Evaluation of Rock and Explosive Properties for Fragmentation Characterization: An Application of WipFrag

Abstract

This study investigates the rock explosive properties in selected Lokoja quarries, Nigeria, with the goal of characterizing fragmentation for optimized downstream operations. The analysis includes porosity, UCS values, and permeability assessment in Gitto quarry, highlighting advantages in material application. Comparisons between rock formations (Q1 and Q2) reveal varying compressive strengths, crucial for determining appropriate explosive energy for efficient fragmentation. Blast design parameters from Q1 and Q2 indicate consistent values, aiding in operational planning. Fragmentation analysis, conducted using WipFrag software, delineates size ranges and classifies the blast as having a moderate distribution. Correlations between blast fragmentation size and powder factor underscore the impact on efficiency. A classification chart and table are presented for convenient interpretation of results, providing valuable insights for enhancing blasting practices in Lokoja quarries and ultimately improving productivity. The fragmentation analysis result carried out in this study using WipFrag software shows that the 50%, 80% and Maximum block size passing size ranges from 539.94 – 1349.53 mm, 690.07 – 1907.81 mm, 808-2280 mm respectively. The blast fragmentation sizes are classified as moderate distribution blast based on the uniformity index value ranging from 1.95 to 2.4. The relationship between blast fragmentation size and powder factor was evaluated using linear correlation coefficient. It was noted that, X20, X50, X80 has high R2 values greater than 60% respectively