• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.182-189
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• 2001

Rockmass properties have great influence on blasting performance so that it cannot be overemphasized to analyze rockmass properties and to perform blast design based on them. Up to the present, however blast design is performed either considering only uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock or using RMR classification as a blast ability classification scheme. In this paper Ashby's approach is adopted to evaluate blast index. In addition. rockmass classification for the blast design based on joint survey results and pattern design procedure are added to Ashby's original approach. With this extended approach, blastability can be classified considering joint properties and objectiveness of evaluated blast index can be confirmed. This approach is anticipated to enhance the tunnel blast design by considering joint properties and classifying the rockmass for blast design.

• Explosives and Blasting
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.75-82
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• 2005

Many blasting engineers develope their own approach to define how to blast different rockmass properties. The problem is that most of these approaches haven't been formalized in any systematic manner and they depend mainly on casual observation of local conditions by an experienced blaster. In this paper blastability index developed by Lilly is adopted to induce powder factor for blast design considering local conditions. With this approach blastability scheme can be considered joint properties as well as rockmass represented local conditions. This approach is also expected to supplement the shortcomings of existing blast design approaches.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.257-268
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• 2005

In situ rock mass is generally heterogeneous and discontinuous, with varying degrees of strength along the planes of weakness. The planes of weakness such as joints, faults, cracks and bedding planes, control the strength and deformation characteristics of the rock mass. Subsequently, the stability of underground opening depends upon the spatial distribution of discontinuities and their mechanical properties in relation with geometrical shape of openins as well as the mechanical properties of intact rock materials. Understanding the behaviour of a discontinuous rock mass remains a key issue for improving excavation design in hiかy stressed environments. Although recent advances in rock mechanics have provided guidelines for the design of underground opening in isotropic rock mass, prediction and control of deformation in discontinuous rock masses are still unclear. In this study, parametric study was performed to investigate the plastic zone size, stress distribution and deformation behavior around underground opening in a discontinuous rock mass using a continuum joint model. The solutions were obtained by an elasto-plastic finite difference analysis, employing the Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria. Non-associated flow rule and perfectly plastic material behavior are also assumed.