cracking formation process due to the stress wave from adjacent holes when detonated simultaneously. Furthermore, there is a tendency for inter-hole cracks to be constrained in the large-angle direction, limiting crack propagation. And millisecond detonation timing can reduce the dynamic stress superposition effect between pre-cracked holes, thereby mitigating the damage to the surrounding rock. This finding is particularly applicable to presplitting blasting technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining)

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24 pages, 6119 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Response of Methane Explosion and Roadway Surrounding Rock in Restricted Space: A Simulation Analysis of Fluid-Solid Coupling

by Qiangyu Zheng, Peijiang Ding, Zhenguo Yan, Yaping Zhu and Jinlong Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9454; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179454 - 28 Aug 2025

Viewed by 539

Abstract

A methane-air premixed gas explosion is one of the most destructive disasters in the process of coal mining, and the dynamic coupling between the shock wave triggered by the explosion and the surrounding rock of the roadway can lead to the destabilization of the surrounding rock structure, the destruction of equipment, and casualties. The aim of this study is to systematically reveal the propagation characteristics of the blast wave, the spatial and temporal evolution of the wall load, and the damage mechanism of the surrounding rock by establishing a two-way fluid-solid coupling numerical model. Based on the Ansys Fluent fluid solver and Transient Structure module, a framework for the co-simulation of the fluid and solid domains has been constructed by adopting the standard

k - ε

turbulence model, finite-rate/eddy-dissipation (FR/ED) reaction model, and nonlinear finite-element theory, and by introducing a dynamic damage threshold criterion based on the Drucker–Prager and Mohr–Coulomb criteria. It is shown that methane concentration significantly affects the kinetic behavior of explosive shock wave propagation. Under chemical equivalence ratio conditions (9.5% methane), an ideal Chapman–Jouguet blast wave structure was formed, exhibiting the highest energy release efficiency. In contrast, lean ignition (7%) and rich ignition (12%) conditions resulted in lower efficiencies due to incomplete combustion or complex combustion patterns. In addition, the pressure time-history evolution of the tunnel enclosure wall after ignition triggering exhibits significant nonlinear dynamics, which can be divided into three phases: the initiation and turbulence development phase, the quasi-steady propagation phase, and the expansion and dissipation phase. Further analysis reveals that the closed end produces significant stress aggregation due to the interference of multiple reflected waves, while the open end increases the stress fluctuation due to turbulence effects. The spatial and temporal evolution of the strain field also follows a three-stage dynamic pattern: an initial strain-induced stage, a strain accumulation propagation stage, and a residual strain stabilization stage and the displacement is characterized by an initial phase of concentration followed by gradual expansion. This study not only deepens the understanding of methane-air premixed gas explosion and its interaction with the roadway’s surrounding rock, but also provides an important scientific basis and technical support for coal mine safety production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining)

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25 pages, 7421 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Internal Explosion Vibration Characteristics of Explosion-Proof Equipment in Coal Mines Using Laser Doppler

by Xusheng Xue, Junbiao Qiu, Hongkui Zhang, Wenjuan Yang, Huahao Wan and Fandong Chen

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(17), 9255; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179255 - 22 Aug 2025

Viewed by 528

Abstract

Currently, there is a lack of methods for detecting the mechanism of gas explosion propagation within flameproof enclosures and the dynamic behavior of flameproof enclosures under explosion impact. Therefore, this paper studies a method for detecting the vibration characteristics of coal mine explosion-proof equipment under internal gas explosions using laser Doppler. First, a model of gas explosion propagation and explosion transmission response in flameproof enclosures is established to reveal the mechanism of gas explosion transmission inside coal mine flameproof enclosures. Second, a laser Doppler measurement method for coal mine flameproof enclosures is proposed, along with a step-by-step progressive vibration characteristic analysis method. This begins with a single-frequency dimension analysis using the Fourier transform (FFT), extends to time–frequency joint analysis using the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) to incorporate a time scale, and then advances to a three-dimensional linkage of scale, time, and frequency using the wavelet transform (DWT) to solve the limitation of the fixed window length of the STFT, thereby achieving a dynamic characterization of the detonation response characteristics. Finally, a non-symmetric Gaussian impact load inversion model is constructed to validate the overall scheme. The experimental results show that the FFT analysis identified a 2000 Hz main frequency, along with the global frequency components of the flameproof enclosure vibration signal, the STFT analysis revealed the dynamic evolution of the 2000 Hz main frequency and global frequency over time, and the wavelet transform achieved higher accuracy positioning of the frequency amplitude in the time domain, with better time resolution. Finally, the experimental platform showed an error of less than 5% compared with the actual measured impact load, and the error between the inverted impact load and the actual load was less than 15%. The experimental platform is feasible, and the inversion model has good accuracy. The laser Doppler measurement method has significant advantages over traditional coal mine flameproof equipment measurement and analysis methods and can provide further failure analysis and prevention, design optimization, and safety performance evaluation of flameproof enclosures in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining)

