blast simulation evaluation and

management

User Manual

JKSimBlast i

Copyright © JKTech 1998, Soft-Blast 2006All rights reserved.

Both the software and documentation of JKSimBlast,2DBench, 2DRing, 2DFace, JKBMS, 2DView, TimeHEx,Design Importer, StockView and Units are copyright.

JKSimBlast is supplied and supported by:

Soft-Blast Pty LtdABN 38 429 050 791 tel: +61 7 3201 20111 Kynuna Court fax: +61 7 3201 2022Karana Downs email: soft-blast@soft-blast.comQLD, Australia 4306 web: www.soft-blast.com

JKSimBlast is produced by:

JKTechJKMRC Technology TransferUniversity of Queenslandwww.jktech.com.au

UserSupport

ii JKSimBlast

Disclaimer

JKSimBlast is a suite of powerful modular tools for thesimulation and management of blasting data. 2DBench,2DRing, 2DFace, JKBMS, 2DView, TimeHEx, DesignImporter, StockView and Units are stand-alone modules ofJKSimBlast: 2DBench, 2DRing and 2DFace are used forthe design and editing of blasts in mining and relatedapplications; JKBMS is used to organize and display thedata associated with blasting; 2DView and TimeHEx areextended analysis programs for JKSimBlast blasting data;Design Importer imports data from text files directly to theblast databases; StockView is for the storage of thespecifications of explosives and accessories; and Units isfor the management of user-defined systems ofmeasurement. As the program developers do not controldata creation, collection, analysis or interpretation, it is thesole responsibility of the user to verify that input data areaccurate and appropriate, and that all conditions andoutputs are reasonable and comply with any statutoryrequirements.

In no event will Soft-Blast or JKTech be liable for direct,indirect, special, incidental or consequential damagesarising out of the use of or inability to use the software ordocumentation.

JKSimBlast iii

iv JKSimBlast

ContentsI n t r o d u c t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Overview ...............................................................1

Conventions...........................................................2

Equipment Requirements ......................................3

Software Installation ..............................................4Electronic Security Key ....................................14License File......................................................14Fast Program Start...........................................15

J K B M S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7Overview ..........................................................17Appearance......................................................18Data Structure..................................................19Using BMS.......................................................20Window Size ....................................................21

General Features.................................................22Menus ..............................................................22Function Toolbar ..............................................23Object Toolbar .................................................24Blast Displays ..................................................26Help .................................................................27

Program Settings.................................................28Options ............................................................28

Tools and Functions ............................................31Edit...................................................................31Recycle Bin......................................................32

JKSimBlast v

Searches ......................................................... 33Reports ............................................................ 34Utilities............................................................. 37

J K B M S T u t o r i a l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1Setup...................................................................41

New Database..................................................... 41

Root Object ......................................................... 42

Add Object .......................................................... 43

Add Blasts...........................................................46Add Blast from 2DBench.................................. 47Import Blasts from a 2DBench Database ......... 48Create Blast.....................................................51

Edit the Blast ....................................................... 52

Analyse the Blast................................................. 53

2 D B e n c h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 7Overview .............................................................57

Appearance.........................................................58

Design Modes .....................................................59

General Features ................................................59Toolbar ............................................................ 59Cursor..............................................................60Selection Box / Mask ....................................... 60Zoom ...............................................................60Blast Parameters ............................................. 60Marking............................................................60Query (information display)..............................61Help ................................................................. 61

vi JKSimBlast

Sample Blasts ..................................................61Tools & Keys....................................................62

2 D B e n c h T u t o r i a l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5Creating a Blast Design....................................65Drilling Holes ....................................................65Saving the blast................................................67Draw Lines and Polygons.................................68Loading Decks..................................................69Design Factors.................................................71Downhole Delays .............................................72Surface Delays.................................................74Detonation Simulation ......................................78Basic Analyses.................................................80

2 D R i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3General Functions ...............................................83

Design Area.........................................................83Screen Layout..................................................83Design Area Appearance .................................85

Global Construction Tools....................................91Selection Box ...................................................91Selection mask.................................................91Goto Position ...................................................91Anchor .............................................................92Specify Zoom...................................................92Zoom in, Zoom Out, Previous Zoom.................93Centre Design, Select Nearest Object..............93View Define......................................................93Hole Marking....................................................94

JKSimBlast vii

Redraw ............................................................ 95

Query Options .....................................................96Object Query.................................................... 96

Loading & Saving ................................................99

Importing and Exporting .................................... 101Importing String Information........................... 101Exporting Data ............................................... 106

Reporting........................................................... 108Printing .......................................................... 108

Design Input ...................................................... 111

Definition and Selection of Ring Planes............. 111

Definition of Boundaries .................................... 114String Line and Polygon Creation................... 114

Drill Drives and Drill positions ............................ 117Drill Drives ..................................................... 117Drill Positions................................................. 119

Blast Hole Drilling .............................................. 120

Selection and Loading of Explosives ................. 123

Selection and Loading of Delay Detonators....... 125Downhole Delays........................................... 125Surface Delays .............................................. 126

Engineering Tools and Analysis ........................ 128

Detonation Simulation ....................................... 128

Explosive Energy Distribution ............................ 130Static 3-D Explosive Distribution .................... 130Dynamic 4-D Explosive Distribution ............... 131Calculation of Explosive Distribution. ............. 133

Fragmentation ................................................... 137

viii JKSimBlast

2 D F a c e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4 5General Functions.............................................145

Design Area.......................................................145Screen Layout................................................145Design Area Appearance ...............................147

Global Construction Tools..................................152Selection Box .................................................152Selection mask...............................................152Goto Position .................................................152Anchor ...........................................................153Specify Zoom.................................................153Zoom In, Zoom Out, Previous Zoom ..............154Centre Design, Select Nearest Object............154View Define....................................................154Hole Marking..................................................155Hole Dragging and Dropping..........................156Redraw ..........................................................156

Query Options ...................................................157Object Query..................................................157Design Summary Information.........................158

Loading & Saving...............................................160Importing and Exporting .................................161Importing String Information ...........................162Exporting data................................................167

Reporting...........................................................168Printing...........................................................168

Design Input ......................................................171

Area to be Blasted .............................................171String Creation to Define Blast Regions .........171

JKSimBlast ix

Development Rounds (Drive Outlines).............. 174Specify Sections of Current Drive .................. 176

Blast Hole Drilling .............................................. 178Single Hole Mode .......................................... 180Burn Cuts....................................................... 180Multiple Holes ................................................ 182Drilling Holes around a Circle......................... 185

Selection and Loading of Explosives ................. 187

Selection & Loading of Delay Detonators .......... 189Downhole delays ........................................... 189Surface delays............................................... 190

Engineering Tools & Analysis ............................ 192

Image Digitiser .................................................. 192

Explosive Energy Distribution ............................ 196Static 3-D Explosive Distribution .................... 196Dynamic 4-D Explosive Distribution ............... 198Calculation of 3D / 4D Explosive Distribution. 198

Detonation Simulation and Time Contouring ..... 201

2 D V i e w . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 7Overview ........................................................... 207

Opening a Blast................................................. 209Open a Blast.................................................. 209Add a Blast .................................................... 210

Viewing a Blast.................................................. 212Define View ................................................... 212Scroll Bars ..................................................... 215Defining a View "Plane" ................................. 216

Printing.............................................................. 218

x JKSimBlast

Calculation Region.............................................220Creating a Calculation Region........................221Polygon Method .............................................221Draw a Region ...............................................222Modify Regions ..............................................223

Explosive Energy Distribution ............................226Starting a Distribution Calculation ..................227Calculation Parameters..................................228Displaying Results..........................................2304D Energy Distribution ...................................232

2DContour .........................................................234Contour Control..............................................235Contour Scale ................................................238Adding Custom Contour Values .....................240

T i me H E x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 3Overview ...........................................................243

Maximum Instantaneous Charge .......................244

Design View.......................................................248

JKSimBlast xi

JKSimBlast 1

I n t r o d u c t i o n

OverviewJKSimBlast covers the design, editing, simulation, analysisand management of blasting in mining and relatedoperations. The main modules are 2DBench, 2DRing and2DFace. These are graphical software programs for thedesign and editing of blasts: 2DBench applies to benchblasting in surface mines; 2DRing applies to undergroundring blasting; and 2DFace applies to underground tunnelingand development. The three programs give engineers andblasting personnel the ability to design and optimise thelayout and initiation sequence of almost any type of blastused in mining. Each allows the designer to:

layout a pattern of blastholes

load explosive decks and other materials in the holes

install downhole and surface delays, with primer andconnection details

simulate the detonation on screen

import and export data and print the blast

Individual elements of the blast are defined by the user,including hole dimensions, explosives, delays, connectorsand boosters, and can be combined in a variety of blastscenarios.

