A different methodology to control and predict ground vibrations from mine blasting

Ground vibration prediction and control from mine blasting is a complex task involving different disciplines such as geotechnical engineering, explosives engineering, and geology. An effective blast design for mining or civil engineering applications needs to break the blasted material according to the required level of fragmentation and movement, while minimizing secondary effects like airblast, fly rocks, excessive damage of the surrounding host rock, and ground vibrations. In this paper, a methodology to control and predict ground vibrations from blasting is presented. This methodology uses a semi-empirical approach in which the generation and propagation of the ground vibration waves, and the ground vibration characteristics of a point of interest, are considered through the collection of a signature waveform. The methodology uses an equation based on the collected signature and Fourier Series, to randomly generate the vibration waveform produced by each detonating hole. A Monte Carlo scheme is used to produce an expected overall waveform from which it is possible to reproduce a histogram of peak particle velocity. The methodology allows assessment of the optimum delay between charges to minimize and control ground vibration levels. One case study is presented to demonstrate the steps at the detail of the methodology. (author)