Comparison of Fragmentation Performance of Two Different Blast Patterns

In the present research paper large scale blasting was conducted on two different firing patterns, namely, straight V type and skewed V type pattern on the same sandstone overburden bench with similar explosives. The post-blast fragmentation assessments were made by use of digital imaging technique. The total cycle time of 10 ㎥ rope shovels was also recorded in the field. The results reveal improvements in the fragmentation and excavator performance results for the blasts fired on skewed V type pattern. The paper discusses the skewed V firing pattern and the reasons for its superior performance vis-??-vis the straight V type pattern.