The design modules include detailed analysis tools tocalculate blast properties, summarise quantities andconsumables, and interpret blast performance. Othermodules in JKSimBlast provide for extended analysis ofblast layouts and energy (2DView, Energy and 2DContour)and blast timing (TimeHEx). Data management is

Overview

Introduction

2 JKSimBlast

provided by JKBMS (Blast Management System). ThusJKSimBlast is a framework for a suite of programs for datamanagement in blasting, including design and simulation,analysis, data collection and referencing, performanceevaluation, prediction and optimisation. Integration of themodules is achieved through data sharing via MicrosoftAccess databases. The open framework allows for otherthird party applications to be developed and incorporatedinto JKSimBlast, using the same databases for their ownpurposes. This approach provides the user with amechanism to maximise the use of the data.

This manual describes the basic and commonly usedfeatures of the programs. More detail on JKSimBlast andthe modules is contained on the CD and in the varioussections of this manual, and in the on-line help with eachmodule.

Conventions[click] click the left mouse button once

[double click] click the left mouse button twice

[right click] click the right mouse button once

[drag] click and hold the left mouse button, move themouse, then release the left mouse button

[…] press the key, button or tab showndo not press [Shift] unless indicated

[…]+[…] press the keys together

>italic means a menu option

Conventionsused in thismanual

Introduction

JKSimBlast 3

Equipment RequirementsJKSimBlast runs on a personal computer under MicrosoftWindows 98 / NT4 / 2000 / XP. The recommendedminimum requirements for running JKSimBlast are:

16 MB of random access memory (RAM)

CD disk drive (for installation)

hard disk drive with 65 MB of free space, plus 85 MBof temporary free space for installation

SVGA graphics (800 x 600 display)

mouse

The installation program requires about 85 MB of freespace for the temporary installation files, which areremoved when the installation is completed. The full suiteof JKSimBlast program files occupy about 45 MB of diskspace, with a further 20 MB taken up by system files,mostly in the Windows System folder. Some of these filesmay be already present on the computer, so the final diskspace requirement may be less than that stated above.Additional space will be required for blast database filescreated by the user in the operation of the program.

All JKSimBlast modules are designed for SVGA graphics(800 x 600 pixels). Although it will operate in VGA mode(640 x 480), some of the items may be obscured or cut offin the smaller screen area, such as dialog boxes, querywindows and status line messages.

JKSimBlast uses an electronic security key, which must beattached to the computer before each module can run.Additional and replacement keys can be obtained fromSoft-Blast.

EquipmentRequirements

Introduction

4 JKSimBlast

Software InstallationBefore proceeding:

For Windows NT, 2000 or XP, you may needAdministrator privileges for software installation.

JKSimBlast uses an electronic security key and a matchinglicense file as the license control for the software. You willneed both of these items to run the software.

Installing JKSimBlast

The installation program for JKSimBlast is used to installany or all of the modules, plus the drivers for the electronicsecurity key. You have a choice to install either a completesystem for Surface Blasting or Underground Blasting, orindividual components (see the JKSimBlast overview onthe CD for more details).

You will need an appropriate license file to run the mainmodules of JKSimBlast - JKBMS, 2DBench, 2DRing,2DFace, 2DView, Energy, 2DContour and TimeHEx. Thisfile is supplied as part of the purchase of the software.Instructions for installing the license file are at the end ofthe section below. The utility modules StockView, Importand Units do not require a security key or license file inorder to operate.

In the installation instructions, [disk]: refers to the driveletter of your CD drive.

SoftwareInstallation

Introduction

JKSimBlast 5

1. Start the installation programTo install all of the modules in JKSimBlast, you will needabout 150MB of free space on your hard drive. Thisincludes 85MB of temporary space for the install program.Installing only one module, such as 2DBench or 2DRing,requires about 120MB.

To start the installation, run the program

[disk]:\install\JKSimBlast\Setup_JKSimBlast_v2.exeSelect [Open] or [Run from this location] if the programdoes not start by itself. Alternatively, you can copy theinstall program to a hard drive and run it from there.

Once the installation program starts, follow the on-screeninstructions.

2. Wait ...The install program will create a temporary folder on yourhard drive to hold the extracted installation files. This is avery large file, so it could take a few minutes. For example,on a 500MHz computer running Windows 2000, theextraction can take up to 1½ minutes. Please be patient.

Introduction

6 JKSimBlast

3. License Agreement[Click] the button to accept the license agreement andproceed. A copy of the license agreement is on the disk, inthe JKSimBlast install folder.

Introduction

JKSimBlast 7

4. Customer InformationEnter your name and organisation, if they are not alreadyshown. This is internal information only, for the operatingsystem.

Introduction

8 JKSimBlast

5. Destination FolderEither accept the default installation folder, or click[Change] to select a new folder.

Introduction

JKSimBlast 9

6. Setup TypeSelect the type of installation:

o option 1: JKSimBlast for Surface Blasting

o option 2: JKSimBlast for Underground Blasting

o option 3: custom setup for all others, includingJKSimBlast for Tunnel Blasting

Introduction

10 JKSimBlast

7. Custom SetupUse the Custom Setup to install individual components.Note that the components StockView, Import and Units arealways installed.

To install JKSimBlast for Tunnel Blasting, select thecomponents 2DFace, TimeHEx, 2DView and JKBMS.

Introduction

JKSimBlast 11

Select how and when to install each component - typically,always select the first option ...

Introduction

12 JKSimBlast

For example, to install only 2DBench, the screen shouldlook like this ...

Introduction

JKSimBlast 13

8. Ready to installThe software is now ready to install. Check the details, andclick [Install] to continue.

Introduction

14 JKSimBlast

Electronic Security KeyAll of the main JKSimBlast modules require an electronicsecurity key to operate. The drivers for running either aUSB key or an LPT key (for the parallel printer port) areinstalled with the program.

The Hardlock drivers can also be installed independently, ifrequired, by running the program hldrv32.exe from theHardlock folder on the CD.

License FileTo complete the installation, copy the license filelicense.nfo to the main JKSimBlast folder (typicallyC:\Program Files\JKSimBlast). The license file containsdetails of the modules that are permitted to run witheach electronic security key.

The license file should either be on the CD in theJKSimBlast folder, or supplied by email as an attachment.If you do not have a license file, contact Soft-Blast.Include the name of your organisation, contact person andthe serial number of your electronic security key.

Once the license file is in place, plug in the security keyand start the software.

ElectronicSecurity Key

License File

Introduction

JKSimBlast 15

Fast Program StartThe programs JKBMS, 2DBench, 2DRing and 2DFacemay take a long time to start at the first run, but should startalmost immediately on subsequent runs. At the first run,the programs search internally for details of the electronicsecurity key. These details are then stored in aninitialisation file in the program folder, and are used insubsequent runs to enable faster start-up.

If a program does take a long time to start, a fast start canbe forced by modifying the shortcut to the program. Select>Help >About, and note the code in square brackets at thebottom of the form, e.g. [G123]. [Right click] on anyshortcut for starting the program (including the Startmenu), and select Properties from the pop-up menu. At theend of the Target line, add /local=G123. For example:

"C:\Program Files\JKSim…2DBench.exe" /local=G123Close the Properties, then restart the program from theshortcut. It should start almost immediately.

