What is your preferred method for checking rock fragmentation

[Caveseeker]

Recently, I've noticed some inconsistencies in rock fragmentation checks after blasts, and it’s got me thinking about how others handle it.
I’d love to hear about your methods whether you prefer visual checks, photo analysis, sizing tools,
or the classic eyeball technique and what you find works best in practice.

 

[TunnelRat]

I caught myself making guesses about rock sizes after a blast, and my supervisor wasn’t too happy about it. I started taking some pictures, comparing them to a simple chart, and measuring the bigger pieces when needed. A quick eyeballing along with minimal tech is the best way to go when you need speed but don’t want to compromise on accuracy.

 

[Zivon]

The first time I looked at a post-blast pile, I couldn’t believe my eyes the rocks just didn’t seem to add up. I decided to use a simple sieve and take a few photos, and all of a sudden, my rough estimates became a lot more accurate. Sometimes, just mixing some quick visuals with a couple of tools saves a lot of hassle and ensures everyone’s on the same page.

 

[rockdrillpro]

I used to wander around, squinting at the fragments like I was some sort of detective.
Then one day, I picked up a caliper and used my phone camera what a game changer!
Now, I combine visual checks with photos to keep records and take measurements.
It’s fast and easy, and it helps keep the crew from arguing over whether a boulder is medium or large.

 

[pecan_man]

Okay, speed is key, but so is the equipment. One way to keep things consistent is to use your excavator bucket as your gauge.

If you know your bucket is 48 inches wide, and you're consistently seeing rocks that take up half that width, you've got an instant, real world measurement without ever leaving the cab

 

[Alan]

Okay, speed is key, but so is the equipment. One way to keep things consistent is to use your excavator bucket as your gauge.

If you know your bucket is 48 inches wide, and you're consistently seeing rocks that take up half that width, you've got an instant, real world measurement without ever leaving the cab

Love this. It’s sharp, easy to understand, and straight from the field. Thanks for sharing your insights.

 

[Goldshark]

Okay, speed is key, but so is the equipment. One way to keep things consistent is to use your excavator bucket as your gauge.

If you know your bucket is 48 inches wide, and you're consistently seeing rocks that take up half that width, you've got an instant, real world measurement without ever leaving the cab

As with any blasted material, there are a lot of parameters to consider. The usual spacing, burden, borehole depth, size of borehole, powder factor, rock type, etc, all come into play. The top of the borehole where the stemming is placed, usually is where the oversized/less blast affected rock is, and usually is at the top of the muck pile. Any measurement whether high tech scanners, or good old eye balls, cannot truly convey the average particle size. Only what the top looks like. The finer material will settle as the muck calms down.