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International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences ] (]]]]) ]]] ]]] www.elsevier.com/locate/ijrmms

Development of a new classication system for assessing of rock mass drillability index (RDi)
S.H. Hoseiniea,, H. Aghababaeib, Y. Pourrahimianb
a

Faculty of Mining Engineering and Geophysics, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran b Faculty of Mining Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran Received 22 July 2006; received in revised form 16 March 2007; accepted 2 April 2007

Abstract The drilling process and its results are affected by various parameters of the rock material and rock mass. The effects of rock material have been emphasized in various studies; however lack of perfect knowledge of rock mass structural parameters may lead to unpredictable results. This paper presents a new classication system for specifying the rock mass drillability index (RDi). For this purpose, six parameters of the rock mass, including texture and grain size, Mohs hardness, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), joint spacing, joint lling (aperture) and joint dipping have been investigated by physical modeling and rated. Physical modeling in particular has been used for investigating the effects of joint characteristics on drilling rate. In the proposed RDi system, each rock mass is assigned a rating from 7 to 100, with a higher rating corresponding greater ease of drilling. Based on the RDi rating, the drilling rate may be classied into ve modes: slow, slow-medium, medium, medium-fast, and fast. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Drilling; Rock mass drillability index (RDi); Classication; Physical modeling

1. Introduction In open pit mining, drilling, as the initial stage of the exploitation operations, has a signicant role in the other stages of exploitation. Considering high operation costs as well as the expense of the machinery, full recognition of the parameters involved in drilling, and an attempt to optimize exploitation methods, would be desirable. More efcient drilling would result in suitable blasting, desired fragmentation, as well as a decline in operation costs. Drilling, like the other exploitation stages, has a direct and close relation with the rock mass, and thus would be affected by the geomechanical characteristics of the rock material as well as the rock mass. Therefore, recognition of the drilling environment and the in situ rock mass properties would be of great help in choosing the appropriate type of drilling system, number of drills, and the mine production rate.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +98 9143161688; fax: +98 4123444311.

E-mail address: Hoseinie@sut.ac.ir (S.H. Hoseinie). 1365-1609/$ - see front matter r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2007.04.001

In discussion of the effects of rock material properties on the drilling process, many investigators have described the rocks behavior, using the various parameters [132]. Wilbur [8] emphasized the Mohs hardness, texture, fracture and structure of the rock mass as important parameters affected drilling. Osanloo [20] investigated the rock cohesion force, porosity, density, texture, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), RQD, elasticity, plasticity, rigidity, hardness and structure of rock mass effects on drilling. Jimeno and his colleagues [15] introduced hardness, origin of rocks, UCS, elasticity, plasticity, abrasion, texture and rock mass structure as the parameters involved in drilling. Kahraman [22], in addition to present a new drillability index, has studied the various parameters such as UCS, tensile strength, point load index, Schmidt hammer hardness, P-wave velocity, elastic modulus and density. Ostovar [24] emphasized the importance of the rocks origin, hardness, grains size, UCS, density, the joint system and rock mass structure on drilling. Among the past studies, Wilburs classication system [8] is the best known one. Wilbur classied rock masses according to drilling by use of the above-mentioned factors

