Optimization of the Air Deck Blasting Parameters on the Basis of the Holmquist-Johnson-Cook Constitutive Model

The present study considers the so-called air deck blasting,one of the most commonly used techniques for the improvement of blasting efficiency in mining applications.In particular,it aims to improve the operating conditions of large-scale equipment,increase the efficiency of the slope enlarging process,and reduce the mining cost.These objectives are implemented through a two-fold approach where,first,a program for slope enlarging based on the middle air-deck charge blasting-loosening technology is proposed,and second,the physical mechanism responsible for the stress wave attenuation in the rock is analyzed in the framework of a Holmquist–Johnson–Cook constitutive model.Field test results verify that the proposed approach is highly efficient and economical when used in medium-hard rock blasting and thus provides a basis for the practical implementation of slope enlargement for high benches in Open-Pit Mines.