Measurement-while-drilling technique and its scope in design and prediction of rock blasting

With rampant growth and improvements in drilling technology, drilling of blast holes should no longer be viewed as an arduous sub-process in any mining or excavation process. Instead, it must be viewed as an important opportunity to quickly and accurately measure the geo-mechanical features of the rock mass on-site, much in advance of the downstream operations. It is well established that even the slightest variation in lithology, ground conditions, blast designs vis-à-vis geologic features and explosives performance, results in drastic changes in fragmentation results. Keeping in mind the importance of state-of-the-art measurement-while-drilling (MWD) technique, the current paper focuses on integrating this technique with the blasting operation in order to enhance the blasting designs and results. The paper presents a preliminary understanding of various blasting models, blastability and other related concepts, to review the state-of-the-art advancements and researches done in this area. In light of this, the paper highlights the future needs and implications on drill monitoring systems for improved information to enhance the blasting results.