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for the rst time. This system has been founded on the basis of rating of the parameters, and can predict drilling quality. Considering the parameters used in Wilburs classication, it is obvious that the qualitative parameters and comments have been used for rating rock material texture and rock mass structure. For example, during consideration of formation, Wilbur describes the rock mass with expressions like massive, sheety, laminated, seamy and blocky. Due to the complex and complicated conditions of rock mass, one may come up with different denition for it. Thus, qualitative classication on some cases may bewilder the user. During investigation of to the texture, the condition also becomes complicated without reference to grain size. In Kahramans drillability index, which has been presented in order to predict penetration rate of rotary drilling system, there is no reference to the rock masss structure and the dened index has only been presented on the basis of rock material. In this paper, considering past studies, especially Wilburs classication system, and including the joint properties into the classication system, a new quantitative view about rock mass and its drillability has been established. 2. Effective parameters for drilling Considering the above points and reviewing the studies that have done up to now, the most important rock mass parameters that affect the drilling are the origin of the rocks formation [15,20,24,25], Mohs hardness [8,15, 1721,23,33,34], the texture of the rock (shape and size of grains) [8,15,17,21], porosity [1921], density [20,21,23,30], abrasiveness [17,1921,25], rigidity [20], P-wave velocity [23], elasticity and plasticity [15,20,23], UCS (point load index and Schmidt hammer) [15,1721,23,25,35], tensile strength [21,23], structural parameters of the rock mass (joints, cracks and bedding) [8,15,17,19,20,2225,30,31,35], and RQD [20]. An important issue in rock classication is the selection of the parameters of greatest signicance. There appears to be no single parameter or index that can fully and quantitatively describes a jointed rock mass for engineering purposes [36]. Thus, in attempting to present a classication system for assessing rock masses drillability, using all parameters is inconvenient from a practical point of view. In the present classication system (rock mass drillability index [RDi]), the four following rules have been considered: (a) the number of parameters used should be small, (b) equivalent parameters should be avoided, (c) parameters should be considered within certain groups, and (d) the rock mass classication should be applicable in the eld. Considering these four guidelines, the parameters which have been chosen for assessing the RDi are as follows: (a) physical parameters of the rock material: texture and grain size, (b) strength parameters of the rock material:

UCS and Mohs hardness, and (c) structural parameters of the rock mass: joint spacing, joint lling and aperture, and joint dipping. All of these parameters, except the UCS, can be easily measured and classied in the eld. Since it is not possible to measure the UCS in the eld, one can use point load index and Schmidt hammer results as equivalent values for the UCS. In order to rate the six given parameters, it should be considered that the properties relating to the rock material (texture and grains size, UCS, Mohs Hardness) are more important than the structural parameters (joint spacing, dipping and lling) of the rock mass. This is related to the direct contact of drill bit with the rock material and substantial effect of physical properties of rock on the penetration rate of drilling system. Thus, in the proposed classication system (RDi), the distinctions related to the rock material have been given more weight than the joint properties. Considering relative importance of the various parameters utilized for assessment of RDi, it has been assumed that the total rate of rock mass is 100 as a maximum, which represents optimum conditions for drilling. Hoek and Brown have realized that a classication system must be non-linear to classify poor rock masses realistically [37]. Thus, in the RDi system, to rate the various values of each parameter, the most weights have been rated for the best mode (fast drilling). Rates of medium-fast, medium, slow-medium and slow are, respectively, 70%, 50%, 25% and 10% of best mode (numbers have been rounded). By order of above rating, the RDi classication system becomes non-linear. Considering the importance of each parameter and the effect of each one on the RDi, the general lay out of RDi classication and way of rating to each parameter has been illustrated in Fig. 1.

3. Parameters relating to physical properties of rock material 3.1. Texture and grain size Rock texture as well as grain size is one of the properties of rock material that affects the drilling rate. When the rock grains get ner and the texture is denser, the rate of drilling and rock mass drillability decreases. In Wilburs classication, rock texture has been properly classied. In the RDi classication, considering Wilbur classication, dimensions of grains relative to each texture have also been added to the previous comments in order to decrease errors during the classication, as well as turning qualitative descriptions of textures in to the quantitative comments. Describing the texture by mentioning the dimensions of grains would certainly decrease personal intervention in classication. Rating of rock mass in respect of texture in the RDi classication system is shown by Table 1.

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Physical parameters of rock material

Texture & Grain size

15

UCS Parameters of rock material strength Rock Mass Mohs Hardness

22 40 18

100 Structural parameters of Rock mass Joints Spacing 18

Joints Dip

12

45

Joints Aperture & Filling

15

Rock mass Drillability index (RDi)

Fig. 1. Rock mass classication in respect of structure and strength.