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22 pages, 5136 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of UAVs to Support Blast Design for Flyrock Mitigation: A Case Study from a Basalt Quarry

by Józef Pyra and Tomasz Żołądek

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8614; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158614 - 4 Aug 2025

Viewed by 590

Abstract

Blasting operations in surface mining pose a risk of flyrock, which is a critical safety concern for both personnel and infrastructure. This study presents the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and photogrammetric techniques to improve the accuracy of blast design, particularly in relation to controlling burden values and reducing flyrock. The research was conducted in a basalt quarry in Lower Silesia, where high rock fracturing complicated conventional blast planning. A DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise UAV was used to capture high-resolution aerial imagery, and 3D models were created using Strayos software. These models enabled precise analysis of bench face geometry and burden distribution with centimeter-level accuracy. The results showed a significant improvement in identifying zones with improper burden values and allowed for real-time corrections in blasthole design. Despite a ten-fold reduction in the number of images used, no loss in model quality was observed. UAV-based surveys followed software-recommended flight paths, and the application of this methodology reduced the flyrock range by an average of 42% near sensitive areas. This approach demonstrates the operational benefits and enhanced safety potential of integrating UAV-based photogrammetry into blasting design workflows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining)

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19 pages, 4392 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Impact of Blasting Vibration in Mining Areas on Surrounding Railway Structures

by Shuai Zhang, Zhiyu Zhang, Kai Wang, Defu He and Yonghui Huang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4624; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094624 - 22 Apr 2025

Viewed by 704

Abstract

To study the safety impact of open-pit blasting on railway structures, blasting vibration tests were conducted on the railway. Numerical simulation methods were employed to establish a three-dimensional finite element model of the railway structure, encompassing the rail, sleepers, and subgrade. By applying the measured blasting vibration waves from the railway platform and amplifying their velocities to various multiples, the variation patterns of the vibration velocity and displacement of the railway structure were calculated and analyzed. The research findings suggest that the rail in the railway structure is less affected by the vibration, whereas the sleepers and subgrade are more significantly influenced by the blasting vibration. The peak velocities and displacements generated by the structure are well below the requirements of the relevant regulations. Upon amplifying the loading velocities to different multiples and conducting the analysis, it was observed that as the vibration velocity increases, the velocity and displacement of the structure increase to varying extents. It is recommended to control the blasting vibration velocity below 3 cm/s and to adopt corresponding security technology measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining)

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13 pages, 3168 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Investigation of Porcelain Plates Roughness Influence on Determination of Explosives Friction Sensitivity

by Sonia Nachlik and Mateusz Pytlik

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4478; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084478 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 538

Abstract

The influence of the roughness of porcelain plates on the results of the friction sensitivity test of explosives was investigated. For this purpose, the roughness of selected batches of plates from several manufacturers (Julius Peters, OZM Research s.r.o., Deltima Precision s.r.o.) was determined. Subsequently, according to the standards EN 13631-3:2005 and STANAG 4487 JAIS (edition 2), friction sensitivity tests of PETN (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate, penthrite) and RDX (Royal Demolition Explosive, hexogen) were carried out. No statistically significant correlation was established under the experimental conditions—although sanded plates had the lowest roughness (mean value 5.07 μm) and simultaneously gave the lowest sensitivity results (168 N for RDX and 80 N for PETN according to the EN 13631-3 while 216 N for RDX and 121 N for PETN according to the STANAG 4487), Julius Peters plates with a similar level of roughness (mean value 6.07 μm) did not reflect the pattern and results of the sensitivity tests that were surprisingly high (120 N for RDX and 64 N for PETN according to the EN 13631-3 while 182 N for RDX and 67 N for PETN according to the STANAG 4487). Due to these results, the human factor is indicated as a key factor in the obtained discrepancies; however, further research in this matter may be needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining)

