OPTIMAL PARAMETERS OF BLASTING DESTRUCTION IN THE BEN AZOUZ QUARRY BASED ON STUDY OF STRENGTH LIMESTONE ROCK.

Purpose. This paper highlights the importance of taking into account the evaluation of the strength properties of limestone rock in the Ben Azzouz quarry. The purpose is to achieve optimum blasting quality based on the information on petro-physical and mechanical characteristics of the rock. Methodology. Models have been developed to estimate physico-mechanical properties of limestone rock. The models are based on the results of many laboratory tests by petro-physical and mechanical methods. Statistical analysis was performed on simple and multiple regression equations. Findings. Linear regression models have a higher estimated success rate, as expected. The best model for estimating the compressive strength of the rock (UCS, Uniaxial Compression Strength) based on simple regression is the model containing P-Velocity as an independent variable with a coefficient of determination R² of 0.81 and P-value = 0.000000003. Originality. To benefit from the enormous reserves in the quarry of Ben Azouz, knowing that there is no evaluation of the physico-mechanical characteristics of the rock, a set of the tests in the rock mechanics laboratory of polytechnic faculty of Mons in Belgium was carried out and limestone rock strength was estimated. Practical value. to Solid understanding of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the rock mass and the mechanism of blasting the rock is an essential step that must be taken gradually according to the development of mining works with the aim of minimizing the disadvantages in blasting and obtaining an optimal effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]