Effect of blast vibrations on the stability of cemented rockfill

Blast vibrations are considered among the primary factors in destabilising cemented rockfill (CRF) stopes in open stoping systems with delayed backfill. This destabilisation occurs when the backfill face is subjected to blasting of an adjacent stope. Inadequate cementation, backfilling practices and blasting of adjacent stopes can be the causes of CRF failure and hence ore dilution. Poor blasting practices can cause greater blast vibrations and therefore can initiate fill failure. The magnitude of blast vibrations can be controlled by the powder factor and blast design. This study presents the effects of blast vibrations on CRF backfilled stopes. The effect of different blast loads and profiles are examined. Blast loads corresponding to non-ideal blasting are also simulated.