## 1 Introduction  
The use of explosive energy in blasting affects both rock fragmentation and induced ground vibration. Rock movement may be desired, and manifests in amuck profile suitable for the loading equipment. The complete and proper utilization of explosive energy is the main objective in this process; energy used in achieving proper fragmentation automatically reduces negative aspects such as ground vibration. Positive blast results can be obtained by equalizing the energy of the explosive to the strength of the rock, optimum design parameters, and geospatial positioning of the blast holes. There are many equations in blasting to make use of explosive energy properly to yield a safe and effective blast, but most formulas are designed based on controllable parameters such as burden, spacing, bench height, hole diameter, stemming, decking, firing pattern, and quantity of explosive, etc. Many researchers have revealed that uncontrollable parameters such as joints and bedding planes, rock compressive and tensile strengths also significantly affect the performance of the blast in terms of fragmentation and ground vibration. The daunting task of any blasting engineer is to ensure that the selected blast design parameters meet all post-blast requirements and the targeted fragmentation of an enterprise. Blast-induced ground vibrations are a major issue to be tackled. The presence of geological discontinuities in a rock mass can significantly influence both rock fragmentation and ground vibration [1; 2; 3]. Joints are among the most common defects in the rock mass and are also defined as planes of weakness. Jointed rock gives poorer fragmentation than un-jointed rock, as stress waves dissipate and gases escape from joints and create an imbalance in attenuation and produce uneven fragmentation [4]. Likewise, rock joint angles have a substantial impact on shockwave propagation post blasting [5]. There is a pronounced impact of joint orientation on mean fragmentation size and ground vibration [6; 7; 8; 9; 10]. Good fragmentation is obtained when the orientation of the free face is parallel to and on the dip side of the principle joint planes [11; 12]. Similarly, the rate of attenuation depends on the incidence angle of the joint face [13; 14; 15]. Usually, a joint angle of 90\({}^{\circ}\) generates the very fast attenuation of stress wave [16]; however, with an increase in joint angle, the attenuation rate of vibration velocity increases and decreases the efficiency of fragmentation. Thus, alteration in joint angle has a potential effect on the blast results [10; 17]. Joint intensity also influences blasting results [16]. Blast design parameters such as spacing burden ratio, firing pattern, and explosive quantity pose a substantial impact on both rock fragmentation and ground vibration [17]. Poor blast design results in desensitization of explosives and detonator damage [18]. Geological aspects such as open joints, discontinuities, and voids are the cause behind the premature detonation and detonator damage due to the merging of side-by-side blast holes; in the case of surface, blasting would explain the cause-effect relationship. Similarly, excessive burden results in fly rock; therefore, burden and/or spacing of the decks should be sufficient to avoid the risk of fly rock and over ground vibrations. According to thumb rules, considering a minimum 8 to 25 ms delay between charges in the same row and between rows prevents blast shock overlap and could result in fewer ground vibrations [18]. A firing pattern provides a synchronized opportunity for the explosive charges to exercise their combined effect. Thus, firing pattern provides a free face, to the upcoming blast holes in some order, with the blast progression. A firing pattern determines the movement and direction of the rock throw. The firing pattern reflects a substantial effect on twin products of blasting, i.e., fragmentation and ground vibration.