Rock Fragmentation Prediction Using an Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Regression Hybrid Approach

Abstract

While empirical rock fragmentation models are easy to parameterize for blast design, they are usually prone to errors, resulting in less accurate fragment size prediction. Among other shortfalls, these models may be unable to accurately account for the nonlinear relationship that exists between fragmentation input and output parameters. Machine learning (ML) algorithms are potentially able to better account for the nonlinear relationship. To this end, we assess the potential of the multilayered artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR) ML techniques in rock fragmentation prediction. Using geometric, explosives, and rock parameters, we build ANN and SVR models to predict mean rock fragment size. Both models yield satisfactory results and show higher performance when compared with the conventional Kuznetsov model. We further demonstrate an automated means of analyzing a varied number of hidden layers for an ANN using Bayesian optimization in the Keras Python library.