Integration of advanced geomechanics in rock fragmentation by blasting - Fully funded MSc and PhD positions

This research program focuses on integrating advanced geomechanics into rock blasting to improve safety, productivity, and excavation performance in mining and construction. Students will combine laboratory testing, field observations, numerical modelling, and fracture network analysis to better predict blast-induced damage, rock fragmentation, slope stability, and blastability, while developing innovative simulation and assessment tools for surface and underground excavations.

We are actively recruiting students for the following projects:

• Experimental and numerical evaluation of blast induced deterioration of rock slope and pit walls (MSc, PhD);
• Numerical calibration framework for rock blasting simulations via FEM and FDEM (PhD);
• Discrete fracture network (DFN) assisted prediction of blast fragmentation results (MSc, PhD);
• Single hole blastability indexing in surface and underground mining and construction (MSc).