Table 1 Rating to rock mass in respect of texture and grain size Texture Porous Fragmental (semi dense) 5 mmo 10 Granitoid (medium grained) 25 mm 7 Porphyritic Dense (grain are small to very small) 0.051 mm 1

Grain size Rating

15

Matrix: 0.051 mm, Grain: 25 mm 4

Table 2 Rating to rock mass in respect of Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) UCS (MPa) Description Rating 125 Very low strength 22 2550 Low strength 16 50100 Average strength 11 100200 High strength 6 4200 Very high strength 2

4. Parameters of rock material strength 4.1. Uniaxial compressive strength UCS is one of the most important engineering properties of rocks. Rock material strength is used as an important parameter in many rock mass classication systems. Using this parameter in classication is necessary because strength of rock material constitutes the strength limit of rock mass [36]. Factors that inuence the UCS of rocks are the constitutive minerals and their spatial positions, weathering or alteration rate, micro-cracks and internal fractures, elasticity and plasticity of rocks, density and porosity [20]. Therefore, UCS may be inuenced by all of the above parameters, particularly density, porosity, elasticity and

plasticity of rocks. The rocks with low porosity will generally have high density as well as high compressive strength. Compressive strength in comparison with density has better capability to describe the rocks behavior during the drilling process [38]. Thus, in the RDi classication system, only utilization of UCS has been used as an evident property of rock material. Using the method of Schmidt hammer and point load test in classication of rock material at the RDi classication is not restricted. Since compressive strength of rock material is divided in to ve classes on the basis of Beniavaski classication [39], this method has also been used instead of the ISRM method in RDi system. Rating to compressive strength of rock material in the RDi classication system is shown by Table 2.

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4.2. Mohs hardness Hardness can be interpreted as the rocks resistance to penetration. Rock hardness is the rst strength that has to overcome during drilling [15]. After penetration of the drill bit into the rock, continuing operation is done in a simple way. Hardness as well as abrasiveness will decreases the drilling penetration rate and drill bit lifetime. The factors that affect rock hardness are the hardness of the constitutive minerals, cohesion forces, the shape and size of the grains, homogeneity, and the water content of rock [20]. Thus, hardness is a good index of all above given parameters of rock material. Considering the importance of hardness in controlling penetration into rock material, hardness, after UCS, is considered the most relevant property of rock material. Since one can easily use the Mohs classication system of hardness in the eld, therefore, in the RDi classication system, as in the Wilbur classication system, this index has also been used for classifying rocks. Jimeno has classied the natural rocks in respect of hardness and their application in the drilling, from very soft to very hard [15]. In the RDi classication, for rating of the rock materials hardness, the proposed method of Jimeno has been used (Table 3).

5. Rock mass structural parameters (joints specication) Specication of rock mass and its general structure has an important role in the drilling process, and its efciency.
Table 3 Rating to rock mass in respect of Mohs hardness Mohs hardness Description of hardness Rating 13 Very softsoft 18 34.5

The drillability of a rock mass has a direct relation with its mass structure. Many researchers have emphasized on the effects of rock mass structure on its drillability [8,15,17,19,20,2225,30,31,35]. In Wilburs classication [8], rock mass structure has been considered in a proper way. In this system, for describing rock mass, expressions like massive, sheets, laminated, seamy and blocky have been used. Jimeno and his colleagues [15] have referred to rock mass joints and its classication in respect of structure and strength using Fig. 2. The important specications of joint that affect rock mass drillability are spacing, dipping, lling and aperture. Drilling in jointed rock masses is more difcult than drilling in the intact zones [24]. Drilling in the zones with extreme joints, due to the small blocks as well as open joints faces many problems. Locking of the drilling bit and decrease of penetration of drilling system is more evident phenomena of drilling in the jointed rock masses. Considering the simultaneous effect of various factors relating to rock material and the rock mass in the drilling process, laboratory testing of the effect of one factor on the quality of drillability of rock samples may be encountered with many errors. Therefore, the best method of surveying one parameter, without the effect of the other parameters, is physical modeling of rock masses by articial materials such as concrete [30,31]. Since in physical modeling of rock masses both rock material and its mass structure are very important, for studying of joints characteristics effects on penetration of drilling, it is essential that the characteristics

