ABSTRACT
Measurement while drilling data are produced in enormous quantity in underground and surface mines across the world. The data comprise parameters recorded during the drilling process, including penetration rate, rotation pressure, feed pressure, percussive pressure, damping pressure and flush pressure. MWD data are shown to be very useful for rock mass characterization, blasting applications and geological modelling of the rock mass. In this study, an open pit mine in Austria was selected for data collection as a part of SLIM project. The MWD data collected from drilling rigs were processed to identify different zones of rock mass, i.e. weak, fractured or competent rock. The results were compared to 3D images obtained by close-range terrestrial digital photogrammetry for validation; which showed a close agreement with each other. The method can be used to characterize the rock and to modify the charging of explosives in the boreholes for improved blasting results.
