Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

• Abdelhak Tabet ¹
• Bachir Lamouri ¹
• Ali Ahmed Benyoucef ²
• Haythem Dinar ³
• Fahima Bentahar ⁴
• Hana Nouali ⁵
• Djoubrane Azouz ⁶

¹ Department of Earth and Universe Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, Mohamed Khider University Biskra, Algeria.laboratory of Hydraulic Developments and Environment, Mohamed Khider University Biskra.

² Department of Technical Sciences, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Universty of Tindouf, B.P. 37000 Tindouf

³ Centre de Recherche en Aménagement de Territoire (CRAT), Campus Zouaghi Slimane, Constantine 25000, Algeria

⁴ Department of Geology, Faculty of Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Batna 2, Batna, Algeria

⁵ Department of Geology, Larbi Ben M’hidi University ; Oum El Bouaghi,Algeria , Laboratory of Natural Resources and Management of Sensitive Environment .

⁶ Mining and Geology Department, University of Bejaia, Algeria.

Abstract

This study evaluates the applicability and scientific validity of the Modified Kuz-Ram fragmentation model under production blasting conditions where effective rock fragmentation and measurable muckpile formation are not achieved. The study was conducted at the Arqoub El Tarf limestone quarry in Biskra, Algeria. The methodology integrated geomechanical characterization via core drilling, evaluation of explosive parameters (an ANFO-Marmanite III mixture), and application of the Modified Kuz-Ram model. The study monitored blasting performance using sequential image analysis during detonation and post-blast field inspections to verify displacement and breakage. While the Modified Kuz-Ram model predicted a normal particle size distribution with a median fragment size (D50) of 417 mm and 15% oversized blocks, field results showed no measurable muckpile. Sequential blast analysis revealed significant energy loss through gas exhaust and premature surface venting without sufficient energy transfer to the continuous rock mass. High rock mass integrity (RQD > 95%), coupled with an inefficient explosive energy distribution and inadequate stemming performance, prevented block separation and full fragmentation, yielding only localized cracking. Unlike conventional studies that evaluate fragmentation models solely under successful blasting conditions, this work highlights a fundamental limitation: empirical models cannot be directly validated when the physical prerequisite of a measurable muckpile is violated. It establishes a multi-component evaluation framework combining geomechanical assessment, detonation sequence tracking, and post-blast monitoring to determine model applicability before attempting quantitative size-distribution comparisons.

Keywords

• Modified Kuz–Ram Model
• Rock Fragmentation
• Blast Sequence Analysis
• Geomechanical Characterization
• and Limestone Quarrying

Main Subjects

• Exploitation