4.56 Comparatively hard 9

67 Hard 4

47 Very hard 1

Comparatively soft 13

SPACING OF JOINTS STRENGTH OF SUBSTANCE VERY FIRM (RECENTLY SOUND)

LITTLE

MODERATELY JOINTED 100 20

INTENSIVELY 4

CRUSHED TO MYLONIZED

Strong Rock A

FIRM (SLIGHTLY WHEATHERED)

Medium Rock

MEDIUM (WHEATHERED)

Weak Rock C D Very Weak Rock

SOFT (DETERIORATED) SPACING OF JOINTS 1000cm 100 10 1 0.1

Fig. 2. Classication of rock masses [15]. Please cite this article as: Hoseinie SH, et al. Development of a new classication system for assessing of rock mass drillability index (RDi). Int J Rock Mech Mining Sci (2007), doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2007.04.001

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of rock material to be constant. Regarding concrete properties, one can easily obtain concretes with preplanned properties by modifying makeup ratio of aggregate, water, cement and dimensions of particles. Hence, due to all conditions as well as molding ability, concrete can be considered as the best material for physical modeling of jointed rock masses. So, one of the best ways of studying the drilling parameters such as jointing is making the physical models with synthetic substances. Physical modeling of rock masses with constant and pre-assumed properties facilitates study of a specic variable parameter such as dipping and joints llings. In the present paper, in order to quantitatively study of joints effects on the drilling efciency, rock masses with specic mechanical and physical specication were modeled using concrete. During investigations in to the effects of joints spacing, dipping and lling, the parameters relating to modeling material such as density, grains dimensions and texture, compressive strength and elasticity module were held constant. For physical modeling of laboratorial rock masses, concrete blocks with different dimensions were used. In this project, rock masses with seven different positions in respect of spacing and lling were modeled. In order to study the effect of joint spacing on the penetration rate of drilling system, rock masses with spacing of 10, 20, 30, 50 cm were physically modeled. For studying the drilling condition in the joints with aperture and lling, rock masses with lling material including three different dimensions as well as joints with 10 cm spacing were physically modeled. For analyzing of effects of joints dipping on the penetration of drill bit, concrete blocks with different dip were drilled. In this case, angle between surface of modeled joints and the drilling direction assumed 201, 351, 551 and 701. For drilling of physical models, an Atlascopco (512-HC) drilling machine was used. Since in jointed and cracked zones, rotary drilling system with cross type bit is the best choice, given system and drill bit were utilized. Fig. 3 shows various stages of physical modeling, and Fig. 4 shows the results of drilling of physical models.

drilling, would occur when the rock mass has a blocky state (blocks with less volumes). Reviewing the results of drilling of physical models (Fig. 4) reveals that the least penetration rate and efciency corresponds to 10 cm spacing. In rock masses with spacings of 1050 cm, there is less difference in the penetration rate of drilling system. So, considering the obtained results, one can predict that when spacing increase over 1 m, rock mass behaviors would approach to behavior of continuous environments. Considering physical modeling results, method of rating to rock masss joints spacing for determining drillability index (RDi) is shown in Table 4. 5.2. Joint aperture and lling material Joint aperture, amount and size of lling are the specication of joints space that extremely affect the penetration rate of the drilling system. Closed cracks and joints have no important effect on the decrease of penetration rate of drilling. Existence of open joints, due to escape of ushing air and decrease of exiting of drilling pieces from hole, leads to the reduction of penetration rate, and locking of the drilling system. As can be concluded from physical modeling (Fig. 4), the existence of lling material in the space of open joints causes extreme reduction of the penetration rate of drilling. In the case of a joint with weak lling, the drill bit tends to follow the dip of the joint while passing through the lling material. While encountering the hard surface of the joint, the bit was observed to partially recover the original direction [41]. Experimental studies show that, in rock masses with smaller size of llings, the drilling problems may increase. By reducing lling dimensions to the limit of ushing particles, these particles instead of breaking, move into the space between the drill bit and the rock under the pressure of ushing air. Remaining of particles in the space between the drill bit and the rock leads to the reduction of penetration rate and loss of energy. This is like the phenomenon that occurs in the mechanized drilling of tunnel by TBM due to the existence of broken rocks between cutter disk and rock material. Considering the obtained results, method of rating to joints lling in RDi classication system is illustrated in Table 5. 5.3. Joints dipping The joints cause deviation of the hole, reducing drilling load and ultimately reduce the penetration rate of drilling system [30]. In the open joints with lling materials, contact of the hole with the joints causes llings to fall into the hole during and after drilling. This occurrence causes the locking of the drill bit during the drilling, and lling of the hole after drilling. The results of physical modeling suggest that with an increase of the angle between the joint surface and direction of the hole, the penetration rate of the drilling system and the rock mass drillability would

5.1. Joint spacing Spacing may be considered as the most important characteristic of joints system. Drillability of rock mass depends on its spacing [24]. Discontinuity spacing, which is linked to the reciprocal of discontinuity frequency, is widely used as a measure of the quality of a rock mass for classication schemes [40]. A decrease of spacing results in reducing the continuity of drilling environment and also decreasing of drilling efciency as well as penetration rate. Instability of drilled holes wall is due to smaller spacing. The existence of more than one set of joints, as well as random ones along the drill hole, causes the drilling condition to be critical. The most critical state, in respect of

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Fig. 3. Procedures of physical modeling.

increase. Considering the experimental studies (Fig. 4), the method of rating to joints dipping is illustrated in Table 6.

predict the penetration rate of drilling in the rock mass according to the Table 8. 7. Rock mass drillability index: a case study

6. Qualitative prediction of penetration rate of drilling On the basis of eld and laboratory studies, in total, the new proposed classication system (RDi) could be presented for prediction and calculating RDi according to Table 7. Finally, considering the obtained value of RDi from the nal classication table, one can qualitatively Sungun copper mine is located in northwest Iran, 120 km northeast of Tabriz. The reserves of this mine are about 740 million tons, with a total overburden of 1.33 billion tons (W/O 1.8). This mine is the largest mine in Iran, and at the time being, it experiences its rst year of exploitation. Sungun copper mine, due to intense topography, numerous

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0.095 0.09
Drilling Rate (m/min)

0.085 0.08 0.075

y = 0.006Ln(x) + 0.0621 R2 = 0.9178

tectonic activities and geomechanical characteristics, is very complicated. In order to study the practical ability of the suggested classication system (RDi), a case study was made on the drillability of Sungun copper mines rock masses. In this study, Sungun copper mines rock masses were classied using the RDi, as well as Wilbur classication system. Field works done in this mine can be considered as initial basis for quantitative evaluation of classication system (RDi). 7.1. Field and laboratory studies
120

0.07 0 20 40 60 80 Joints spacing (cm) 100

0.0525 0.05 0.0475 0.045 0.0425

y = 0.0072Ln(x) + 0.0301
2 R = 0.9868

0.04 0 5 10 15 20 Dimention of joints filling material (mm) 25

0.085 0.08
Drilling Rate (m/min)

0.075 0.07 0.065 0.06 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 Angle between joint surface and blast hole axis 100

