Blast Fragmentation Research Articles

Wartime penetrating traumatic brain injury of the anterior skull base involving the paranasal sinuses: a single-center, first-year experience from Dnipro, Ukraine.

Since February 2022, the number of casualties in the Russian-Ukrainian war have dramatically increased, with a high incidence of penetrating traumatic brain injuries (pTBIs). To date, there has been limited evaluation of pTBI of the anterior skull base involving the paranasal sinuses. The objective of this study was to highlight the authors' experience with this injury pattern and identify specific factors associated with favorable short-term (1-month) outcome and survival. The authors conducted a single-institution retrospective review of patient data collected from the 1st year of the Russian-Ukrainian war at a frontline civilian Ukrainian hospital. To prevent complications from conservative treatment of pTBI with paranasal sinus injury, a protocol of early primary neurosurgical treatment including debridement/hematoma evacuation, repair of dural defects with vascularized pericranial flaps, and titanium plating of external/skull base defects was implemented. Using 1-month postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, the authors defined a favorable outcome as good recovery/moderate disability and a poor outcome as severe disability/vegetative state/death. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, imaging findings, and postoperative complications were assessed. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the effect of patient characteristics on unfavorable outcome or survival. From February 2022 to February 2023, there were 141 pTBIs (20%) involving the paranasal sinuses, 134 (95%) due to blast fragmentation. One hundred eighteen patients (84%) had a favorable outcome. Most patients with pTBIs (69%) had other nonbrain-related injuries. While 48 patients (34%) presented with preoperative CSF leak, only 1 patient (0.7%) had persistent postoperative CSF leak, which was managed with lumbar drainage. High admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, favorable injury lateralization (single hemisphere involved), and low Injury Severity Score (ISS) were associated with significantly increased odds of favorable short-term outcome, whereas high admission GCS scores and no midline shift were associated with significantly increased odds of survival. This was the largest single-year study on neurosurgical treatment of wartime pTBI involving the paranasal sinuses. Implementation of primary neurosurgical intervention at the time of presentation demonstrated promising early results and a shift away from expectant management of this injury pattern. The association of high admission GCS score, low ISS, favorable injury lateralization, and no midline shift on favorable short-term outcomes or survival has not been previously documented with this injury pattern.

Integrating Underground Blast Fragmentation Modeling for Sustainable Mine-to-Mill Optimization: A Focus on Blast Fragmentation and Energy Efficiency in Comminution Circuits

Integrating Underground Blast Fragmentation Modeling for Sustainable Mine-to-Mill Optimization: A Focus on Blast Fragmentation and Energy Efficiency in Comminution Circuits

Effects of structural configuration on perforation/spalling damage and secondary fragment velocity of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to close-in explosion

Reinforced concrete (RC) slabs are vulnerable to localized damage from close-in TNT explosions, suffering perforation and extensive spalling damages that generate high-velocity secondary fragments posing severe risks to nearby facilities and personnel. Current numerical methods such as the Finite Element Method (FEM) face challenges in accurately predicting fragmentation due to mesh distortion caused by large deformations and discontinuities, underscoring the need for enhanced modelling techniques. As a result, although numerous studies have numerically investigated how structural configurations influence RC slab damage under blast loads, the issue of mesh distortion and element erosion in FEM has led to the inability in reliably predicting the associated threats from high-velocity fragments. This study numerically investigates the influences of structural configuration (e.g., concrete strength, reinforcement ratio and layout, dimensions of slabs, and concrete cover depth) on the perforation/spalling area and fragment ejecting velocity of one-way RC slabs subjected to close-in explosions through an ALE-FEM-SPH numerical model, which has been demonstrated effective and reliable in the authors’ previous studies. The results indicate that concrete strength and slab thickness most significantly affect both the damage and fragment characteristics, while the slab's width-to-height ratio, reinforcement ratio, and layout, have less influence, particularly on fragment velocity. Empirical equations derived from extensive numerical data are provided to help engineers and security personnel quickly evaluate the blast effects on RC slabs. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed formulae, which can be straightforwardly used to predict blast fragments of reinforced concrete slabs, have been statistically evaluated and the proposed formulae demonstrate satisfactory precision, with less than 20 % error in estimating damage area, maximum fragment velocity, and total kinetic energy of fragments.

Mean Block Size Prediction in Rock Blast Fragmentation Using TPE-Tree-Based Model Approach with SHapley Additive exPlanations

Mean Block Size Prediction in Rock Blast Fragmentation Using TPE-Tree-Based Model Approach with SHapley Additive exPlanations

Characterization of combined blast- and fragments-induced synergetic damage in polyurea coated liquid-filled container

Liquid-filled containers (LFC) are widely used to store and transport petroleum, chemical reagents, and other resources. As an important target of military strikes and terrorist bombings, LFC are vulnerable to blast waves and fragments. To explore the protective effect of polyurea elastomer on LFC, the damage characteristics of polyurea coated liquid-filled container (PLFC) under the combined loading of blast shock wave and fragments were studied experimentally. The microstructure of the polyurea layer was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the fracture and self-healing phenomena were analyzed. The simulation approach was used to explain the combined blast- and fragments-induced on the PLFC in detail. Finally, the effects of shock wave and fragment alone and in combination on the damage of PLFC were comprehensively compared. Results showed that the polyurea reduces the perforation rate of the fragment to the LFC, and the self-healing phenomenon could also reduce the liquid loss rate inside the container. The polyurea reduces the degree of depression in the center of the LFC, resulting in a decrease in the distance between adjacent fragments penetrating the LFC, and an increase in the probability of transfixion and fracture between holes. Under the close-in blast, the detonation shock wave reached the LFC before the fragment. Polyurea does not all have an enhanced effect on the protection of LFC. The presence of internal water enhances the anti-blast performance of the container, and the hydrodynamic ram (HRAM) formed by the fragment impacting the water aggravated the plastic deformation of the container. The combined action has an enhancement effect on the deformation of the LFC. The depth of the container depression was 27% higher than that of the blast shock wave alone; thus, it cannot be simply summarized as linear superposition.

Dynamic response of UHMWPE/polyurea composite plates under combined blast and ballistic impact

Combined load caused by blast impulse and fragmentation impact poses a synergetic damage threat to the protective structure. To improve the blast and ballistic impact resistance of Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyurea coated Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene structure was proposed, and the composite structures with different coating thickness and coating position were prepared. Composite projectiles formed by combining foam projectiles and steel projectiles were launched by light gas gun to simulate the combined load of explosion impact and fragmentation. Comparative experimental studies were carried out. The experimental results show that the polyurea layer has good elastic properties, preventing the excessive deformation of the PE layer. The polyurea coating position and the time interval of the combined load show significant influence on the impact resistance of the composite structure. When the load was relatively low, PE plate with polyurea coating on booth face has both the advantages of PE plate with coating on the front and back face, but when the load increased, the impact resistance potential of polyurea layer was not fully developed. With the increase of the combined load, structures with polyurea coating on the back face has a good resistance of combined impact.

A novel intelligent stereo vision approach for blast-induced fragmentation size distribution: Case study at Golgohar open-pit mine, Iran

Rock fragmentation assessment is a critical aspect of evaluating blasting operations in the mining industry, offering insights for optimising procedures and subsequent mining processes. Traditional methods, such as sieving, while accurate, are costly and time-consuming. Digital image analysis methods have emerged as alternatives, yet they face challenges in accurately handling fragments of varying sizes. Recent advancements in computer vision, particularly deep learning techniques, offer promising solutions to automate and refine fragmentation analysis. This paper introduces a novel intelligent stereo vision approach utilising YOLOv8, an advanced deep learning model, for blast-induced fragmentation size distribution assessment at the Golgohar open-pit mine in Iran. By training YOLOv8 with an automated self-labelled dataset and evaluating its performance against real mine site data, this research aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of blast fragmentation analysis. The proposed method leverages stereo images and machine learning to provide precise measurements, leading to improved optimisation of blasting parameters and potential economic benefits compared to traditional methods. Through rigorous validation processes and case studies across diverse scenarios, the proposed approach demonstrates robustness and reliability in assessing blast fragmentation, offering a practical and efficient solution for the mining industry’s evolving needs.

Explosive utilization efficiency enhancement: An application of machine learning for powder factor prediction using critical rock characteristics

Maximizing the use of explosives is crucial for optimizing blasting operations, significantly influencing productivity and cost-effectiveness in mining activities. This work explores the incorporation of machine learning methods to predict powder factor, a crucial measure for assessing the effectiveness of explosive deployment, using important rock characteristics. The goal is to enhance the accuracy of powder factor prediction by employing machine learning methods, namely decision tree models and artificial neural networks. The analysis finds key rock factors that have a substantial impact on the powder factor, hence enabling more accurate planning and execution of blasting operations. The analysis uses data from 180 blast rounds carried out at a dolomite mine in south-south Nigeria. It incorporates measures such as root mean square error (RSME), mean absolute error (MAE), R-squared (R2), and variance accounted for (VAF) to determine the best models for predicting powder factor. The results indicate that the decision tree model (MD4) outperforms alternative approaches, such as artificial neural networks and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR). In addition, the research presents an efficient artificial neural network equation (MD2) for estimating the values of optimum powder factor, demonstrating outstanding blasting fragmentation. In conclusion, this research provides significant information for improving the accuracy of powder factor prediction, which is especially advantageous for small-scale blasting operations.

Advancing blast fragmentation simulation of RC slabs: A graph neural network approach

Accurate prediction of blast-induced fragmentation in reinforced concrete (RC) structures is pivotal for structural debris hazard assessment in an explosion event. This assessment is essential for designing effective measures for protection of people and structure in the vicinity. While conventional computational techniques are proficient, they are computationally very demanding and may not be readily adaptable in practical applications. This study proposes a novel approach, the Fragment Graph Network (FGN), a specialized variant of graph neural networks (GNNs), to simulate complex interactions between macro-level particles of RC structures subjected to close-in blast loads. The RC structure is discretised into particles, with the model predicting structural responses and fragmentation based on states of these particles. Utilizing an autoregressive prediction mechanism, our model can accurately simulate spatiotemporal responses of RC slabs against blast loads. The efficacy of the model was tested on a dataset consisting of 149 simulated cases, encompassing around 180,000 states each, covering a wide range of blasting scenarios and structural design parameters including TNT charge weight, standoff distance, slab dimension, concrete strength, and reinforcement ratio and layout. Notably, the proposed model delivered accurate predictions, achieving relative errors under 10% and R2 values exceeding 0.93 for both standard and extrapolated test scenarios as compared to the SPH simulations. Remarkably, our model dramatically outpaced traditional numerical approaches, reducing simulation times from hours to minutes on CPUs and seconds on GPUs. This pioneering effort paves the way for efficient and accurate simulations of RC blast fragmentations, offering a rapid alternative to standard numerical approaches.

Prediction of rock fragmentation in a fiery seam of an open-pit coal mine in India

Spontaneous combustion of coal increases the temperature in adjoining overburden strata of coal seams and poses a challenge when loading blastholes. This condition, known as hot-hole blasting, is dangerous due to the increased possibility of premature explosions in loaded blastholes. Thus, it is crucial to load the blastholes with an appropriate amount of explosives within a short period to avoid premature detonation caused by high temperatures of blastholes. Additionally, it will help achieve the desired fragment size. This study tried to ascertain the most influencial variables of mean fragment size and their optimum values adopted for blasting in a fiery seam. Data on blast design, rock mass, and fragmentation of 100 blasts in fiery seams of a coal mine were collected and used to develop mean fragmentation prediction models using soft computational techniques. The coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), variance account for (VAF) and coefficient of efficiency in percentage (CE) were calculated to validate the results. It indicates that the random forest algorithm (RFA) outperforms the artificial neural network (ANN), response surface method (RSM), and decision tree (DT). The values of R2, RMSE, MAE, MSE, VAF, and CE for RFA are 0.94, 0.034, 0.027, 0.001, 93.58, and 93.01, respectively. Multiple parametric sensitivity analyses (MPSAs) of the input variables showed that the Schmidt hammer rebound number and spacing-to-burden ratio are the most influencial variables for the blast fragment size. The analysis was finally used to define the best blast design variables to achieve optimum fragment size from blasting. The optimum factor values for RFA of S/B, ld/B and ls/ld are 1.03, 1.85 and 0.7, respectively.

The Influence of Explosive and Rock Mass Properties on Blast Damage in a Single-Hole Blasting

In rock blasting for mining production, stress waves play a major role in rock fracturing, along with explosive gases. Better energy distribution improves fragmentation and safety, lowers production costs, increases productivity, and controls ore losses and dilution. Blast outcomes vary significantly depending on the choice of the explosive and the properties of the rock mass encountered. This study analyzes the effects of rock mass and explosive properties on blast outcomes via numerical simulation using data from the case study, and later validates the simulation results from the field blast fragmentation. The findings suggest that, for a given set of rock properties, the choice of explosive has a major influence on the resulting fragmentation. Strong explosives (high VOD and detonation pressure) favor large fracture extents in hard rocks, while weaker explosives offer a better distribution of explosive energy and fractures. The presence of rock structures such as rock contacts and joints influences the propagation of stress waves and fractures depending on the structures’ material properties, the intensity and orientations, and the direction and strength of the stress wave. When the stress wave encounters a contact depending on its direction, it is enhanced when traveling from soft to hard and attenuates in the opposite direction. The ability of the stress wave to cause fracturing on the opposite side of the contact depends on the intensity of the transmitted wave and the strength of the rock. Transmitted wave intensity is a function of the strength of the incident wave and the impedance difference between the interface materials. The presence of joints in the rock mass affects the propagation of the stress wave, mainly depending on the infill material properties and the angle at which the stress wave approaches the joint. Less compressible, higher stiffness joints transmit more energy. More energy is also transmitted in the areas where the stress wave hits the joint perpendicularly. Joints parallel to the free face offer additional fracturing on the opposite side of the joint. Other parameters, such as the joint width, continuity, fracture frequency, and the distance from the charge, enhance the effects. To achieve effective fragmentation, the blast design should mitigate the effect of variability in the rock mass via explosive selection and pattern design to ensure adequate energy distribution within the limits of geometric design.

Explosive field trial for repetitive testing of VBIEDs to probabilistically measure blast and fragmentation hazards

This paper describes results from an explosive field trial of the detonation of Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). The purpose of the trials is to replicate tests with identical car type and explosive mass to help probabilistically characterise the uncertainty and variability of blast pressures and fragment hazards. These variabilities may be considerable, and it is important to recognise that the world is not deterministic. The paper describes the spatial variability (directionality) of incident pressure, impulse and time of positive phase duration, and compares these to results from a bare charge, and the hemispherical surface burst Kingery and Bulmash polynomials often used for predicting blast loads from IEDs, such as ConWep. This also allows directional airblast factors to be quantified. The spatial distribution of over 26,000 fragments on the ground is also presented over the 250 m × 300 m test arena. The fragment densities and velocities obtained from the witness panels are also described, and preliminary fatality risks were estimated. These data may help develop or validate airblast and fragment hazard numerical or other models. Ultimately, probabilistic approaches will provide decision support for the determination of safety distance and risk reduction measures to prevent fatality and injury from blast pressure and fragmentation hazards.

Periarticular blast wounds without fracture a prospective case series

BackgroundDuring the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq most injuries to service members involved the musculoskeletal system. These wounds often occurred around joints, and in some cases result in traumatic arthrotomy—a diagnosis that is not always clear, especially when there is no concomitant articular fracture. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of peri-articular blast injuries without fracture.MethodsThe study cohort included 12 consecutive patients (12 involved extremities) who sustained peri-articular blast wounds of the extremities without fractures. The diagnosis of penetrating articular injury was based on clinical examination, radiographic findings, or aspiration. A peri-articular wound was defined as any wound, or radio-opaque blast fragment, within 5 cm of a joint. The New Injury Severity Score (NISS) was calculated for each patient. Four patients had upper, and 8 patients had lower extremity injuries. Nine of 12 patients had joint capsular penetration and underwent joint irrigation and debridement.ResultsTwo patients had retained intra-articular metal fragments. One patient had soft tissue blast wounds within 5 cm of a joint but did not have joint capsule penetration. There were no significant differences (p = 0.23) between the distribution of wounds to upper versus lower extremities. However, there were a significantly greater number of blast injuries attributed to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) than from other blast mechanisms (p = 0.01).ConclusionExtremity blast injuries in the vicinity of joints involving only soft tissues present a unique challenge in surgical management. A high index of suspicion should be maintained for joint capsular penetration so that intra-articular injuries may be appropriately treated.

Recent Developments in Polyurea Research for Enhanced Impact Penetration Resistance and Blast Mitigation.

Polyurea has gained significant attention in recent years as a functional polymer material, specifically regarding blast and impact protection. The molecular structure of polyurea is characterized by the rapid reaction between isocyanate and the terminal amine component, and forms an elastomeric copolymer that enhances substrate protection against blast impact and fragmentation penetration. At the nanoscale, a phase-separated microstructure emerges, with dispersed hard segment microregions within a continuous matrix of soft segments. This unique microstructure contributes to the remarkable mechanical properties of polyurea. To maximize these properties, it is crucial to analyze the molecular structure and explore methods like formulation optimization and the incorporation of reinforcing materials or fibers. Current research efforts in polyurea applications for protective purposes primarily concentrate on construction, infrastructure, military, transportation and industrial products and facilities. Future research directions should encompass deliberate formulation design and modification, systematic exploration of factors influencing protective performance across various applications and the integration of numerical simulations and experiments to reveal the protective mechanisms of polyurea. This paper provides an extensive literature review that specifically examines the utilization of polyurea for blast and impact protection. It encompasses discussions on material optimization, protective mechanisms and its applications in blast and impact protection.

A comprehensive review of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) behaviour under blast loads

Blasts resulted from industrial/residential accidents and deliberate attacks can impose extremely hazardous loading conditions upon nearby structures. The repercussions of these blasts encompass not only direct effects such as blast overpressure and fragments but also indirect outcomes like progressive collapse of structures. In the pursuit of enhanced protection for concrete structures, substantial endeavors have been directed towards developing innovative construction materials with outstanding properties, among which the ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has emerged as a notable representative. Drawing from existing experimental, numerical and theoretical studies, this paper presents an inclusive overview of recent progress in UHPC structural members (slabs, beams and columns) and UHPC-based composite structures (mesh reinforced UHPC, UHPC-filled steel tube and UHPC strengthening of normal reinforced concrete (NRC) structures) in their ability to withstand blast loads. While discussing the exceptional material and structural dynamic performance of UHPC, recommendations are offered for the further research directions in utilising UHPC structures to resist blast loads, which include exploring eco-friendly UHPC, integrating 3D printing technology and employing machine learning analytical methods.

Evaluation of Rock and Explosive Properties for Fragmentation Characterization: An Application of WipFrag

This study investigates the rock explosive properties in selected Lokoja quarries, Nigeria, with the goal of characterizing fragmentation for optimized downstream operations. The analysis includes porosity, UCS values, and permeability assessment in Gitto quarry, highlighting advantages in material application. Comparisons between rock formations (Q1 and Q2) reveal varying compressive strengths, crucial for determining appropriate explosive energy for efficient fragmentation. Blast design parameters from Q1 and Q2 indicate consistent values, aiding in operational planning. Fragmentation analysis, conducted using WipFrag software, delineates size ranges and classifies the blast as having a moderate distribution. Correlations between blast fragmentation size and powder factor underscore the impact on efficiency. A classification chart and table are presented for convenient interpretation of results, providing valuable insights for enhancing blasting practices in Lokoja quarries and ultimately improving productivity. The fragmentation analysis result carried out in this study using WipFrag software shows that the 50%, 80% and Maximum block size passing size ranges from 539.94 – 1349.53 mm, 690.07 – 1907.81 mm, 808-2280 mm respectively. The blast fragmentation sizes are classified as moderate distribution blast based on the uniformity index value ranging from 1.95 to 2.4. The relationship between blast fragmentation size and powder factor was evaluated using linear correlation coefficient. It was noted that, X20, X50, X80 has high R2 values greater than 60% respectively

Optimizing the blast fragmentation quality of discontinuous rock mass: Case study of Jebel Bouzegza Open-Cast Mine, North Algeria

Purpose. The research aims to investigate the impact of discontinuity characteristics, including dip direction, dip and joint spacing, on the size distribution of blasted fragments in mines and quarries. The accuracy of blasting results is essential for efficient operations, and understanding these factors can enhance blast fragmentation outcomes. Methods. We conducted our research at the Jebel Bouzegza C01 aggregate quarry, analyzing eight blast benches. To determine fragment sizes, we employed image processing tools to calculate P50, P80, and Pmax sizes. Additionally, we used the Kuz Ram model to predict the average size (X50) and the percentage of oversize fragments (Pmax). The determination coefficient (R²) is calculated for both methods to assess their correlations with dip direction. Findings. Our analysis revealed significant findings related to the impact of discontinuity characteristics on fragment size distribution. The dip direction exhibits the strongest correlation of Pmax size when using Split Desktop and X50, as well as Pmax% with the Kuz Ram model. Joint spacing also plays a role in influencing blast fragmentation outcomes, although its effect depends on the infill materials. Originality. This research contributes to the understanding of factors affecting blast fragmentation outcomes. The research focuses on dip direction, dip and joint spacing characteristics, and adds to existing knowledge in this field. Practical implications. The findings of this research have practical implications for mines and quarries, offering valuable guidance for site investigations and optimization of blasting practices. By assessing properties such as dip direction and joint spacing, blasting operations can be enhanced to achieve more efficient and accurate results.

Analysis of Blast Fragmentation Results of the Top Air Decking Method in Coal Mines

This research aims to find out what influences the results of blasting fragmentation in the top air decking method. The method used in this research is a quantitative method. The data collection techniques used in this research came from literature studies and field data collection. Processing data analysis is carried out by considering several factors, such as rock characteristics, fragmentation results, and digging time results. After analysis, it can be seen that the design for determining the ADF, ADL, and stemming values is adjusted to the hole depth and PF used so that the fragmentation and digging time obtained are better in order to increase production activities. Based on the research results, it was found that the factors that influence the fragmentation results from top air deck blasting are the powder factor, blasting geometry (burden and spacing), air deck length (ADL), stemming depth, and wet hole conditions. The greater the PF value used, the smaller the fragmentation resulting from blasting and vice versa. The greater the ADL value used, the stemming depth will decrease and there will be potential for stemming injection and producing boulders. More holes in wet conditions will potentially result in greater fragmentation as well. The optimal ADF value to use is 0.3. With an ADF value of 0.3, the ADL used is 0.4–1.47 meters, resulting in better fragmentation. The previous boulder percentage of 18% changed to 7% and the previous digging time of 11.87 seconds changed to 10.57 seconds.

An Investigation of the Damage Mechanism of Multilayer Liquid-Containing Protective Structure under Combined Blast Wave and Fragment Loading

A multilayer liquid-containing protective structure is composed of a liquid tank, ceramic, a honeycomb sandwich and homogeneous steel. This structure has superior resistance to combined blast wave and fragment loading. Due to the relatively complicated construction of the structure, the inner damage, energy absorption and the protection characteristics of the multilayer liquid-containing protective structure need to be further studied. In this paper, a multilayer liquid-containing structural model is constructed, the dynamic response process of multilayer liquid-containing structure under combined blast wave and fragment loading is analyzed, and the damage and energy absorption characteristics of each layer structure are investigated. In addition, the effects of the charge mass and fragment form on the structural failure modes and energy absorption characteristics are discussed. The results indicate that different modes of damage occur in each layer structure. The front plate of the liquid tank sustains the most damage and absorbs the most energy, and the honeycomb sandwich absorbs the second most energy. The damage area of the front plate and the degree of compression collapse of the honeycomb sandwich increase with increasing charge mass. When the charge mass is small, the damage mode of the multilayer liquid-containing structure is greatly affected by fragments, and the damage effect of the blast wave increases with increasing charge mass. For a constant charge mass, the degree of damage to the protective structure is minimally impacted by the fragment weight, and the degree of damage can be substantially reduced by reducing the number of fragments.

A Review of the Blast Fragmentation Analysis Techniques used in Surface Mines

Fragmentation refers to the process of breaking solid in-situ rock masses into smaller pieces during excavation or material handling operations. The fragment size distribution and degree of fragmentation within the blasted rock mass stand as a critical aspect for optimizing the efficiency of loading, transportation, crushing, and milling operations. The analysis of blast fragmentation analysis is done by several existing modern techniques which include the visual analysis method, photogrammetric method, and image analysis method, etc. In this study, all the blast fragmentation techniques are reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of all the methods are discussed. Along with that, a blast fragmentation analysis is conducted for the rock pile images of a blasting site collected from Dongri Buzurg Mine (MOIL), India using the image processing technique in WipFrag software. The feasibility of the blasting patterns is judged based on the uniformity coefficient (Cu) and the coefficient of gradation (Cg) which are found to be 4.47 and 0.94 respectively. The fragmentation for the muck pile is found to be uniform and well-graded for the blast site and the methodology used is found to be simple yet effective for the analysis.