Blasting Methods of Stress State Determination in Rock Mass

The methods for the determination of stress state in rock mass using the energy of explosion are substantiated. The industrial tests are performed with a view to sizing zones of squeezing and radial fracturing in mines of Priargunsky Mining and Chemical Works. It is found that the fracturing zone radius decreases and the squeezing zone diameter increases with the grater depth of mining operations. The theoretical formulas for calculating stresses depending on sizes of squeezing and fracturing zones, physical and mechanical properties of rocks and detonation characteristics of explosives are obtained. The validity of the formulas is proved in comparison with the method of stress measurement in parallel drill holes at the Antei deposit of Priargunsky MCW. The method of stress determination by blasting is suitable for operational application during heading in mines.