Comparative review and interpretation of the conventional and new methods in blast vibration analyses


Uyar G. G., Aksoy C. O.

GEOMECHANICS AND ENGINEERING, vol.18, pp.545-554, 2019 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 18
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.12989/gae.2019.18.5.545
  • Journal Name: GEOMECHANICS AND ENGINEERING
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.545-554
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The customary approach used in the blast vibration analysis is to derive empirical relations between the peak particle velocities of blast-induced waves and the scaled distance, and to develop patterns limiting the amounts of explosives. During the periods when excavations involving blasting were performed at sites far from residential areas and infrastructure works, this method based on empirical correlations could be effective in reducing vibrations. However, blasting procedures applied by the fast-moving mining and construction industries today can be very close to, in particular cities, residential areas, pipelines, geothermal sites, etc., and this reveals the need to minimize blast vibrations not only by limiting the use of explosives, but also employing new scientific and technological methods. The conventional methodology in minimizing blast vibrations involves the steps of i) measuring by seismograph peak particle velocity induced by blasting, ii) defining ground transmission constants between the blasting area and the target station, iii) finding out the empirical relation involving the propagation of seismic waves, and iv) employing this relation to identify highest amount of explosive that may safely be fired at a time for blasting. This paper addresses practical difficulties during the implementation of this conventional method, particularly the defects and errors in data evaluation and analysis; illustrates the disadvantages of the method; emphasizes essential considerations in case the method is implemented; and finally discusses methods that would fit better to the conditions and demands of the present time compared to the conventional method that intrinsically hosts the abovementioned disadvantages.