Prediction of in-situ block size distributions with reference to armourstone for breakwaters

摘要: Abstract Understanding a quarry in terms of its potential for breakwater construction materials presents special challenge the engineering geologist. Unlike blasting aggregates and mining operations, optimisation extraction process has focus on production large blocks armourstone. These weighing many tonnes are used cover layers to resist wave action. The quarry-run is core. If been developed as source dedicated project, success project depends greatly rock sizes that required avoidance leaving massive quantity unused behind after completion. Prediction in-situ block such from joint spacing data, provides most critical input prediction blast pile size distribution (BBSD), which turn vital early design if constructed be economical well effective. This paper part series papers introduces coastal motivation this work geology, giving reasons why fragmentation curve products economic importance projects. first step towards blasted (BBSD) sized (IBSD), main subject paper. Drawing together research methods 1990s mechanics principles discontinuity analysis, practical by methodology IBSD assessment includes approaches not reliant specialised computer software presented. Continuing theme, new extension volumetric count approach suggested case when sparse borehole data all available. A study associated BBSD presented Carboniferous limestone quarry. For clarity, details yield recommended use context armourstone production, have companion Rosin–Rammler equation an example form illustrated. final section sets out method directly comparing curves with demand set design. On same plot, where there relative shortfall can identified. dependence effective accurate performance discussed.