Geomechanical substantiation of mechanical splitting parameters of marbled limestones taking into account their fracturing and strength

This study aims to improve natural stone quarrying efficiency through the geomechanical substantiation of mechanical splitting parameters for marmorized limestones. The research employs an integrated approach, combining structural geology, analytical modeling, and computer technologies to analyze rock mass structure. It was established that natural blockiness and optimal mining directions depend directly on the spatial orientation and frequency of dominant fracture systems. Accounting for these factors enables quality forecasting and increases the yield of conditioned products. The scientific novelty includes establishing mathematical dependencies between jointing geometry and block separation efficiency. The use of borehole splitters with toroidal elastic chambers to create directional overpressure is substantiated. Calculated force values ensuring the guaranteed separation of monoliths of various strengths were determined. Furthermore, the dependence of optimal borehole spacing on diameter and rock compressive strength was identified. The practical significance is confirmed by technological recommendations for mechanical device operation. Applying these parameters optimizes extraction, reduces energy consumption, and ensures the structural integrity of marmorized limestone blocks.

Sarybaev M. A., Zhanakova R. K., Almenov T. M., Shautenov M. R., Assylkhanova S. A. Geomechanical substantiation of mechanical splitting parameters of marbled limestones taking into account their fracturing and strength. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026; (11):52-77. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_11_0_52.

M.A. Sarybaev, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, e-mail: sarybaev.m@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4488-5659,
R.K. Zhanakova¹, PhD, Associate Professor, e-mail: zhanakovaraisa@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-0845-8449,
T.M. Almenov¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, e-mail: almen_t@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9674-8598,
M.R. Shautenov¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, е-mail: m.shautenov@satbayev.university, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-0266-3882,
S.A. Assylkhanova¹, Master of Technical Sciences, Doctoral Student, е-mail: s.assylkhanova@satbayev.university, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-2385-161X,
¹ Kazakh National Research Technical University named after K.I. Satpaeva,  Almaty, Kazakhstan.

R.K. Zhanakova, e-mail: zhanakovaraisa@mail.ru, T.M. Almenov, e-mail almen_t@mail.ru.

1. Bekbergenov D., Zeinullin A., Jangulova G., Zhanakova R., Bektibayev U. Substantiation of geotechnology for complex-morphology mineral deposits: A case-study of the Akzhal Mine. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2025, no. 12-2, pp. 33—70. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236-1493-2025-122-0-33.

2. Zhanakova R. K., Atalikova N., Zhangulova G., Kakymzhanov E., Kurmanbayev O. Separation of slabs from homogeneous rock using toroidal hydraulic fracturing devices in parallel boreholes. Vestnik KazUTB. 2025, no. 3. DOI: 10.58805/kazutb.v.3.28-992.

3. Almenov T. M., Moldabayev S. K., Zhanakova R. K., Askarova G. E., Dryhola M. A. Ensuring the stability of slopes and ledges at the Vasilkovsky quarry (Republic of Kazakhstan). Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu. 2025, no. 6. DOI: 10.33271/nvngu/2025-6/043. 

4. Hoek E., Brown E. T. The Hoek—Brown failure criterion and GSI — 2018 edition. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. 2019, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 445—463. DOI: 10.1016/j.jrmge.2018.08.001.

5. Brady B. H. G., Brown E. T. Rock mechanics for underground mining. 3rd ed. Dordrecht: Springer, 2006, 628 p.

6. Jaeger J. C., Cook N. G. W., Zimmerman R. W. Fundamentals of rock mechanics. 4th ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2007, 488 p.

7. Bieniawski Z. T. Engineering rock mass classifications. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1989, 272 p.

8. Palmström A. Rock engineering systems. London: CRC Press, 2009, 318 p.

9. Priest S. D. Discontinuity analysis for rock engineering. London: Chapman & Hall, 1993, 473 p.

10. Ulusay R., Hudson J. A. (Eds.). The complete ISRM suggested methods for rock characterization, testing and monitoring: 1974—2006. Ankara: ISRM, 2007, 628 p.

11. Wong L. N. Y., Deng J. Rock splitting mechanics and its applications in civil and mining engineering. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. 2019, vol. 52, no. 8, pp. 2865—2891. DOI: 10.1007/s00603-019-01752-x.

12. Mandaduri G., Berry P. Numerical modelling of rock splitting processes in dimension stone quarries. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 2018, vol. 102, pp. 77—89. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2017.11.018.

13. Abdideh M., Behbahani S. S. Effect of geological discontinuities on the efficiency of hydraulic rock splitters. Journal of Mining and Environment. 2021, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 493—507. DOI: 10.22044/jme.2021.10657.2020.

14. Careddu N., Dino G. A. Dimension stone quarrying: technical and economic aspects of diamond wire and expansive mortar applications. Resources Policy. 2020, vol. 68, article 101715. DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2020.101715.

15. El-Shayeb Y., Helal M. A new approach for evaluation of block recovery in marble and limestone quarries. Arabian Journal of Geosciences. 2019, vol. 12, article 633. DOI: 10.1007/s12517-019-4505-1.

16. Akcakoca H. Determination of optimum wedge and feather spacing in rock splitting. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 2020, vol. 162, article 103723. DOI: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.103723.

17. Yarahmadi R., Bagherpour R. Safety and productivity optimization in dimension stone quarrying methods. International Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering. 2022, vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 53—66. DOI: 10.22059/ijmge.2021.317523.594892.

18. Ozcelik Y., Kulaksiz S. Development of a new rock mass classification system for dimension stone quarrying. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment. 2021, vol. 35, no. 9, pp. 657—676. DOI: 10.1080/17480930.2020.1834193.

19. Deng J., Wong L. N. Y. Numerical investigation of fracture inclination effects on rock splitting.Computers and Geotechnics. 2020, vol. 120, article 103407. DOI: 10.1016/j.compgeo.2019.103407.

20. Sousa L. M. Influence of microstructural features on the mechanical properties of natural building stones. Geological Society, London, Special Publications. 2022, vol. 515. DOI: 10.1144/SP515-2020-213.

21. Goodman R. E. Introduction to Rock Mechanics. 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1989, 562 p.

22. Hoek E., Carranza-Torres C., Corkum B. Hoek—Brown failure criterion — 2002 edition. Proceedings of NARMS-TAC Conference. Toronto, Canada. 2002, vol. 1, pp. 267—273.

23. Sarybaev M. A. Povyshenie effektivnosti dobychi stroitel'nogo kamnya s ispol'zovaniem gidravlicheskikh raskalyvateley [Improving the efficiency of building stone extraction using hydraulic splitters], Candidate’s thesis, Almaty, 2010, 32 p.