Influence of the orientation of elongated shaped charges on the design of an optimal borehole pattern for the Kryvyi Rih Basin

Dmytro Brovko, Volodymyr Kononenko, Vasyl Hvorost*, Kostiantyn Haponenko

khvorost.v.v@knu.edu.ua

Received 14.11.2025, Revised 20.03.2026, Accepted 28.04.2026, Published 29.05.2026
Abstract

The relevance of this study is driven by the need to improve the efficiency of drilling and blasting operations at iron ore open-pit mines in the Kryvyi Rih Basin through the application of elongated shaped charges spatially adapted to the structural characteristics of the rock mass in order to optimise borehole pattern parameters. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the spatial orientation of elongated shaped charges on the geometric parameters of the borehole pattern and to develop engineering recommendations for its optimal design under the complex mining and geological conditions of surface mining. The research methodology was based on an integrated approach combining numerical modelling of wave propagation in continuous media using constitutive material behaviour models with nonlinear mathematical optimisation based on the Generalised Reduced Gradient (GRG) algorithm. The results demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between the dimensions of the intensive fragmentation zone and the rotation angle of the shaped cavity. Statistical analysis confirmed that the optimum rotation angle is 45°, provided that the shaped charge jet is oriented parallel to the strike of the principal fractures. Under these conditions, an elongated elliptical fracture zone is formed, enabling the transition from conventional square borehole patterns to rectangular spatial layouts. It was established that this configuration allows the spacing between boreholes to be increased to 7 m, while achieving a borehole convergence coefficient of 1.52. Conversely, orienting the charge perpendicular to the fracture system produces an acoustic shielding effect, restricting the propagation of explosive energy and limiting the expansion of the borehole pattern. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of a differentiated methodology for the spatial positioning of explosive charges in ferruginous quartzites. The implementation of the proposed optimised borehole pattern parameters reduces specific drilling costs by 33% without compromising fragmentation quality. Furthermore, it decreases drilling tool wear, shortens the preparation cycle, and proportionally reduces the environmental impact through lower dust and gas emissions

Keywords:
shaped cavity; ferruginous quartzite fragmentation; dynamic modelling; borehole convergence; drilling and blasting operations

Retrieved from Volume 24, No. 1, 2026

Pages 94–106

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Brovko, D., Kononenko, V., Hvorost, V., & Haponenko, K. (2026). Influence of the orientation of elongated shaped charges on the design of an optimal borehole pattern for the Kryvyi Rih Basin. Journal of Kryvyi Rih National University, 24(1), 94-106. https://doi.org/10.31721/2306-5451-2026-1-24-94-106
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