For a network license, the code is in the form [Nnnn], andthe startup command is /net=Nnnn.

Fast ProgramStart

Introduction

16 JKSimBlast

JKSimBlast 17

JK B M SOverview

The Blast Management System (BMS) allows the user tostore, organise and access information related to drill andblast operations in mines. The information can include pitand blast geometry, geotechnical and blasting domains,drilling parameters, costs, fragmentation distributions,vibration results, specific reports, comments, etc.

The BMS uses an object based approach in a hierarchicaltree structure for the storage and management of blast data.Information attached to an object is stored in a MicrosoftAccess database linked to the program, either as a set ofdata relevant to the object or as a pointer to a separate filewhere the data is stored. This avoids duplication and keepsthe size of the BMS database to a minimum, and ensuresthat other programs can continue to access external datafiles without any limitations imposed by the BMS.

Although the BMS can store production data for drill andblast operations, it is not intended to replace or act as acontinuous production reporting system. Its purpose is toorganise blasting information, in order to facilitate thedesign, modification and analysis of blasts. Often, whiledesigning a new blast or making ongoing modifications toa current blast, an engineer or blaster may need to includespecific parameters or review results from previous blasts.The BMS can provide rapid access to that information in asimple, intuitive format.

The program both complements and extends the use of theJKSimBlast blast modules 2DBench, 2DRing and 2DFace.This manual describes the setup for an open pit database,highlighting its connectivity with the 2DBench module.Apart from minor differences in the types and appearanceof some of the objects and their data, the process is thesame for the other blast modules.

Overview

JKBMS

18 JKSimBlast

Appearancetitle bar current BMS database

menu bar files, display, search, tools, options

function toolbar control of the tree structure

object toolbar creation of objects in the tree structure

main window displays the tree structure

status bar information about selected object

Appearance

ObjectToolbar

FunctionToolbar

StatusBar

Main Window

Title BarMenuBar

JKBMS

JKSimBlast 19

Data StructureThe BMS uses hierarchical, or parent-child, relationships tobuild a tree structure of the blast data. Each type of dataobject (e.g. pit, bench, blast) is given a uniqueidentification, and can be both a child of one object and aparent to others. A single sequence of parents and childrenis called a branch, with each point in the branch, called anode, holding one object. The starting point for a tree iscalled the root object. A single BMS database can haveseveral root objects, and thus several trees.

Each object in the tree is defined by three properties: itsunique object ID number (shown in the status bar), itsparent’s ID number, and the object type. Each object alsohas a name which can be modified by the user.

Information is added to an object either by [double-click]on the object or [right-click] and select an option from thepop-up menu. Some objects do not accept any furtherinformation (such as open pit or blast collection), and onlyexist to help create a logical tree structure, similar to afolder in Windows Explorer. Other objects hold data aboutthe object or a link to an external data source, or in somecases both. In particular, detailed blast information isstored in the original 2DBench, 2DRing or 2DFace

Data Structure

RootObject

Children

Parent ofDomainObjects

JKBMS

20 JKSimBlast

databases, and the BMS program communicates directlywith these databases.

In general, objects can be added to the tree at any positionthat the user wishes, except for a few particular objectscontrolled by in-built rules. For example, a blast can onlybe added to a blast collection.

Using BMSBMS stores its data in a Microsoft Access database, withthe extension “.bms”. The databases are fully compatiblewith MS Access and can be opened in MS Access. Thisshould be done with care, to prevent accidental changes ordamage to the structure or contents of the database.

Any number of BMS databases can be created, but onlyone can be opened at a time. Databases can be created asnew databases or from a subset of the current database.Several databases can also be merged into one database byinserting in the current database.

It is recommended to create new databases to prevent adecrease in performance of the program caused byexcessively large database files. If this occurs, separate thedatabase into logical units, for example by date, location orapplication.

While the BMS program is in use it remains attached, orbound, to the current database. This means that anychanges made in the program are immediately stored in thedatabase. This is different from the other programs inJKSimBlast, which do not save any changes until Save isselected from the menu.

Using BMS

JKBMS

JKSimBlast 21

When a BMS database is opened, it is locked to preventother users from making changes. However, other userscan view the contents of a locked database in read-onlymode. The program checks at regular intervals for the lockfile (*.ldb), which is removed when the first user closes hiscopy of BMS. A new lock file is then created for the nextuser, and the data tree is rebuilt to include any changesmade by the previous user.

The BMS can also open blast databases from 2DBench,(*.2db), 2DRing (*.2dr) and 2DFace (*.2df). However,only some limited functions can be performed in this mode.

o Use only the options under the pop-up menu ([right-click] on a blast): delete, cut, copy, paste, rename, andproperties.

o Do not use any other functions under the menus, exceptthose listed above. The menus are not disabled, but ifany other items are selected, the program will crash.

Window SizeBMS is primarily designed to work with the blast designand analysis modules of JKSimBlast: 2DBench, 2DRingand 2DFace. To facilitate this, if the BMS window isplaced on either the left or right side of the screen, andreduced to less than 1/3 of the screen width, the designmodules will open automatically in the remaining space.This will allow the user to move easily between the twoprograms. If more than one design module is open, theywill all occupy the same space on the screen.

Window Size

JKBMS

22 JKSimBlast

General Features

MenusTwo menus are available in BMS. The main menu islocated at the top of the screen, immediately below the titlebar. All of the program functions (except some specificblast functions) can be accessed from the main menu.

The menus also show any corresponding keystrokes thatcan activate the same functions.

main menu

A secondary menu can be opened by a [right-click] withthe mouse on any object. Most of the options in this menuare available from the main menu, but some objects willshow additional options: in particular, a blast collectionwill include options for creating and importing blasts, and ablast will include options to create specific reports.

pop-up menu

Menus

JKBMS

JKSimBlast 23

Function Toolbar

The function toolbar includes the main tools to open andsave databases and display the tree structure.

Open Database open an existing database formodification (if not already in use) or displayonly (if in use).Menu option: >File >Open Existing Db

Save As… save the current database under a newname

Create New Database create a new, empty BMSdatabase, from the template file Template.mdb inthe Templates sub-folder

Add New Root Object create a new top-level nodeon the tree. This must be done first for a newdatabase.

Open All Branches expand all branches in the tree,so that all nodes are visible.

Close All Branches shrink all branches in the tree,so that only the root objects are visible.

Show Recycle Bin opens the recycle bin in aseparate window. If the recycle bin contains anyobjects, it will also be visible on the tree.

Clear Search Results clears the list of found objectsfrom the last search.

go directly to found items:first, previous, next, last

FunctionToolbar

JKBMS

24 JKSimBlast

Object ToolbarThe object toolbar and the >Add Objects menu containvarious items that can be added as nodes to the tree.

Object Toolbar

JKBMS

JKSimBlast 25

To add a node, first select the parent node, then [click] anyitem on the object toolbar to create it as a child node.

Objects in the tree have generic and specific properties.Both of these are accessible from the >Properties menu,but only the specific properties appear in the pop-up menu([right-click] on an object in the tree).

In most cases, a [double-click] on an object will display thespecific properties. The major exception is the generic fileobject, which will activate the linked file.

The generic properties include the dates when the objectwas created and last modified, and the name of the userprofile at the time. Descriptions, comments and notes canalso be added to the generic properties.

The specific properties depend on the purpose of the object.

o No properties - the object is only used to help definethe structure of the tree, e.g. open pit

o Description - these describe the object, but are notused for any other purpose, e.g. top andbottom levels for a bench

o Data Store - the object has data stored with it in theBMS database, e.g. surface, graph, joint sets

o Collection - a holder for other, specific objects, e.g.blasts, photos, energy distributions. Onlythese objects can be added to the collections.

o File Link - stores the name and location of an externalfile, e.g. generic, photo and videocollections.

o Blast Link - stores the blast and database name andlocation for blasts created in the JKSimBlastdesign modules.

