Input Data
Overview
XBlast4D accepts four groups of data required for numerical simulation of blast-induced rock mass fragmentation.
Block Geometry
Description of the physical configuration of the block prepared for blasting:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | Spatial coordinates of the block boundary |
| Drilling Parameters | Depth and location of blast holes |
| Surface Configuration | Terrain and surface parameters of the open pit |
Geological Block Model
A model containing the quality characteristics of the ore:
- Grade of ore components per block
- Classification of ore and waste rock
- Spatial distribution of characteristics
Geomechanical Mass Properties
Geomechanical parameters describe the physical and mechanical properties of the rock mass and determine its behavior during blast operations. These characteristics are used to calculate rock destruction, shock wave propagation, and fragmentation pattern formation.
| Parameter | Description | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Density | Bulk density of the rock, determining the mass of rock mass per unit volume | kg/m³ |
| Strength | Uniaxial compressive strength of the rock | MPa |
| Elastic Modulus | Young's modulus, characterizing the deformation properties of the rock | GPa |
| Fracturing | Characteristic of intensity and orientation of fractures in the rock mass | — |
| Poisson's Ratio | Ratio of transverse to longitudinal deformation | — |
High accuracy of results is achieved when correct geomechanical data is available. The quality of input data directly affects the reliability of the forecast for the shape and size of the fragmentation zone after the blast.
Drill-and-Blast Parameters
Drill-and-blast parameters (DBP) represent a set of technological characteristics of drilling and charging that determine the effectiveness of rock mass destruction and fragmentation pattern formation.
These parameters are used to calculate:
- degree of rock fragmentation;
- direction of rock mass displacement;
- height and width of the fragmentation zone;
- granulometric composition of the broken rock.
Main DBP Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Hole Depth | Design depth of blast holes, determining the depth of mass destruction |
| Hole Diameter | Diameter of blast holes, affecting charge mass |
| Initiation Network | Detonator connection scheme and sequence of charge initiation |
| Charge Design | Type of charging (continuous, separate, column), presence of stemming |
| Explosive Properties | Explosive characteristics (density, detonation velocity, explosion energy) |
| Delays | Time intervals between charge detonations |
Drill-and-Blast Data Upload
To improve modeling accuracy, the following may be considered:
- Bench height;
- Bench slope angle;
- Presence of free surface;
- Stemming properties;
- Blast block geometry.
On the Control Panel tab, select Block Models, and go to the Import tab. Drag the .csv file into the import window or select it from the desired directory. The system will automatically verify the file for integrity and data quality. After the file check, click Import. The uploaded file will appear in the list of loaded data on the Catalog tab.
Input File Formats
Data is uploaded via the application's web interface. Before uploading, ensure that the file structure complies with system requirements.
Supported formats:
- CSV — tabular data (borehole coordinates, geomechanical parameters, DBP parameters)
- Block Model — open .csv format for data transfer from mining GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
- Surfaces — digital models of terrain or horizons in .dxf, .tridb formats.
- Borehole Database — coordinates and attributes of boreholes in .csv format.
During upload, the system performs:
- data structure verification;
- coordinate validation;
- parameter range checking.
After successful uploading, data becomes available in the visualization module and can be used for calculations.