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A Neuro-numeric Approach for Flyrock Prediction and Safe Distances Definition

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Abstract

In spite of the fact that flyrock phenomenon represents the real threat for personnel and machinery, it still remains insufficiently investigated. There are efforts, in the mining community, to explain the causes of flyrock, but the models capable to accurately predict flyrock occurrence and define the flyrock distance still do not exist. This article is an attempt to establish such a predictive model. The model utilized the adaptive nature of artificial neural networks and combined it with the accuracy of numerical modeling of physical phenomena. Necessary data were collected by high-speed camera recordings of actual blasts at three different surface mines and processed for further use for artificial network training. The result was a neuro-numerical couple which was capable to predict flyrock occurrence, estimate the launch velocity of flyrock fragments, and calculate the maximum distance of flyrock fragments. The safe distance was then calculated by multiplying the flyrock distance with a factor of safety. The article explains the procedure for data acquisition and processing, artificial network construction, training, and validation. It also explains the principles of flyrock distance calculation and, finally, provides a definition of factor of safety and safe distance. The results showed that the prediction was satisfactorily accurate and reliable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technical Faculty in Bor, University of Belgrade, VJ 12, 19210, Bor, Serbia

    Saša Stojadinović, Dejan Petrović, Jelena Ivaz & Pavle Stojković

Authors
  1. Saša Stojadinović
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  2. Dejan Petrović
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  3. Jelena Ivaz
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  4. Pavle Stojković
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Correspondence to Saša Stojadinović.

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Highlights

1. ANNs and numerical modeling coupled to predict flyrock events and calculate flyrock distance.

2. Couple was verified with an independent dataset corresponding to 237 blastholes.

3. The couple showed potential in flyrock event prediction and range calculations.

4. Guidance on flyrock safe distance was suggested

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Stojadinović, S., Petrović, D., Ivaz, J. et al. A Neuro-numeric Approach for Flyrock Prediction and Safe Distances Definition. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 38, 2453–2466 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-021-00512-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-021-00512-w

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