JKBMS

26 JKSimBlast

Blast DisplaysThere are two types of display for blasts, in 2D or 3D.

All blasts are displayed in 2D with the specific propertiesfor a blast collection. Bench blasts are displayed in plan,and ring and face blasts are projected to a section viewlooking in one of the main orthogonal directions (north,south, east, west, up, down).

Bench blasts can also be displayed in a separate plan viewwindow, by [right-click] and select Plan View from thepop-up menu. This can be done for any node on the tree,and all bench blasts in branches below that node will bedisplayed.

Blast Displays

JKBMS

JKSimBlast 27

The 3D Viewer can display any blast, plus also surfaces,energy distributions and PPV distributions. As for the planview, this can be activated at any node in the tree to displayall relevant data attached to the branch.

HelpOn-line help is accessible from most dialog boxes andforms, either from a [Help] button or by pressing the [F1]key.

Help

JKBMS

28 JKSimBlast

Program Settings

OptionsWhen you first run the JKBMS you can immediately beginto use it to start organising the blasting related data for yourmining operation. However, there are a few options youwill first need to set under the >Tools >Options menu tosave having to set them later on.

The settings are stored in the Windows registry whereJKBMS is installed.

Nodes

Return to Last Node on Start Up: If you want to goback to the last node visited each time you open theprogram, check this option.

Open Tree on Start Up: If this option is leftunchecked then the tree will not appear fully open whenyou start the program. If the previous option is checkedthen the tree will only open up the direct ancestors ofthe last node visited. If it is checked then all nodes willbe shown (i.e. the tree will be fully open) and thecurrent node will be highlighted.

Confirm Addition of New Children: The programwill ask for confirmation each time you add a node.

Confirm Node Deletion: The program will ask forconfirmation each time you delete a node.

Double Click runs file in associated externalprogram: If the node is a generic file object, a [double-click] on the node will open the file in its associatedprogram, as defined in the specific properties for thenode. If the node is a blast, it will open the blast in therelevant JKSimBlast design module.

Options

JKBMS

JKSimBlast 29

Always try to run JKSimBlast application aftercreating a blast design: When a blast is created in theBMS as a new node, this option will automatically startthe relevant design module.

During load - Sort each Tree list level by: Thisdetermines how sibling nodes (i.e. nodes with the sameparent) are ordered in the hierarchy. For a consistentsequence of object types within a branch, select Typeand Name.

PathsJKBMS can open blasts in the JKSimBlast design modulesand create blasts from imported data. This tab defineswhere to find the design modules and other files. Usually,these options are set by the program when it is first run, butcan be set manually if necessary.

To set the location of the program files, click the browsebutton […] to the right of each of the text box. Locate therelevant program file and click [Open] to set the folderlocation.

The Templates folder contains the template databases usedto create new blast databases. This is necessary if a newblast is created in the JKBMS program. In this case, selectthe folder from the form and click [OK].

2DBench blasts can be opened in either the 2DBench or2DView programs. Select a button to set the defaultoption.

Each of the JKSimBlast design modules can start with an.ini file, which sets some user specific options. Theprograms always start with the default .ini files, but user-specified files can also be used. Click the [INI FileLocation] button to select specific .ini files for the design

JKBMS

30 JKSimBlast

modules. Ensure that the [Use these Ini Files...] checkboxhas been selected.

If you have the Split-Desktop program (image analysis ofphotos of fragmentation), you can also set the path to theprogram. The fragmentation object has an option toactivate the program with the attached photos.

ViewingThese options determine how blasts and other data aredisplayed in the 3D Viewer.

Show Strings with Blasts: Any strings in a blast willbe displayed along with the blast. Turn this off if theperformance of the 3DViewer is being affected.

Show Ties with Blasts: Shows surface delayconnections with the blast.

Show Holes as... Either show blast holes as cylinders(drawn to scale), or only as the centre line of the hole.This will also affect the performance of the viewer.

3DView Far Plane Value: The distance at which therendered objects in the 3D Viewer are clipped. See theon-line help for The Eye and Target Coordinate Displayfor more information.

3DView Default Background Colour: Thebackground colour of the render window in the 3DViewer. [Click] the coloured box to change the colour.

3DView Default Blast Colour: The default colourwhich blasts are shown in. If a colour has been definedin the generic properties of the blast object, then thisoverrides this value. [Click] the coloured box to changethe colour.

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Miscellaneous

The Misc. tab contains options for using stocks (explosivesand accessories) and units in the JKBMS. These optionsare used with Blast Result and Cost objects, and forexporting data for reports.

See the on-line help for more information.

Tools and Functions

EditThere are several tools for modifying objects in the tree.These tools are available from either the pop-up menu orthe >Edit menu.

Note: there is no Undo. Once an editing tool has beencompleted, it is not possible to restore the object to itsprevious condition.

Delete Object

Move an object and all its children to the Recycle Bin.These objects can be restored until the recycle bin isemptied.

Rename ObjectChange the name of an object in the tree. This does notaffect the names of any specific properties or linked data.

Move Object to Root

Moves an object from its current parent to the top-level inthe tree. This can also be done by deleting the object andrestoring from the Recycle Bin as a root object.

Edit

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Cut

Move object to the cut buffer. Note that the cut bufferoperates differently to the normal windows buffer in thatyou can cut several objects and then paste them all to thesame parent. The cut objects are also persistent, i.e. theywill remain in the cut buffer of the database, even if theprogram is closed, until they are pasted.

Copy

Make a copy of an object and insert it as a sibling to theoriginal object, i.e. under the same parent. You have theoption of copying the object specific information as well(i.e. not just the generic properties). To copy to a differentparent, first copy, then cut the copy and paste under adifferent parent.

PastePaste any cut objects as children of the selected node.

Recycle Bin

The JKBMS Recycle Bin operates in much the same wayas the Windows Recycle Bin. Any deleted object goes tothe recycle bin before actually being removed from thedatabase. Any object in the Recycle Bin can be restored aseither a child of the current node, child of its old parent (ifit still exists) or as a root object.

The Recycle Bin appears automatically on the tree if itcontains any objects. To display it, either [double-click] iton the tree, or [click] the [Recycle Bin] button on the maintoolbar.

Recycle Bin

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To empty the Recycle Bin, [right-click] on the Recycle Binnode and select Empty Recycle Bin from the popup menu.

SearchesThere are four search tools provided in JKBMS. In allcases, the search results are placed in a list, and each itemcan be quickly accessed by the Goto buttons on the toolbar.

Found objects are indicated in the tree by a bold font. Ifthe node is not visible, because the branch is closed, theparent node is highlighted. If the Goto buttons are used,the branch will be automatically opened.

go to items in search list:first, previous, next, last

clear the found list. All of the searchesinclude [Reset] buttons to clear the list.Rebuilding the tree will also clear the list.

The four searches are located under >Edit >Find and>Tools> >Query.

Find / Quick QuerySearch the generic properties to find objects by name, typeor date.

Query Builder

A more advanced version of the Quick Query for genericproperties only.. The criteria from this search cannot besaved by in the BMS, but can be copied and pastedbetween the criteria box and another application

Searches

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3D Query

Search for either blasts or survey points by theircoordinates. Enter a single point as the centre of thesearch, and a window range in each direction around thecentre. The search will locate any data points attached toblasts or survey points that fall within the window. Thecriteria for this search can be saved and recalled again forlater use.

Find Blast By ResultSearch Blast Result and Fragmentation objects for a blast.In this case, the parent blast of the successful results isselected. The criteria for this search can be saved to anexternal file.

ReportsJKBMS can generate several Excel reports for blasts.These can be accessed from either the >Tools menu or thepop-up menu for a selected blast. For further informationabout the included Excel reports, consult the on-line help.

There are two other reporting options that export the blastdata as text files.

