Comparative accuracy of Richard-Moore and Ghasemi models for Flyrock prediction in limestone blasting safety assessment

  • Zikra Jastra Weda
    Universitas Negeri Padang
    Indonesia
  • Ahmad Fadhly 
    Universitas Negeri Padang
    Indonesia
  • Refky Adi Nata
    Universitas Negeri Padang
    Indonesia
  • Heri Prabowo
    Universitas Negeri Padang
    Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the predictive accuracy of the Richard-Moore and Ghasemi models for limestone blasting and assess the adequacy of a 300 m equipment safety radius. Thirty blasting events at Bukit Karang Putih, PT Semen Padang, were evaluated using field-measured flyrock distances verified through GPS and ArcGIS. Model performance was assessed using RMSE and MAPE. The maximum observed flyrock distance was 210.74 m. The Ghasemi model achieved the lowest errors (RMSE 13.31 m; MAPE 6.81%), followed by Richard-Moore Face Burst (15.01 m; 8.03%). All observed and predicted distances remained below 300 m. The Ghasemi model provided more accurate site-specific predictions, while the existing safety radius accommodated the investigated events; however, broader validation across geological and operational conditions is required before wider application in mining contexts elsewhere.

Keywords
  • Flyrock, Limestone blasting, Flyrock prediction, Richard-moore model, Ghasemi model, Safety radius
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