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FragMetriX: High-Fidelity 3D Fragmentation Analysis for Modern Blasting and Rock Engineering

Fragmentation has long dictated the true economics of drilling and blasting. Once blasted rock hits the ground, their size distribution quietly sets the pace for everything that follows. Loaders work harder, crushers cycle unpredictably, haulage efficiency slips, and the major issue — secondary breakage — grows unavoidable when fragments fall outside the intended range. Engineers have always recognized the stakes, yet measuring fragmentation with the accuracy needed for consistent blast optimization has been difficult to achieve in practice.

FragMetriX, 3GSM’s dedicated fragmentation analysis system, finally closes that gap. It uses photogrammetric 3D models to obtain reliable, repeatable particle size distributions through a fully automatic workflow that mirrors the real quality of the muck pile. By combining true 3D surface shape with detailed image analysis, the software captures the entire pile — not just a convenient photo window — and delivers results in minutes.

No scaling targets. No orthophotos. No manual intervention. Just objective, high-density measurements drawn directly from the blasted rock.

How FragMetriX Works

FragMetriX builds on dense, high-resolution 3D models produced in MultiPhoto and used throughout BlastMetriX and ShapeMetriX. Each model combines a detailed 3D point cloud, a triangulated surface mesh, and high-resolution imagery draped over that geometry. This fused dataset provides the algorithm with both the geometric truth of the muck pile and the visual texture needed to identify real particle boundaries.

Figure 1. 3D model of a muck pile with delineated fragments; the right side shows the resulting particle size distribution, consisting of over 220,000 individual measurements in this example.

From this foundation, the software runs a two-stage analysis

1. 3D Shape-Based Fragment Delineation
Traditional 2D photo analysis often confuses shadows or perspective distortion for fragment edges — problems that are unavoidable when geometry is missing.

Figure 2. Strong edges from shadows might mislead image processing algorithms.

FragMetriX avoids these pitfalls by reading the topography first and incorporating 3D shape processing into the particle separation process, making it far less prone to errors caused by shadows or structural complexities, especially when multiple photos from different angles are used. The method combines 3D shape analysis with 2D image processing to detect true particle boundaries even under complex lighting and texture conditions.

2. Fragment Sizing
After delineation, each fragment is sized by fitting geometric primitives — typically ellipsoids. The medium axis of an ellipsoid becomes the characteristic dimension, chosen because it corresponds to how material passes through a sieve. The entire process runs automatically: no thresholds, no tuning, no segmentation parameters, and no manual intervention.

Software Generated Results

Each analysis typically generates hundreds of thousands of individual fragment measurements. FragMetriX converts these into particle size distribution (PSD) curves, passing values such as x20, x50, and x80, tabulated outputs (.csv), and fully documented reports (.pdf). Fragments appear colour-coded by size for visual inspection and immediate qualitative understanding, while PSD curves supply the quantitative backbone.

Since the 3D model provides a comprehensive description of the entire surface of the muck pile, the resulting size distribution curve is derived from measurements across the entire area, rather than just selected sample points. Even if some mismatches occur, they have little impact on the overall shape of the distribution curve.

Figure 3. Particles are coloured according to size providing an immediate impression on the size distribution and highlighting oversizes.

Performance You Can Trust in the Field

FragMetriX is engineered for operational use, where speed, repeatability, and low user burden matter. The algorithm processes roughly 300 fragments per second on a standard mobile workstation. Most full muck-pile analyses complete in 5-20 minutes, depending on the number of surface points and available computing power. The software also leverages modern graphics hardware to handle large datasets efficiently. Results are highly reproducible, especially when data collection conditions — like drone flights and 3D model generation — are consistent. The system achieves a precision of 0.4% of fragment size, confirmed through repeated independent analyses of the same muck pile.

Table 1. Key parameters and determined passing values from independent fragmentation analyses.
Table 2. Relative variation of the passing values.

Core Features

  • Fully Automatic Fragmentation Analysis
    Once a 3D model is loaded, the system can produce a full fragmentation analysis with a single recalculation command.
  • Dedicated Modes for Blast Material and Riprap
    Two presets adapt the fragment detection approach to different particle distributions:
    • Blast Mode for broad, heterogeneous particle sizes typical of production blast.
    • Riprap Mode for more uniform grain sizes seen in dam protection layers and embankments.

  • Region of Interest Control
    Engineers can restrict the surface to be analyzed using an analysis mask — useful when focusing on specific blast zones or removing irrelevant surfaces.
  • Interactive Fragment Adjustment
    Although the workflow is automatic, engineers retain the ability to edit fragments individually. This ensures analytical transparency while preserving the integrity of the automated results.
  • PSD Analysis and Distribution Models
    The plot pane provides PSD curves, histogram bin control, and best-fit models including Rosin-Rammler, Swebrec, and Swebrec Extended. 3D model statistics as well as user-defined percent passing values can be displayed. All plots and tables are exportable for downstream reporting.
  • Adjustable Colour Coding
    User-defined color-coded visualization of the individual fragments by size allows for an immediate qualitative impression of the size distribution and location of oversizes.  

Applications Across Mining, Quarrying, Tunnelling, and Civil Engineering

FragMetriX was designed for muck-pile fragmentation analysis but performs equally well in other environments where accurate particle sizing informs operational decisions.

  • Quarry and Mine Production Blasting: Full-surface analysis for continuous blast optimization, correlating fragmentation shifts with drilling accuracy, explosive loading, and timing.
  • Tunnelling and Underground Excavation: Characterization of blasted surfaces for optimizing rock breakage and minimizing operational disruptions.
  • Long-Haul-Dump (LHD) Buckets: Real-time analysis of material in passing buckets for process control and production tracking.
Figure 4. Automatic fragmentation analysis applied at draw point in an underground mine (left) and on the content of the bucket of a passing LHD loader.
  • Dam and Riprap Assessment: Automated sizing of protection layers and detection of displaced or degraded blocks during inspections.
Figure 5: Automatic size determination for determining the condition of dam slopes.
  • Natural hazards and risk management: By utilizing drones and advanced photogrammetry, FragMetriX ensures safety and accurate data collection, enhancing the ability to monitor and respond to natural hazards effectively.
Figure 6: Safe capture and automated fragmentation analysis of a debris cone.

Across all these contexts, the software delivers full-surface analysis, high precision, and complete repeatability.

Integration with 3GSM Tools

FragMetriX reads 3D models generated in MultiPhoto and integrates naturally with BlastMetriX and ShapeMetriX. This supports a continuous workflow from data acquisition to fragmentation assessment to blast optimization and rock mass characterization.

Closing Perspective

Fragmentation is one of the most consequential metrics in rock breakage, regardless of whether it is in mining, quarrying, or tunnelling. With FragMetriX, the industry moves from complicated, time-consuming on-site sampling procedures or purely 2D-based analysis to full-surface, 3D-verified measurement. The system transforms photographs into actionable fragmentation data, improving quality control while increasing safety in rock engineering. Engineers gain a tool that supports tuning blast designs, evaluating outcomes, and making decisions grounded in measurable reality.

Wherever photogrammetry captures the rock, FragMetriX can measure it — with the same reliability every time.