The first output, the Blast Summary Report, creates asummary of the various components of the blast: holes,explosives, and delays. All of the data is exported to asingle file that contains a short summary of the totals foreach blast, and the total for all blasts, followed by thedetails for each blast for each of the blast components.(Note: the Summary Report can only report bench blasts.)

The second output, the Export Report, contains all of theraw data for the selected blasts, with one text file per blast,with the name of the blast as the file name. This is,basically, a download of the data stored in the blast

Reports

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databases. The data is provided in tables for eachcomponent of the blast, including properties of explosivesand delays used in the blast. The format is the same ineach file; the only difference is the number of lines in eachtable, depending on the number of holes, decks, delays, etc.

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The Export Report also includes a bitmap image file foreach blast. The file has the same name as the text file, withthe extension .bmp. In the case of ring blasts, there is onebitmap file per ring.

Both outputs are tab-delimited, which makes them suitablefor opening in a spreadsheet and further formatting andcalculation.

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Both report options operate in a similar fashion. Thedialogs present a list of blasts from which the user canselect for export. The list can be filtered by date, scenarioor blast type. Export Report also includes options for theblast components to include and the details shown in theblast image.

Initially, only blasts below the selected node are shown inthe list. To include all blasts in the current BMS database,select the check box for [Include all blasts].

In Blast Summary Report, click [Copy] to send the outputdirectly to the clipboard, or [Save] to write to a nominatedfile.

In Export Report, click […] to select the folder where theouptput files are to be stored, then [Continue] to producethe files. The files can also be sent directly to anotherapplication for processing, if it is defined in the [Activate]list.

UtilitiesJKBMS includes several utilities for manipulating the treestructure, file links and blast databases. These include:

extracting a subset of the current BMS database (prune);

merging BMS databases (insert database);

display only one branch = hide other branches (prunethis branch);

repair links to external files, e.g. when the files havebeen moved to another folder;

move and copy external files from within BMS;

Utilities

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archive a BMS database and all linked files;

move or copy blasts from one blast database to another.

These utilities are discussed in the on-line help.

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JKSimBlast 41

JK B M S T u t or i a l

SetupThis tutorial will take you through the basic steps forcreating a BMS database.

A BMS database must contain at least one root object.Further objects are added to the tree to represent thedistribution of the data, either by location or relationship, orboth. As each object is added, specific properties areentered to create records of the blasts. Other files areadded to build a complete history of blasting operations.

The first step is to start the program. Enter a name on thestart screen – this will be the name of the user profile. Thisis used to recall the last settings for that profile.

If this is the first time that the BMS program has been usedafter installation, it should ask you several questions aboutstoring the profile and file associations. If it does not, or ifyou wish to change them, check the options under ProgramSettings.

New DatabaseTo create a new database, [click] the button on the toolbaror select >File >Create New Db.

Setup

New Database

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You will be prompted to enter a name for the new database,and select a folder. The BMS database canm be storedanywhere on your computer system.

Alternatively, you can objects to the current BMS database.

Root ObjectIf you have created a new database, the [add new rootobject] button on the main toolbar will be turned on. Thismeans that you must create at least one root object for thenew database.

If the button is not on, [click] it to turn it on. Now, [click]any button in the object toolbar to create that item as a newroot object.

In general, start with a site (circled above) as a root object,and then add further objects to represent the structure of themine.

To change the name of an object, [right-click] the node andselect Rename Object from the op-up menu.

You can add as many root objects as you wish to the tree.

Root Object

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Add ObjectTo add objects as nodes, first select the parent node on thetree by a single [click] on the node. Then, [click] one ofthe icons in the object toolbar to add that as a child nodebelow the selected node.

To add another object as a child to the same node, [click]the desired icon in the object toolbar. You can add as manynodes as you wish at one time, including duplicates of anyobject.

As it is added, each node is assigned a unique ID number inthe BMS database. The ID number, object type and objectname are displayed in the status bar at the bottom of thewindow when the node is selected.

The main concern at this point is to create a reasonablehierarchy for the tree that represents the structure of your

Add Object

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mine. This will make it easier to quickly locateinformation in the tree, which could be crucial to thecorrect design and recording of blasts. It is possible tomodify the tree later, but good planning now is a betterapproach.

In this case, the mine has two pits. Two benches have beenidentified within one pit for entry, as well details of a rockmass within the pit. Objects for each of these have beenadded to the tree.

A geotechnical unit is a zone of rock types and joints that istreated as a single domain for blasting. Its purpose is toquickly provide information about the rock mass, forreference only, when you are designing a blast.

When you add a geotechnical unit, also add child nodes forrock types and joint sets. The geotechnical unit displaysspecific properties for the dimensions of the domain, plus asummary of the specific properties from child nodes forrock types and joint sets.

The objects can be added to the tree in almost anysequence. For this example, the geotechnical unit couldhave been placed immediately under the site, if it is largeenough to encompass the entire pit. However, if a pit hasmore than one domain, then the domains could be placedinside the pit. Alternatively, all geotechnical units could beplaced in one branch together, separate from the other data,to reduce clutter in those branches and to make it easier tofind and maintain that data.

If you make a mistake in adding an object, select the nodeand press [Delete]. This will move it to the Recycle Bin.

To add specific properties to a node, [double-click] it orpress [Enter]. Some objects have no specific properties,

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such as a site (and are used only toorganize the structure of the tree), whileothers have either data or links toexternal data, or both. An open pit, forexample, has specific properties to helpto identify the location of the bench.

When the initial tree structure iscomplete, select each node in turn, press[F2] or [right-click] and select Rename

Object, and enter the name for each node.

To sort the tree, select >Tree Options >Rebuild. This willsort all objects at each level attached to a node according tothe selection in >Tools >Options. The figure below showsthe result for [Type and Name].

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46 JKSimBlast

Add BlastsTo add a blast, you must first add a blast collection. Thereare three collection objects, for bench, ring and face blasts.Each type of blast can only be added to its relevantcollection object.

To add a blast collection, select the parent node on the tree,then click the blast collection object on the toolbar.

There are three methods to add a blast:

add from a blast design module, such as 2DBench;

import from a JKSimBlast blast database; or

create the blast as a node.

Add Blasts

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Add Blast from 2DBenchFor this method, both 2DBench and JKBMS must berunning at the same time (the same applies for 2DRing and2DFace). Create the blast in 2DBench, and save it to ablast database. After you click the [Save] button in2DBench, and with JKBMS running, this dialog willappear:

Select the blast collection from the list, and click the button[Add Design to selected Blast Collection]. This will createa link, or reference, in the BMS database to the blast in itsblast database.

Otherwise, if you have selected the correct blast collectionnode in JKBMS, you can click the top button, [Add Designto current Blast Collection selected in JKBMS]. If youhave not selected it, you can go to JKBMS and select itbefore clicking the button. This is useful if you cannotdetermine the correct collection from the list.

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You can click either of the [Add…] buttons to add morereferences to the blast, in any selected blast collection.

Click the [Close] button to close the dialog.

Import Blasts from a 2DBench DatabaseUse this method to add blasts that have been previouslysaved from 2DBench (or 2DRing, 2DFace).

[Right-click] on the blast collection node and select >AddExisting Blasts from the pop-up menu. This dialogappears:

Click the [Open…] button to select a 2DBench database,and the blasts in the database will appear in the list below.

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Select the blasts to add; click with the [Shift] and [Ctrl]keys for multiple selections, click the [Select All…] for allblasts, or enter some characters in the filter at the bottomand click the [camera] button to select all blasts with thosecharacters.

The check box will limit the list to blasts that do notalready exist in the current BMS database.

Click the [+] button to add the selected blasts to the BMSblast collection. This will create a reference for each blast.

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[Double-click] the blast collection to display all of theblasts, with a plan view.

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[Right-click] the blast collection node and select >PlanView to show all of the blasts together in a single plan. Theview will show all of the blasts below the node from whereit was activated. Move the mouse over a blast to display itsname.

