APPLICATION OF TOPSIS METHOD IN CONTROLLING FLY ROCK IN BLASTING OPERATIONS

7th International Scientific Conference - SGEM2007, www.sgem.org, SGEM2007 Conference Proceedings/ ISBN: 954-918181-2, June 11-15, 2007

ABSTRACT

Fly rock is one of the reluctant phenomenon in blasting operation. Several
factors are effective in producing fly rock. As a whole, these factors can be
divided into two groups; controllable parameters (blasting pattern) and
uncontrollable parameters (geo-mechanical characteristics). One of the
most important controllable parameters in blasting operation is blast hole
diameter. Proper diameter is the diameter which is optimum from technical
and economical point of view. Normally, statistical methods can be used for
determining suitable blasting pattern and minimizing fly rock, effectively.
Simultaneous effect of all the concerned parameters can not be studied by these
methods. To cover this disability, rather new approaches such as multi variable
decision making methods (TOPSIS) may be applied.
Tajareh lime stone mine is situated in Lorestan province of the Islamic Republic of
Iran. Blasting operation is performed using various hole diameters. Considering
close vicinity of the mine to main road and other industrial buildings, fly rock
due to blasting operation has caused serious problems. In this study, blasting
operation in Tajareh mine has been studied using these methods. On the basis
of out comes of this research, the most appropriate diameter for blast holes is
64 mm. Finally, it was observed that 64 mm blast holes can be effective for both
reducing fly rock and satisfying economical aspects.

Keywords: Fly rock, blast hole diameter, TOPSIS, Blasting pattern.