Finite element analysis of blast-induced fracture propagation in hard rocks

This paper presents a numerical analysis based on the finite element method to simulate blast-induced hard rock fracture propagation. Three different approaches are compared: the extended finite element method, with a cohesive zone model to represent the growth of fractures; the conventional finite element method using a remeshing technique and based on the linear fracture mechanics; the element deletion method to simulate a rock fragmentation process. The rock mass is a sound granite that remains linear elastic right up the breakage. Two numerical examples are presented in order to discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach.