JKMRC Friday Seminar 2026: Applied kinematic blast analysis and modelling

JKMRC Friday Seminar 2026: Applied kinematic blast analysis and modelling

by Dr. Ruilin Yang · View the channel on PSI

Applied Sciences & Engineering Engineering & Technology TTOther technologies and applied sciencesTTPExplosives technology and pyrotechnics
🎙 Dr. Ruilin Yang 👥 6K 📅 September 30, 2026 ⏱ 66 min 👁 0 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-09-30
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

kinematic approachblast vibrationpeak particle velocitystrain-based failure3D modelling

Summary

Dr. Ruilin Yang presents a kinematic approach to blast modelling, emphasizing the use of easy-to-measure kinematic quantities (velocity, strain, displacement) instead of stress-based first principles. He explains that stress measurements are impractical in the field, while vibration measurements are readily available, even very close to blasts. The kinematic approach enables the development of models that handle full blast design parameters and complex geometries, unlike finite element models limited to single or few holes. He describes several models developed over his career: 3D kinematic models for blast design, multiple seed waveform vibration models for near-field effects, a fragmentation model for predicting particle size distribution, and a dynamic pressure model to prevent explosive misfires. These models have been applied globally in mining and tunnelling projects. More recently, he has worked on a strain-based approach, translating the Hoek-Brown failure criterion into a strain-based criterion, which could simplify failure analysis by bypassing uncertain rock properties. He discusses initial laboratory tests measuring failure strains in limestone and granite. The talk highlights the practicality and calibration ease of kinematic modelling compared to sophisticated stress-based simulations.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value of this presentation lies in its demonstration of a pragmatic, empirically driven modelling philosophy. Yang argues convincingly that first-principle stress models are impractical for full-scale blasts due to the complexity and inhomogeneity of rock masses and the difficulty of measuring stress. By using kinematic quantities that are easily recorded, his models achieve good predictive capability for fragmentation, vibration, and highwall stability. The argumentation is logically structured, starting from the measurement problem, introducing the kinematic approach, and then showing several model examples with field applications and calibration procedures. The method relies on a few calibration parameters, making model validation straightforward. However, the presentation is primarily an anecdotal distillation of Yang’s own experience; no quantitative comparisons against alternative models or independent datasets are provided within the seminar, which limits the strength of the evidence beyond his personal authority.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigour is moderate to high: Yang references his own published work and models that have been widely used in industry, but he does not cite external literature or provide detailed equations or validation statistics in this talk. The quality of sources is based on his expert reputation and the practical success of his models, yet the seminar is without peer-reviewed referencing. The title accurately reflects the content, and the talk stays on topic throughout. No public comments were available for analysis, so the audience reception cannot be assessed.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: the seminar focuses on applied kinematic blast analysis and modelling, covering models developed from a kinematic approach.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The speaker is a leading industry expert with 33 years at Orica and membership in the US National Academy of Engineering. The presentation is based on his extensive field experience and models validated in practice. However, no independent verification or detailed evidence is provided in this seminar, and the talk is a high-level overview of his own work without external peer review.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

  • SMI Webinars — List of past and upcoming seminars from the Sustainable Minerals Institute, including this one.
  • SMI on YouTube — Channel where previous seminars are uploaded.

Contribution & Novelties

The presentation offers a unique perspective by arguing that kinematic measurements (particle velocity, strain) are not only easier to acquire than stress but also more directly related to rock breakage. The introduction of multiple seed waveforms for near-field vibration modelling and the development of a strain-based failure criterion translated from Hoek-Brown are notable advances. The models described are claimed to be field-proven and handle full-scale blast designs.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Hoek-Brown failure criterion — The classic rock failure criterion that Yang adapts to strain space.
  • Peak particle velocity — The key kinematic quantity used in blast vibration monitoring.
  • Rock blasting — Overview of blasting techniques and engineering.
  • Finite element method — The alternative approach Yang contrasts with his kinematic models.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores for technical level and information quantity, reflecting the dense, expert-led content. Quality and reliability are slightly lower due to the lack of independent verification and peer-reviewed references. The overall shape indicates a highly specialized but somewhat insular presentation.

Reliability 7/10