Blastability evaluation for rock mass: review and new tendency

Abstract

Accurately estimating the blastability of rock mass is crucial for precise blasting design, enhancing blasting efficiency, and minimizing unnecessary damage to the rock mass. Despite the development of various methods for blastability evaluation, none has gained wide acceptance due to the complexity of rock masses. This paper aims to systematically review the development of blastability evaluation research to enhance understanding in this area. Firstly, factors affecting the blastability of rock mass were summarized and classified. Based on this, blastability evaluation indexes were categorized into four classes: characteristic parameters of rock, structural parameters of rock mass, blasting parameters, and external factors. The selection principles of blastability evaluation indexes were discussed. Secondly, the methods of blastability evaluation including single index empirical criterion method, multiple indexes aggregation method, comprehensive evaluation method, and machine learning method, were summarized. The applicability and advantages of each evaluation method were introduced. Finally, trends in blastability evaluation of rock mass were proposed, including the intelligent acquisition of rock mass parameters, three-dimensional blastability evaluation, broadening the scope of evaluation, and widespread application.