Statistical Investigation of the Mineralogical Effect on Blastability in Granitic Rocks

Abstract

In this study, the effect of physico-mechanical and mineralogical properties of core samples taken from granite rocks obtained from different locations on blastability was statistically analyzed. The relationship between the mineral content of the rocks and rock mechanics parameters was evaluated. The best regression equations with strong relationships (R2>0.700) involving the parameters used in the blastability formulas were then obtained. These equations were analyzed for five different blastability indices and the results of the forecasting accuracy analyses (RMSE= 0.000-0.085 and MAPE= 0.06-1.82) showed that the models were quite successful. According to the results of the best forecasting accuracy analysis, the parameters to be considered in the specific charge calculation were mineral content, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, apparent porosity, density and ultrasonic P-wave velocity. As a result of the studies, it was concluded that the mineralogical composition of the rocks had a significant effect on the blastability parameters and lower specific charge values were achieved if the minerals are taken into account.