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A Methodology for Predicting the In Situ Size and Shape Distribution of Rock Blocks

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Summary

In block caving, it is important to estimate the cavability of an ore body. This study proposes a new three dimensional (3D) model for predicting the characteristics of ore fragmentation in block caving, which is based on the Monte Carlo simulation technique. In this paper, the following subjects are discussed: sampling methods of discontinuity, 3D modeling algorithms and conceptualization for analyzing the distribution of discontinuities. In addition, the influence of each modeling parameter on the distribution of ore fragmentation was analyzed. The characteristics of ore fragmentation in a Northern China underground copper mine are used as a case study. Based on the methods discussed here, a software system named “MAKEBLOCK” was developed for analyzing the characteristics of discontinuities in an ore body and predicting the size distribution of ore fragments in block caving. The ore fragmentation attained by using this 3D model is in a good agreement with the field fragmentation measurements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Mining and Engineering, Akita University, Akita, Japan, , , , , , JP

    L. G. Wang

  2. College of Resources Environment and Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China, , , , , , CN

    C. Pan

  3. Department of Earth Sciences and Technology, Akita University, Akita, Japan, , , , , , JP

    S. Yamashita & F. Sugimoto

  4. Zhongtiaoshan Non-Ferrous Metal Corporation, China, , , , , , CN

    G. Tan

Authors
  1. L. G. Wang
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  2. S. Yamashita
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  3. F. Sugimoto
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  4. C. Pan
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  5. G. Tan
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Additional information

Received November 30, 2001; accepted September 19, 2002; Published online February 25, 2003

Acknowledgement Support for this project came primarily from The National Science Foundation of China (approval No. 59704004). We would like to thank professor J. F. Archbald, head of Faculty of Mining Engineering, Queen's University, Canada, for his excellent advice and for checking the technical presentations of this paper.

Authors' address: Dr. Liguan Wang, College of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China; e-mail: liguan_wang@hotmail.com

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Wang, L., Yamashita, S., Sugimoto, F. et al. A Methodology for Predicting the In Situ Size and Shape Distribution of Rock Blocks. Rock Mech Rock Engng 36, 121–142 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-002-0039-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-002-0039-8

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