Characteristics of crater formation due to explosives blasting in rock mass

Cratering tests in rock are generally carried out to identify its fragmentation characteristics. The test results can be used to estimate the minimum amount of explosives required for the target volume of rock fragmentation. However, it is not easy to perform this type of test due to its high cost and difficulty in securing the test site with the same ground conditions as the site where blasting is to be performed. Consequently, this study investigates the characteristics of rock fragmentation by using the hydrocode in the platform of AUTODYN. The effectiveness of the numerical models adopted are validated against several cratering test results available in the literature, and the effects of rock mass classification and ground formation on crater size are examined. The numerical analysis shows that the dimension of a crater is increased with a decrease in rock quality, and the formation of a crater is highly dependent on a rock of lowest quality in the case of mixed ground. It is expected that the results of the present study can also be applied to the estimation of the level and extent of the damage induced by blasting in concrete structures.