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An Integrated Engineering Decision-Support Framework for Sustainable Dimensional Stone Quarrying: From Fracture Characterization to Extraction Optimization and Quality Control

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  • Xuan-Nam Bui

    (Laboratory of Sustainable Development in Natural Resources and Environment, Institute for Advanced Study in Technology, Ton Duc Thang University, No. 19 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
    Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, No. 19 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam)

  • Van-Viet Pham

    (Department of Surface Mining, Faculty of Mining, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, 18 Pho Vien, Dong Ngac Ward, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
    Innovations for Sustainable and Responsible Mining (ISRM) Research Group, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, 18 Pho Vien, Dong Ngac Ward, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Anh-Tuan Nguyen

    (Department of Surface Mining, Faculty of Mining, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, 18 Pho Vien, Dong Ngac Ward, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
    Innovations for Sustainable and Responsible Mining (ISRM) Research Group, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, 18 Pho Vien, Dong Ngac Ward, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Dinh-Trong Vu

    (Laboratory of Sustainable Development in Natural Resources and Environment, Institute for Advanced Study in Technology, Ton Duc Thang University, No. 19 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
    Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, No. 19 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam)

  • Van-Duc Nguyen

    (Innovations for Sustainable and Responsible Mining (ISRM) Research Group, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, 18 Pho Vien, Dong Ngac Ward, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
    Vietnam Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, 67 Chien Thang, Thanh Liet Ward, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

Abstract

Low block recovery in dimensional stone quarrying is commonly associated with complex fracture systems and inconsistent decision-making across the extraction chain. An integrated decision-support workflow is presented, linking rock-mass characterization and extraction planning. It combines discrete fracture network (DFN) modelling with block usability assessment and staged decision gates to reduce structural uncertainty. Application of the framework across seven-dimensional stone quarries indicated relative improvements ranging from approximately 8–12% in commercial block recovery compared with conventional quarrying approaches. These improvements were associated with enhanced fracture characterization, improved selection of extraction orientations, more effective assessment of block usability, and NDT-supported quality control.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuan-Nam Bui & Van-Viet Pham & Anh-Tuan Nguyen & Dinh-Trong Vu & Van-Duc Nguyen, 2026. "An Integrated Engineering Decision-Support Framework for Sustainable Dimensional Stone Quarrying: From Fracture Characterization to Extraction Optimization and Quality Control," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:12:p:6128-:d:1967496
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