Department of Mining Engineering Blasting and Explosives Laboratories

The Mining Department, through the University of Kentucky Explosives Research Team (UKERT), operates an underground and surface facilities to conduct instruction and research in explosives and explosions.

The facilities are located off-campus and hosted by a local aggregates company (Nally & Gibson) in Georgetown, KY. Instructors, students, and researchers carry on tests in the facility to provide first-hand experience in explosives' theory and practice and its effects on mining applications.

Underground and Surface explosion facility

A unique surface facility allows the setup of explosion tests using methane and coal dust on a real scale. The facility can replicate the recommended NIOSH pressure-time curves for underground coal mine explosions. In the facilities, underground mine components and devices (refuge chambers, communication devices, active barrier systems) are subject to methane and coal dust explosions. The effects of explosions produced by high explosives are researched in the underground facility.

Underground and Surface Explosion Facility

A unique surface facility allows the setup of explosion tests using methane and coal dust on a real scale. Our facilities span an aggregate mine in Georgetown, KY where we have multiple testing and research abilities, including a shock tube. The facility can replicate the recommended NIOSH pressure-time curves for underground coal mine explosions. In the facilities, underground mine components and devices (refuge chambers, communication devices, active barrier systems) are subject to methane and coal dust explosions. The effects of explosions produced by high explosives are researched in the underground facility.

