A model to determine hole spacing in the rock fracture process by non-explosive expansion material

The application of the non-explosive expansion material (NEEM) is widely used as the controlled fracture method in quarry mining, especially in hard rocks. The pressure of NEEM is an important parameter in causing rock fracture. An empirical model based on hole spacing was developed to determine the pressure of NEEM in the rock fracture process. Primarily, the empirical model was developed by the mathematical method, utilizing dimensional analysis. Then, the Phase2 code, which is based on the finite element method, was utilized to predict crack growth in rocks. The results of numerical analysis show slight deviations from the empirical model. Hence, the polynomial regression analysis was used to modify the model. Finally, the modified model shows a good agreement with the results gained from numerical modeling.