Create BlastThis option allows you to add a blast to a collection as anode. You can name the blast, and then choose to importthe blast data from a text file, or run the blast designmodule and create the blast there.

Select the blast collection, then [right-click] and select>Create New Blast. You will then be prompted to add theblast to a database – this is similar to saving the blast in thedesign module, but it only creates a location for the blast, itdoes not create any data.

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If you select [No] you will have a new blast with noreference. You can [right-click] on the new blast and select>Properties, then [double-click] the blast name to edit theblast details and attach a reference to an existing blast.

If you select [Yes], then you must select a blast databasewhere the blast will be linked. Select the database from thelist of current databases, browse for a different database, orcreate a new database (you will be prompted for a nameand folder).

Depending on your choice, you will then be prompted for aname and scenario number for the blast. If you enter orchoose a blast name that already exists in the database, youwill be prompted to create a reference to the blast. Select[Yes] to continue, or [No] to go back and enter a differentname or scenario.

Next, you will be asked if you wish to run the DesignImporter, to import the blast from a text file. This is thesame process as in the design modules to import a blast.

As the final step, the blast design module will open, andwill open the new blast if it exists, or you can create theblast.

Edit the BlastTo edit a blast in the relevant design module, either[double-click] the blast in the collection (if you haveselected the correct option in the program options), or openthe Properties in BMS (for either the blast or the collection)and click the edit icon in the top left corner of theproperties form.

Edit the Blast

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The blast will open in the relevant design module. Anypre-existing data will be lost.

Analyse the BlastJKBMS cannot perform any analyses within the program,but it can store or reference the results of analyses fromother sources, and these can be viewed in JKBMS. Thesecan be added to the blast as child objects, as for any otherobjects.

Some of the useful objects for analyses are:

Photo Collection. Each photo is stored as a link to afile, with individual notes. The photos can beviewed with the internal viewer, or opened in thedefault viewer application.

Video Collection. Each video is stored as a link to afile, with individual notes. The videos can beopened in the default viewer application.

Vibration. Enter the summarised results for variousvibration measurements.

Fragmentation Distribution. Enter the fragmentationdistribution data (as percent passing and size),and display as a graph. Several sets of data canbe entered, or pasted, and displayed together forcomparison.

Graph. Store and display time-based data as a graph.

Energy Distribution. A collection of energydistribution results from a JKSimBlast design

Analyse theBlast

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module. The data can be filtered to control thedisplay, and shown in 3D with the blast.

PPV Damage Contours. A collection of PPVcontour results from a JKSimBlast designmodule. The data can be filtered to control thedisplay, and shown in 3D with the blast.

Generic File. Attach any data file with anapplication that can process it. [Double-click] toautomatically run the application.

These objects are designed to make it easy to recall anddisplay other data associated with a blast, with allreferences stored in one location for rapid recall andcomparison. For more information, consult the on-linehelp.

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2D B e n c h

Overview2DBench is a graphical program for the design and analysisof blasts in benching operations, typically for open cutmines and quarries.

The blast is laid out in a 2D plan view, consisting of blastholes, decks, and downhole and surface delays andconnections. The blast area can be further described bylines, polygons and labels (collectively known as strings).Both strings and blast holes can be imported from text files,either as designs or actual data.

Once the blast layout is complete, a detonation simulationcan be run on-screen. Basic analyses include volume,tonnage, powder factor, component and total costs and firstdetonation contours. Advanced analyses include maximuminstantaneous charge, energy distribution, PPV contours,dynamic burden relief, and fragmentation.

Although the blast is viewed in 2D plan, all data is createdand stored with full 3D coordinates (east, north, level) inMicrosoft Access databases. Added to this are componentdetails (hole parameters of dip, bearing, diameter, length,burden, spacing), properties of explosives, detonators,primers and connectors, and Monte Carlo detonation timinginformation.

The data from 2DBench can be further analysed in 2DView(in section and oblique views) for contouring of hole-related data and energy distribution and in TimeHEx (blasttiming vs holes and explosives) for arrival times andcumulative effect. 2DBench blasts and any related data canbe organized and viewed in JKBMS (Blast ManagementSystem).

Overview

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Appearance1. title bar

stocks database, blast database, blast name / scenario

2. menusdisplay, selection, tools, options, shortcuts>Edit – mode specific, >Tools – user definable

3. toolbarsdesign modes, mode tools, global tools, parametersummary

4. design arealimitless window, scroll bars, view options

5. status barmode, action, cursor E/N, bearing & length (line,anchor), view scale

Appearance

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Design ModesA blast is divided into five components, created in thevarious modes in the program. Each mode has specifictools and functions, plus there are several other tools forglobal editing, query, input and output functions.

Area draw and edit lines and polygons (called‘strings’), text labels

Drill drill and edit blast holes and nodes

Load insert decks – explosive and inert

Downhole insert down hole delays and boosters

Surface insert delays between holes and nodes

Detonation simulate detonation and analyse timing

General Features

ToolbarThe first group of buttons on the toolbar are the blastmodes: Area (lines, polygons, labels), Drill, Load,Downhole Delays, Surface Delays, and DetonationSimulation. The next button is the global parameter dialog– press this button in any mode to display the parametersdialog for that mode. The remaining buttons are tools forthe selected mode tools and global tools. The last section isa summary of the parameters in the selected mode.

Design Modes

GeneralFeatures

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CursorThe mouse can act as a pointer or cursor. To change to thecursor, put the mouse over the Design Area and [click],[Enter] or [spacebar]. To exit, [right-click] or [spacebar].You can move the cursor with the mouse or the arrow keys.Its position is shown by the coordinates on the status bar.

Selection Box / MaskThe selection box is a rectangular box; the selection maskis a multi-sided shape. Either is enabled when the toolbarbutton is “on”. The box and mask are used to mark holesor zoom in on the viewing area. To set the selection box,place the cursor for one corner of the box, then [drag] thecursor to the position of the opposite corner. For the mask,place the cursor and [drag] for the first side, then [click] foreach side – close by crossing the first side or [Esc].

ZoomYou can zoom in by pressing [Z] - zoom out by[Shift]+[Z]. The screen will zoom to the box or mask if itis active, otherwise zoom in or out will double or halve thewindow scale. The scale is shown at the bottom of thescreen. [Double-click] the scale to activate a zoom controlbox.

Blast ParametersBlast parameters (hole and pattern dimensions, type andamount of explosives and delays, etc) are entered via theparameters dialog. Activate the dialog, enter the values,click [Accept], and create the blast. Click [Save] to writethe parameters to an .ini file, and [Recall] to recall theparameters. Click [Close] to close the parameters dialog.

MarkingSelective actions, such as load, copy or delete, areperformed on marked holes and nodes, shown by a small M

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in the centre of the hole. Mark or unmark holes via the>Selection menu, [M] / [U] to mark / unmark the nearesthole to the cursor, or [Ctrl]+[M] / [Ctrl]+[U] to mark /unmark all holes. The number of marked and total holes isshown in the summary bar (e.g. mh 45/50).

Query (information display)[Click] the information display button at any time to see alldata for the current mode on the selected object (usually thenearest to the cursor).

HelpHelp is available from the >Help menu, or by clicking the[Help] button on the dialogs.

Sample BlastsSeveral sample blasts are included with the program in asingle 2DBench database, called samples.2db. These blastscan be opened, viewed and modified in the program. Thesample database file is located in the data sub-folder,typically in C:\Program Files\JKSimBlast\2DBench\data.

To open a sample blast, select >File >Open Blast… todisplay the Open dialog. Click the [Browse] button, andselect the samples.2db file from the data folder. Thenselect a blast from the [Name] list, and a scenario numberfrom the [Scenario] list if one is not selected automatically.Click the [Open] button to open the blast in 2DBench.