y = 0.0002x + 0.0607
2 R = 0.9738

In order to classify, considering Sungun mines area, seven distinctive sites of blasting in respect of mechanical specication were selected among the various conditions of rock masses. Samples of determined rocks were provided and transferred to the mines rock mechanic laboratory to test UCS. Then, these samples using the parameters utilized in the RDi classication system and Wilbur classication system were studied. After rating and classifying seven selected sites, the drilling time of 386 blast holes (hole diameter 6 in.) of this site were recorded. Therefore, each point of seven datasets in Fig. 5 represents the average of many numbers of blasting holes ranging 4565, where each group is shown by one point and in total by seven datasets. Table 9 shows the result of eld studies in Sungun copper mine using RDi and obtained rates by determined rock masses. As one result from Table 9, the determined rock masses in respect of rock mass drillability have been grouped into the medium, slow-medium and medium-fast class. Also, in respect of Wilbur classication system (Table 10), the rock masses have been classied within the medium and slow-medium class. From seven blasting sites, in six cases of RDi classication system and Wilbur classication system, the same results have been gained. But in one case of RDi classication system, the drilling rate predicts more than Wilburs method. In order to study the relationship between RDi and quantitative prediction of the penetration rate of drilling in Sungun copper mine, information of Table 9 can be shown in the form of a curve illustrated in Fig. 5. As shown in the curve, with the increase of RDi the penetration rate of DTH drilling increases exponentially. 8. Conclusions The results of studies by many researchers show that numerous parameters such as the origin of rocks formation, Mohs hardness, texture of rock (shape and size of rock grains), porosity, density, abrasiveness, rigidity, P-wave velocity, elasticity and plasticity, UCS, tensile strength, structural parameters of rock mass (joints [spacing, dipping and lling], cracks and bedding) and RQD affect the drillability of rock mass. In this paper, six parameters including texture and grain size, Mohs hardness, UCS, joints spacing, joints dipping

Fig. 4. Resulted relationships between joints characteristics and drilling rate of physical models.

Table 4 Rating to rock mass in respect of joints spacing Spacinga Rating 42 m 18 12 m 13 0.51 m 9 0.150.5 m 5 00.15 m 1

a The rock masses which have rule-abiding cleavage and sheets, because of the drilling easiness, rate of 12 is assumed for spacing.

Drilling Rate (m/min)

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a

Closed joints without ller (aperture 02 mm) 15

420 mm 10

1220 mm 7

912 mm 4

29 mm 1

For the joints lled with soil and very ne powders, the rate of seven is assumed for the llers.

Table 6 Rating to rock mass in respect of joints dipping The angle between joint & borehole axis Rating 701901 12 551701 8 351551 6 201351 3 01201 1

Table 7 Rock mass drillability index (RDi) classication Texture Grain size Rating Mohs Hardness Description Rating UCS (MPa) Description Rating Joints Spacinga Rating Joint aperture & llingb Rating The angle between joint & borehole axis Rating Porous 15 13 Very softsoft 18 125 Very low strength 22 42 m 18 Closed joint 02 mm 15 701901 12 Fragmental 45 mm 10 34.5 Comparatively soft 13 2550 Low strength 16 12 m 13 420 mm 10 551701 8 Granitoid 25 mm 7 4.56 Comparatively hard 9 50100 Average strength 11 0.51 m 9 1220 mm 7 351551 6 Porphyritic 0.051 & 25 mm 4 67 Hard 4 100200 High strength 6 0.150.5 m 5 912 mm 4 201351 3 Dense 0.051 mm 1 47 Very hard 1 4200 Very high strength 2 00.15 m 1 29 mm 1 01201 1

For investigation of parameters as to the joints system, in case of more than one set of joints, specication of dominant joint set are classied. In case of the joints sets with the same importance, for each set of joint one RDi is obtained and the mean of RDi rates is the standard of judgment. For marginal values, the rate related to the lower class is appropriated. a The rock masses which have rule-abiding cleavage and sheets, because of the drilling easiness, rate of 12 is assumed for spacing. b For the joints lled with soil and very ne powders, the rate of seven is assumed for the llers. Table 8 Qualitative prediction of penetration rate of drilling in the rock mass using RDi Rdi Prediction of drilling rate 720 Slow 2040 Slowmedium 4060 Medium 6080 Mediumfast 80100 Fast

1.6

1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 10

y = 0/1737e0/0304x R2 = 0/8843

20

30 40 50 Rock mass Drillability (RDi)

