Selection and justification of drilling and blasting parameters using genetic algorithms

Purpose. Using experimental and theoretical studies to justify the rational location of charges of various types and their technological parameters in the fan, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties and structural features of the rocks in the mountain massif. Methodology. In the experiments, an improved method of geostructural analysis of rocks was used to obtain detailed data on their properties, the block structure of the massif, and the type and direction of development of crack systems. Identification of crack systems, their density, intensity, and direction of development of crack systems is carried out on petrographic sections using microscopic analysis, these are used to calculate the average indicator of the cracking coefficient, while the funneling method – the anisotropy coefficient. The justification of the rational location and the number of charges in each fan was performed using the methods of genetic algorithms and the developed software product. Findings. The coefficient of cracking and anisotropy of physical and mechanical properties of uranium ores was calculated, which was 78 cr/sm2 and 1.4, respectively. According to the developed mathematical models and the software product, the optimization problem was solved using genetic algorithms, which determined the main priorities: the location of the charge in the fan according to the structure of the massif and the rational diameter of the well, which helps to limit the number of oversized blocks of reflected ore. Originality. The regularities are established of the change in the anisotropy coefficient from the cracking coefficient, the nature of the distribution and the number of microcracks (cr/sm2) in the quartz grains, which is present in uranium ore according to a linear law, and the output (in %) of oversized blocks during the destruction of uranium ore from the cracking coefficient – according to the polynomial law. For the first time, the optimal location and the number of charges in each fan, the diameter of the wells, taking into account the type of rock, its strength and fissure, and the geometric parameters of the ore deposit, were determined based on the constructed mathematical models and the developed software product. Practical value. The indicated results of the experimental and theoretical studies will form the basis for the development and substantiation of rational parameters of resource-saving and seismically safe methods for breaking strong rocks of complex structure during the extraction of uranium and iron ores by the energy of the explosion in mines.