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Tools & Keys[click] = [Enter]

[click] or [Enter] or [space] = enter design area

[right-click] or [space] = exit design area

[right-click] = activate window, no other action

[R] Redraw = refresh screen

[Alt+Bksp] Undo = one step back

[click-click E/N] GoTo absolute, relative, polar, object[Do Action] use at any time

[Home] = move cursor to: nearest point on string, nearesthole, nearest surface delay

[End] = centre all data (changes scale)

[Ctrl+End] = centre screen at cursor (does not changescale)

= [anchor] [right-click] or [space] to exit, [anchor]OR place cursor, then [*]

= [copy picture] set scale, window and view options(also /File /Save Design Region Picture)

[Backspace] = delete nearest object: string, hole, top deckin nearest hole, top D/H delay in nearesthole, surface tie

[Delete] = select objects to delete: decks, D/H delays,surface delays

Tools & Keys

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2 D B e n c h T ut or i a l

Creating a Blast DesignThis tutorial will take you through the basic steps forcreating a blast design in 2DBench.

Generally, you create a blast by working through each ofthe modes, represented by the first six buttons on thetoolbar, from left to right. In each mode, several specifictools are available for creating objects on the screen oranalysing the data associated with the objects. In almost allcases, the actions defined by the tools are implemented byeither [click] on the desired object, or anywhere in thedesign area for global actions.

NOTE: global tools are available any time to assist inplacing objects

[anchor] measure distance & bearing[hook] lock the cursor to a line[Home] lock on the nearest object[End] center all objects on screen[scroll] move the Design Area windowGoTo move the cursor to a position or object[Z] zoom in [Shift]+[Z] zoom out

Drilling Holes

[Click] the Hole Drilling mode button on the toolbar(second from left).

There are several drilling methods: single hole, pattern,polygon fill, follow line, and Baseline (from the Toolsmenu). You can also place nodes (dummy holes) forconnecting surface delays where there is no blast hole. Anode is placed in the same manner as a single hole.

Creating aBlast Design

Drill Holes

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For this example, you can use the default parameters todrill holes or patterns; however, if you want to changethem, activate the parameters dialog, enter new values andclick [Accept New Values] then [Close].

Select pattern drilling.

Place the cursor on the left side of the screen for thelocation of the first hole (row 1, hole 1) and [click].

Set the direction of the front row - move the cursor tothe right. The bearing of the row is shown on the statusbar. [Click] to set the direction.

Set the burden direction by moving the cursor below thefront row line and [click]. The blast pattern is createdon the screen. (The same technique can be used to setthe pattern from the back row – note the [BurdenDirection] in the parameters.)

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Press [End] to centre the blast on the screen.

Place the cursor near any hole in the pattern, and [click]the query toolbar button [ ?] to show information onthe hole. Move the cursor to display a different hole.

Single holes and nodes can be placed anywhere in theblast by placing the cursor and [click]. Nodes have thesame Bench Level as blast holes.

NOTE: by default, drilled holes are Unmarked andimported holes are Marked.

Saving t he blast

It is advisable to save the blast regularly. Blasts are savedin a MS Access database. One database can hold multipleblasts.

Select >File > Save Blast in the menu.

Save the Blast

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Click [Browse] and select a folder for the blast database.Enter a new file name for the database (e.g. “tutorial”) andclick [Open]. Click [Yes] to create a new database called“tutorial.2db”. New databases are created from a templatedatabase stored in the Templates folder.

Enter a name for the blast. Select a pre-defined scenarionumber or accept –(new)- to automatically generate anumber (10 or higher).

Click [Save]. The name of the database file and the blastwill appear in the title bar at the top of the screen. Theblast name includes the scenario number.

Draw Lines and Polyg ons

Select Area mode (first button).Draw Lines

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This mode is for drawing lines and polygons and placingpoint labels in the blast (collectively called strings). Theseare mainly intended to “draw a picture” of the featuresaround the blast area, but can also be used to calculateareas and volumes, to control hole placement for somedrilling methods, and in the calculation of some analyses.

In this step, draw a polygon around the blast pattern tocalculate the volume of the blast for the design factors afterthe explosives have been loaded.

Open the Area parameters and set the Level to the sameas the Bench Level for the holes.

Select the polygon tool on the toolbar.

Place the cursor near one corner of the blast, and [click]to start the polygon.

[Click] for each corner of the polygon, then cross overthe first side and [click] to close.

Save the blast >File >Save Blast, and select [Save] toaccept the blast name, then [Yes] to overwrite thepreviously saved holes.

Loading Decks

Select Material Loading mode (third button). Materials areexplosives and non-explosives.

Open the parameters dialog, and select a material – inthis case, an explosive. Click [Show Details] to see theproperties (note: non-explosives have VOD = 0).

Select a quantity method for the amount of explosive toload, and enter an amount. For a deck loaded to x

Load Decks

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metres from the collar, select [Load to a Length Fromthe Collar] and enter the length below.

Click [Accept New Values]. [Close] the parametersdialog if it is obstructing the blast.

Select [Load all holes] on the toolbar.

[Click] anywhere in the design area to load the type andamount of explosive in all of the blast holes.

In the parameters dialog, select a stemming material andamount ([Load to a Length From the Collar] and 0metres), and [Accept…]. [Close] the parameters dialog.

[Click] again in the design area to load the stemming.

Click [ ?] on the toolbar to display details of thenearest hole. [Click] on the hole again or [Page Up /Page Down] to cycle through the charge details.

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>File >Save Blast and [Save]. [Yes] to overwrite theholes.

Design FactorsNow that the explosives have been loaded, you cancalculate the design factors to check if the blast conformsto the design objectives.

There are two methods used to calculate design factors.The first method uses a polygon and the defined benchheight to calculate a volume for the blast, and the seconduses the blast hole parameters to calculate a volume foreach hole.

The bench height is initially defined as the differencebetween the bench level and floor level, defined in the holeparameters. The blast hole parameter method uses burdenand spacing and the vertical height of the blast hole, minussubdrill, to calculate a volume for each hole.

In both cases, the total volume is multiplied by the definedrock SG to calculate tonnage, and only marked holes areused. The bench height and SG values can be changeddirectly on the dialog.

First, mark all of the holes [Ctrl]+[M].

Select >Analysis >Design Factors or press [F].

[click-click] the Bench Height or Rock SG to change thevalues.

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Downhole Delays

Select Downhole Delay mode (fourth button). In thismode, you insert delays, connectors and primers in the blastholes.

Open the parameters dialog, and select a downholedelay (e.g. #20 / 500ms), connector (tube) and primer(any). Click [Show Details] to see the properties.

DownholeDelays

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On the [Delay] tab, enter a distance from the collar orthe toe for the delay – the depth must be set so that thedelay is in the explosive deck (e.g. 1 m from toe).

Click [Accept] and [Close] the parameters dialog.

Select [ALL holes] on the toolbar.

[Click] anywhere in the design area to load the delays inall of the blast holes. You should see a colouredtriangle inside each hole.

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Click [ ?] on the toolbar to query any hole.

>File >Save Blast and [Save]. [Yes] to overwrite the holesand decks.

Surface Delays

Select Surface Delay mode (fifth button). In this mode,you insert delays and connectors between the blast holes.

For this sample blast, tie a simple pattern along the rowswith a single centre line between the rows.

First, mark all of the holes. In this mode, mark theholes via the Selection menu, or [Ctrl]+[M] with thecursor inactive.

SurfaceDelays

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Open the parameters dialog, and select a detonator andappropriate connector (e.g delay: 17ms; connector: 17).Click [Show Details] to see the properties.

Select bi-directional (for this blast): typically, shock-tube detonators are uni-directional; cord detonators arebi-directional. With bi-directional mode, it does notmatter which direction the delays are placed in the blast.

Select Inter-Hole for the delay type (this option allowsinter-hole and inter-row delays to be displayedseparately – it does not affect their performance).

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[Accept] the values, and close the dialog.

Select [Multiple hole tie up]. The holes must bemarked for this method.

Place the cursor on the first hole in the front row, and[click].

Move the cursor slightly past the last hole in the row.Note the highlighted holes will be connected. [Click]again to connect all of the marked holes with inter-holedelays.

