Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Improved Blast Movement Monitor Locations Planning

Abstract

Blast-induced rock movement is a highly variable phenomenon which depends on numerous factors. Rock type and its deriving physical and mechanical properties are among such factors, which are crucial to be available prior to planning the locations where each monitor is placed. Hence, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was used to acquire additional rock mass data for several benches of an open-pit mining operation. ERT is considered a valuable tool in mine planning. By providing information about the subsurface electrical resistivity distribution, ERT helps in determination of geological structures, composition of the ground and helps assessing potential hazards. A total of 21 profiles were measured, which allowed for relevant data to be obtained regarding each monitor’s location. Results from the study showed that blast movement measurements from different rock-type zones do not differ in a statistically significant manner. However, substantial differences were uncovered regarding the mode of movement vectors by using Kernel density estimation (KDE). These results proved that ERT is a fast and reliable support method for establishing different rock mass zones and for location planning of blast movement monitors and blast design optimization prior to drilling.

Keywords

• Blast movement
• Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT)
• Kernel density estimation (KDE)

References

1. Kaykov, D., Koprev, I. & Terziyski, D. (2024). Application of electrical resistivity tomography for improved blast movement monitor locations planning. The Eurasia Proceedings of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (EPSTEM), 29, 270-284.