UKERT Research Publications

Schnell, D., J. Calnan, P. Roghanchi, C. Hernandez Garcia, Z. Agioutantis and E. Woolery, A Review of Current Blast Ground Vibration Velocity and Amplitude Impact Models and Methods, Proceedings, 59th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium (ARMA), June 8-11, 2025, Santa Fe, NM, paper 25-0188 https://doi.org/10.56952/ARMA-2025-0188
Morgan, E., J. Calnan, and Z. Agioutantis, Determining the Dynamic Response of Geologic Bodies Through Split-Hopkinson Bar Compression Testing for Blasting Applications, Proceedings, 51st Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE 2025, January 21-26, 2025, Cherokee, NC https://www.onemine.org/documents/determining-the-dynamic-response-of-geologic-bodies-through-split-hopkinson-bar-compression-testing-for-blasting-applications
Lamont R., S. Schafrik, B. Diddle, J. Silva, J. Calnan, and Z. Agioutantis, Prediction of Casted Muck Pile Profiles Using Discrete Element Modeling and the Monte Carlo Approach, Simulation Modeling Practice and Theory, 2025 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.simpat.2025.103077
Shields, L., J. Calnan, J. Silva, and Z. Agioutantis, Underground Bench Blast Fragmentation: Comparison of a Multivariate Regression Model to Established Predictive Models, Mining Technology, 2025, https://www.doi.org/10.1177/25726668241301880
Van den Berg, S.J., Z. Wedding, Z. Agioutantis, J. Calnan, J. Silva, and J. Castillo, The investigation of micro-crack generation in cementitious mine seal through temperature and strain measurements, Journal of Industrial Safety, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinse.2024.100024
Shields, L., J. Calnan, J. Silva-Castro, E. Maldonado, and Z. Agioutantis. Preliminary Blast Fragmentation Modeling in an Underground Aggregate Operation. Proceedings, 58th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium (ARMA), 23-26 June 2024, Golden, CO, paper 24-0053. https://onepetro.org/ARMAUSRMS/proceedings-abstract/ARMA24/ARMA24/549034
Shields, L., J. Silva, J. Calnan, E. Maldonado, and Z. Agioutantis, Integrating Underground Blast Fragmentation Modeling for Sustainable Mine-to-Mill Optimization: A Focus on Blast Fragmentation and Energy Efficiency in Comminution Circuits, Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2024, https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00603-024-04118-8
Aramayo, E., T. Petrov, and J. Silva, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) versus traditional methodologies to assess airblast from blasting, Proceedings, 49^th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2023.
Calnan, J.T., T. Petrov, J. Van Den Berg, and J. Silva. Gas and Dust Explosion Research at the UKERT Lab. Proceedings, 48^th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2022.
Styer, A., P. Holmgren, and J. Calnan. Analysis of Sympathetic Detonation in Detonating Cord, Proceedings, 46^th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2020
Worsey, T. and J. Silva, Limestone Fragmentation Case Study Using Regular Rhythmic Timing, Proceedings, 46^th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2020
Hoffman, J., B. Fryman, and J. Calnan. Debris Collection Efforts Following a Large-scale AN Detonation, Proceedings, 45^th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2019.
Silva, J., T. Worsey and B.T. Lusk, Practical Assessment of Rock Damage Due to Blasting, International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, Volume 29, Issue 3, May 2019, Pages 379-385, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2018.11.003
Silva, J. and L. Li, Deconvolution of Blast Vibration Signals by Wiener Filtering, Inverse Problems in Science and Engineering, 2018, 26(10), 1522–1538, https://doi.org/10.1080/17415977.2017.1422734
Silva, J, L. Li, G. Jeremy, Reliability Analysis for Mine Blast Performance Based on Delay Type and Firing Time, International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2017.07.004
Li, L. and J. Silva, Spectral Division Deconvolution of Blast Vibration Signals for Signature Estimation, Proceedings, 43rd Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2017.
Silva, J. Improved Signature Hole Technique – What is a Signature Waveform?, Proceedings, 43rd Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2017.
Silva, J. and R. Lamont, Dispersion Signal Analysis in a Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar at the University of Kentucky, Blasting and Fragmentation, Vol.12, No.2, 2017
Vasconcelos, H., L.F. Marinho, B.T. Lusk, J.T. Calnan, and P. Sainato. Application of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mixture for Stemming Performance Optimization, Proceedings, 42^nd Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2016.
Li, L. and J. Silva, Use of Basic Statistics for the Overlapping Timing Analysis of a Single Blast Hole, Blasting and Fragmentation, Vol.9, No.2, 2015
Calnan, J.T., Determination of Explosive Energy Partitioning Values in Rock Blasting Through Small-Scale Testing. PhD dissertation. University of Kentucky, 2015. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/mng_etds/24/
Calnan, J.T., B.T. Lusk, and K.A. Perry. Load Transfer of Polycarbonate Blast Resistant Glazing Systems, Proceedings, 40th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2014.
Silva J. and B.T. Lusk, Signature hole method for ground vibration and airblast in mine blasting; Convolution or Superposition? Blasting and Fragmentation, 2014, Vol. 8, No. 1, 2014.
Calnan, J.T. Experimental Comparison Study of the Response of Polycarbonate and Laminated Glass Blast Resistant Glazing System to Blast Loading. MS thesis. University of Kentucky, 2013.
Silva, J. and B.T. Lusk, Monte Carlo Approach to Signature Hole Analysis. Blasting and Fragmentation, 2013, Vol. 7, No.1, pp. 47-62.
Silva, J. and B.T. Lusk, Comparison of Traditional Signature Hole Technique and Monte Carlo Approach, Proceedings, 39th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2013.
Lusk, B.T., J.M. Hoffman, J. Silva, W.C. Wedding, E.G. Morris, and J.T. Calnan. Evaluation of Emergent Electronic Detonators and Modern Non-electric Shocktube Detonators Accuracy. Blasting and Fragmentation. 6.1 (2012): 1-18.
Lee, N., B.T. Lusk, and J. Silva, ANFO Versus 100% Emulsion: Quantitative Assessment of Performance with Constant Drilling and Blasting Costs. Blasting and Fragmentation, 2012, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 123-144.
Silva J. and B.T. Lusk, Modeling of Signature Waves Based on Fourier Series for Blast Vibration Prediction, Blasting and Fragmentation, 2012, Vol. 6, No.3, pp. 179-194.
Silva J. and B.T. Lusk, Development of an equation describing signature waveform based on the Fourier series for blast vibration prediction. SME-Transactions, 2012, Vol. 332, pp. 440-449.
Lusk, B.T. and J. Silva, A Public Relations Plan Based on Structure Generated Sounds and Public Input, The Journal of Explosives Engineering, Jan/Feb. 2011, Volume 28 Number 1, pp. 34-43
Lusk, B.T. and J. Silva, Blasting Versus Non-blasting Related Sounds in a House Near Surface Blasting, Proceedings, 37th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique, ISEE, 2011.
Lusk, B.T., J. Silva, and J. Hoffman, Case Study of Blast Vibration Induced Sounds Recorded Inside a House Near a West Virginia Coal Mine. SME Transactions, May 2010.

Distinguished Alumni

Graduate Programs

Department of Mining Engineering Blasting and Explosives Laboratories

Underground and Surface Explosion Facility

UKERT Research Publications

Publications

Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering