TY - JOUR ID - 2316 TI - Estimation of In-Situ Block Size Distribution in Jointed Rock Masses using Combined Photogrammetry and Discrete Fracture Network JO - Journal of Mining and Environment JA - JME LA - en SN - 2251-8592 AU - Ghaedi Ghalini, M. AU - Bahaaddini, M. AU - Amiri Hossaini, M. AD - Department of Mining Engineering, Higher Education Complex of Zarand, Zarand, Iran AD - School of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran AD - Mining and Geology Researches Department, Golgohar Mining and Industrial Company, Sirjan, Iran Y1 - 2022 PY - 2022 VL - 13 IS - 1 SP - 175 EP - 184 KW - Jointed rock mass KW - In-situ block size KW - Photogrammetry KW - Discrete Fracture Network KW - Golgohar iron mine DO - 10.22044/jme.2022.11445.2129 N2 - Estimation of the in-situ block size is known as a key parameter in the characterization of the mechanical properties of rock masses. As the in-situ block size cannot be measured directly, several simplified methods have been developed, where the intrinsic variability of the geometrical features of discontinuities are commonly neglected. This work aims to estimate the in-situ block size distribution (IBSD) using the combined photogrammetry and discrete fracture network (DFN) approaches. To this end, four blasting benches in the Golgohar iron mine No. 1, Sirjan, Iran, are considered as the case studies of this research work. The slope faces are surveyed using the photogrammetry method. Then 3D images are prepared from the generated digital terrain models, and the geometrical characteristics of discontinuities are surveyed. The measured geometrical parameters are statistically analysed, and the joint intensity, the statistical distribution of the orientation, and the fracture trace length are determined. The DFN models are generated, and IBSD for each slope face is determined using the multi-dimensional spacing method. In order to evaluate the validity of the generated DFN models, the geological strength index (GSI) as well as the stereographic distribution of discontinuities in the DFN models are compared against the field measurements. A good agreement has been found between the results of the DFN models and the filed measurements. The results of this work show that the combined photogrammetry and DFN techniques provide a robust, safe, and time-efficient methodology for the estimation of IBSD.  UR - https://jme.shahroodut.ac.ir/article_2316.html L1 - https://jme.shahroodut.ac.ir/article_2316_e6ef986f61dd5bdb8dae50b73040b046.pdf ER -