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32 pages, 9477 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strata Control by Roof Blasting for Bord and Pillar Mining Method in Mechanized Depillaring Panels

by Abhishek Gautam, Ashok Kumar, Sahendra Ram, Krzysztof Skrzypkowski, Krzysztof Zagórski, Anna Zagórska, Maciej Madziarz and Krzysztof Migda

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031403 - 29 Jan 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1782

Abstract

This article discusses the challenges and remedial measures (roof blasting) adopted to deal with extremely difficult cavable roofs while working with Continuous Miner Technology (CMT) in Bord and Pillar mining method. The main objective of the roof blasting in the goaf is to induce caving to minimize the abutment load in and around the working face to prevent incidences of coal bumps, goaf swelling, pillar spalling, and air blasts. It was found that roof blasting is subjected to the nature of local roof falls, results of strata monitoring studies, and the hanging span of roof strata near the line of extraction. Efforts have been made to design different geotechnical elements and structures involved during the mechanized depillaring panel of the Tawa-I mine, using empirical methods to minimize the issues of roof overhang in the goaf. Numerical simulation studies were also performed to validate the design predicted by empirical methods. The Cavability Index indicated that the roof at Tawa-I mine is difficult to cave. To address this, roof blasting design strategies have been discussed to promote caving and minimize roof overhang, ensuring safe and efficient strata control while operating CMT in the challenging and complex geo-mining conditions of the mine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining)

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19 pages, 6972 KB

Open AccessArticle

Blasting of Unstable Rock Elements on Steep Slopes

by Marco Casale, Giovanna Antonella Dino and Claudio Oggeri

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020712 - 13 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1498

Abstract

The improvement of safety conditions on hazardous rock slopes in civil work, mining and quarrying, and urban environments can be achieved through the use of explosives for the removal of unstable rock elements and final profiling. This technique is often applied because, in most cases, drill and blast operations, where they can be used, are cheaper and faster than other techniques and require fewer subsequent maintenance interventions. Blasting represents a suitable and effective solution in terms of different geometries, rock formation types, access to site, safety, and the long-term durability of results. The primary purpose of this approach is the improvement of the safety conditions of sites, depending on their local features, as well as the safety of workers, so that the blasting scheme, geometry, and firing can be carefully adapted, thus imposing relevant limitations on the operating techniques. All these constraints associated with complex logistics make it difficult to standardize the demolition technique, due to different situations in terms of extension, location, fracturing state, and associated traffic risk. Considering the significant number of influencing factors for both the rock mass features and for the topography, the present research has been necessarily validated through the analysis of several case histories, thus on an experiential basis focusing on some simple control parameters to help engineers and practitioners regarding the first design and control of blasting schemes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining)

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Review

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17 pages, 1632 KB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Review of the Influence of Sensitizers on the Detonation Properties of Emulsion Explosives

by Andrzej Maranda, Dorota Markowska, Bożena Kukfisz and Weronika Jakubczak

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2417; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052417 - 24 Feb 2025

Viewed by 3730

Abstract

Emulsion explosives are extensively utilized in the global mining industry due to their superior water resistance, high safety standards, cost-efficiency, and robust performance. The basic component of these explosives is a water-in-oil emulsion matrix, which, in its initial state, lacks the capacity for detonation. The sensitization process, achieved through either physical or chemical means, is a critical step that enhances the emulsion’s sensitivity to detonation, thereby improving its operational efficiency in blasting applications. This review presents a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the current scientific literature and experimental investigations concerning the impact of key sensitizing methods and agents on the detonation characteristics of emulsion explosives. Particular emphasis is placed on the classification of sensitizers, their physicochemical properties, and their interactions with the emulsion matrix. By examining various sensitization mechanisms, this study provides insights into the role and efficacy of both established and emerging sensitizing agents. The findings of this review highlight the pivotal role of sensitizer selection in defining the detonation performance of emulsion explosives, with implications for enhancing safety standards and ensuring the protection of both industrial operations and public safety. The most optimal sensitization method is chemical, utilizing cost-effective components that generate gas bubbles within the matrix. A key advantage is the in situ production of emulsion explosives, which eliminates the need for their transport on public roads, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of terrorist threats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blasting Technology for Mining)

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