[Esc] to disconnect from the last hole (or [click] withthe cursor on the hole).

Repeat for the other rows.

If you make a mistake, place the cursor near a surfacedelay and press [Backspace], or mark the relevant holesand select >Edit >Delete…

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Open the parameters dialog and select an inter-rowdelay and connector (e.g. 42ms). Select Inter-Row forthe delay type. [Accept] and [Close] the dialog.

Select [Hole to Hole delay tie up].

Place the cursor on a hole near the middle of the frontrow and [click].

Place the cursor on a hole in the second row, and [click]again to connect the rows.

Repeat for the third row and so on. [Esc] or [click] onthe last hole to disconnect.

Click [ ?] on the toolbar to see the details for a delay.

>File >Save Blast and [Save] – [Yes].

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Detonatio n Si mula tion

Select Detonation Simulation mode (sixth button). In thismode, you run the detonation simulation and calculatetimes for all objects in the blast.

You can open the parameters dialog if you wish andmodify any of the values, but the default values will workfine for this example.

DetonationSimulation

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To run the simulation, place the cursor over the middlehole in the first row (where the inter-row delay isconnected) and [click]. You will see the surface delaysinitiating, and then each hole detonating.

While the simulation is running…[S] = stop[any key] = step[C] = continue[Esc] = end

To slow the simulation, enter a pause value in theparameters. Click [ ?] on the toolbar to query a hole.

[Click] anywhere in the Design Areato run the

simulation again from the initiation hole, or selectto run the simulation from the nearest hole to the cursor.

>File >Save Blast and [Save] – [Yes] to save thedetonation times with the blast.

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Basic Analyses

Click to display the first detonation contours.

Click to show a chart of maximum instantaneouscharges (kg per 8ms delay, initial setting).

to change the window time and X-axis values;

and then a bar to show the linked holes for that bar; use the arrow keys to “scroll” through the chart.

to enter the values for the scaled-distance function;

to display the PPV values for a selected bar.

To display the detonation times, select >View >DisplayOptions, then [Visibility] – [Downhole Detonation DelayLabels] and [Apply].

Select >Analysis >Blast Summary for totals, counts andaverages of drilling, charging and delays used in the blast.The details from these forms can be copied to the clipboardand pasted into almost any application that can accept text.

Select >File >Print Blast Window to print the blast plan,and set the display via >View >Display Options.

BasicAnalyses

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2 D R i n g

General Functions2DRing incorporates a number of different functions tofacilitate the design and analysis of underground blasting:

Core Design Functions include grid size and gridorientation settings, definition of areas with stringsfunctions, drilling mode functions, charging modefunctions, tie up functions and detonation simulation.

Editing Functions include the selection of objects (eg.marking functions), deleting objects (eg. holes, chargeetc.), deleting strings, changing the attributes of objects(eg. visibility, colour etc.).

Viewing functions include zoom in and out, specifyzoom, go to position, centre design, redraw and queryfunctions.

The reporting functions include printer set up, printthe design window and turning object text on/off forprinting more information.

Data organisation functions include Microsoft Accessdatabase storage plus general importation andexportation facilities.

Design Area

Screen LayoutFigure 1.1 shows the screen layout of the main design areaof 2DRing. The window consists of a drawing area, titlebar (which has some status information), menu bar, toolbar, status bar and scroll bar.

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This main window or drawing area is a section view of a3D world defined by grid coordinates (ie. Easting, Northingand Reduced Level (RL) in metres).

The menu bar contains all the functions available in2DRing and it is divided into six items (ie. File, Edit,Mode, Parameters, View, Marking and Help).

The tool bar consists of four items, the major design modebuttons which are associated with mode functions in themain menu bar; the parameters setting button which allowthe user to set the properties of a design mode (ie. drilling,loading etc); the construction mode buttons which give theuser some construction options available for design and theinformation mode buttons which allow the user to query adesign.

The status bar gives the user an indication of the currentdesign mode and construction option as well as designproperties such as current location, current constructionline properties, current anchor line properties and currentscale for the drawing.

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Major ModeButtons

Title Bar

Menu Bar

Selection Box

Scroll Bar

Status Bar

Scale

Current coordinates

Drawing Area

Tool Bar

InformationMode Buttons

ConstructionMode Buttons

ParametersButton

Parameter Information Bar

Figure 1.1 General Layout of the Main Design Window

Design Area AppearanceThe first step in any design is to define the characteristicsor appearance of the area in which a design is to be created(ie. Setting mine coordinates, global coordinates, grid size,grid orientation etc.). A number of tools are available in2DRing for this purpose and these are accessed via theView+Options…menu item (see Figure 1.2 )

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Figure 1.2 Change options dialog

The Change options dialog allows the user to set up andmodify the drawing area in which a design is to be created.This dialog contains nine options describing differentaspects of the design layout as outlined in Table 1.1 .

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Table 1.1 Change options dialog description

Option DescriptionGridDimensions

Activates the Grid and defines the size ofgrid intervals; East/West and North/South.

Grid Line Selects the appearance of the grid linesGridAnnotate

Option for defining grid text

Visibility Selects object type to make visible orinvisible

Colour Selects the colour of the object typeText Selects where object text is positioned in the

design layoutSize Adjusts some text sizes by a percentageSelection Selection box and mask propertiesOther Axis indicator properties

The Text position option contains dialog boxes whichallow the user to interactively select and position textaround an object as shown in Figure 1.3. Note that the textwill not appear until the relevant object visibility is turnedon.

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Figure 1.3 Text position dialog and options

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The Object colour option allows the user to change thecolour of all objects in the design layout. The standardcolour palette dialog is shown in Figure 1.4.

Figure 1.4 Colour palette dialog

Settings can be stored by the user in initialisation files (ie.*.ini files). To do this the user must access the saveparameters dialog via the Parameters+save parametersas.. menu item as shown in Figure 1.5 . The user can recallthese *ini files whenever they are needed from the samemenu item.

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Figure 1.5 Saving design layout parameters

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Global Construction Tools

Selection BoxThe selection box allows the user to quickly select a squareor rectangular region within the design area. It is toggled(ie. turned on/off) by clicking on the selection box icon inthe tool bar.

Selection mask

The selection mask allows the user to select irregularregions (ie. polygons of up to 10 vertices) within the designarea. It is toggled (ie. turned on/off) by clicking on theselection mask icon in the tool bar or alternatively byaccessing the options dialog via the View menu item.

Goto PositionThe “Move 2D cursor to location” dialog (Figure 1.6) isactivated via the View menu item (Ctrl+G). The positiondialog allows the user to move the 2D cursor to a specificgrid position. The user may move the 2D cursor to anabsolute coordinate or to a position relative to the 2Dcursor's current position. The relative move can be inCartesian coordinates (eg. Easting, Northing and RL) or inspherical coordinates (eg. Angular move). To move to alocation, click on the “Move cursor” button.The “Move 2D cursor to location” dialog also allows theuser to carry out a design action at a specific location byclicking on the “do Action” button.

Note that if a ring plane has been selected, then the chosencoordinate will be forced onto this ring plane.

SelectionBox

On/off

SelectionMaskOn/off

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Figure 1.6 Move 2D cursor to location Dialog

AnchorThe Anchor is a measuring tool that allows the user toobtain bearings and distances from a start point to an endpoint. It is toggled by clicking on the Anchor icon in thetool bar.

Specify ZoomThis option is accessed via the View menu item. The newscale dialog is activated and it is shown in Figure 1.7. Theuser may change the scale and click on the apply button forthe change to take place.

Figure 1.7 New scale option dialog

Anchor

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The user may also change the current scale by doubleclicking the scale shown in the status bar (see Figure 1.1).

Zoom in, Zoom Out, Previous ZoomThese options are also accessed via the View menu item(eg. View+Zoom in... ). The default value for both zoomingin and out is “twice” of the current scale. (eg for a scale1:750 ; 1:(750/2) for zooming