Vergara, Á, Fuentes, R & Palma, S 2024, 'Numerical analysis of impact breakage in caving mining', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 518-524.
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2435_D-04/)
Abstract: This work investigates the fracture characteristics of a rock system subject to impact in caving mining through the direct application of the Fast-Breakage Model (FBM), validated with experimental impact tests. The study focuses on the transition stage between primary and secondary fragmentation in caving mining, allowing the characteristics and breakage probability post-impact to be investigated under various conditions. The results show a strong influence of both the size ratio and the height of the air gap on the fragmentation of the system, increasing the breakage probability of the rock blocks and inducing the formation of fines. These findings seek to contribute to the control of caving to optimise the degree of fragmentation obtained at the drawpoint and reduce the geomechanical risks implied by the dynamic change of the stress system within the rock mass.