60

70

Fig. 5. Relationship between RDi and rate of DTH drilling in Sungun mine (Iran).

and condition of joints lling were selected among the above-mentioned parameters to develop a new practical index for the assessment of rock mass drillability. To investigate the relation between drilling rate and rock mass structural parameters (joint specications), physical modeling have been used. Thus, for this purpose joint spacing as well as dipping and lling of joints of rock mass was simulated in the laboratory by using concrete blocks. These models were drilled using rotary drilling in the mine. The results of investigation on physical modeling as well as eld experience indicate that by increasing of joints spacing, the penetration rate of drilling would logarithmically increase and thus, at the same ratio, drilling efciency would enhance. One can result from numerical data that by increase of

Rate of DTH drilling (m /min)

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S.H. Hoseinie et al. / International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences ] (]]]]) ]]] ]]] Table 9 Result of eld studies in Sungun copper mine using rock mass drillability index (RDi) Site no. Number of holes in pattern Texture & grain size Mohs hardness UCS (MPa) Joints spacing Joints lling (aperture) Joints dip (a)a RDi Average measured rate of DTH drilling (m/min) 0.8 0.42 0.64 1.51 0.45 0.86 0.37 9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
a

65 58 60 60 48 50 45

Porphyritic Dense Granitoid Granitoid Dense Porphyritic Dense

4 6 4 4 6 4 6

74 81 78 93 66 89 75

30 cm 10 cm 25 cm 60 cm 20 cm 55 cm 10 cm

Closed joint 10 mm Closed joint Closed joint 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm

30 90 10 60 25 75 20

51 33 52 63 28 53 22

The angle between joint surface & borehole axis.

Table 10 Result of eld studies in Sungun copper mine using Wilbur classication Site no. Mohs hardness 4 6 4 4 6 4 6 Texture Fracture Formation Drilling condition (Wilbur) Medium Slow- Medium Medium Medium Slow- Medium Medium Slow- Medium Drilling condition (RDi) Medium Slow-medium Medium Medium-fast Slow-medium Medium Slow-Medium

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Porphyritic Dense Granitoid Granitoid Dense Porphyritic Dense

Brittle Sectile Brittle Brittle Sectile Brittle Sectile

Massive Blocky Massive Massive Blocky Massive Blocky

joints lling size, drilling rate would logarithmically increase. In this case, critical condition occurs when the dimensions of lling materials approach the ashing particles. With increasing of relative angle between joint surface and drilling direction, drill bit penetration rate linearly increases. According to the results from laboratory studies and extensive eldwork, the effective parameters on drillability of rock masses can be rated, respectively, with priority as following: UCS, Mohs hardness, joint spacing, texture and grain size, joint lling, and nally, joint dipping. Studies (case study) show that with increase of RDi, penetration rate of DTH drilling increases exponentially. Being of exponential relationship between RDi and the drilling rate can be considered as correctness of classication in view of engineering rules. Regarding the presented classication it is obvious that the RDi index has been suggested according to uncontrollable factors governed by in situ geological and mechanical conditions, to predict the drilling rate qualitatively. The RDi classication is a developed system because of its use of structural parameters of the rock mass, as well as rock material characteristics, to assess of drilling condition. However, for developing a comprehensive drillability index of rock masses, and quantitatively prediction, it is suggested that in future studies, the parameters of drilling equipment and effects of drilling method (rotary, percussion, percussion-rotary) should be incorporated.

Acknowledgments Grateful thanks are recorded to Dr. H. Afshin (Sahand University of Technology) and Dr. M. Ataie (Shahrood University of Technology). The co-operation of Mr. Karbasi, Mr. Mohamadzade and Eng. Gheibie in performing part of physical modeling in the rock mechanics laboratory of the Sahand University of Technology is also acknowledged.

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Please cite this article as: Hoseinie SH, et al. Development of a new classication system for assessing of rock mass drillability index (RDi). Int J Rock Mech Mining Sci (2007), doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2007.04.001