Vibration prediction with a method based on the absorption property of blast-induced seismic waves: A case study

Abstract

In cases where blast vibrations cannot be measured with seismographs, empirical formulas are commonly used to predict vibration by specifying the peak particle velocity (PPV)-scale distance (SD) relationship. A new approach that provides important information about the relationship of seismic waves generated by blasting with rocks is the seismic quality factor (Q). The Q Factor depends on variables such as measurement distance, geological conditions, frequency, and seismic velocity. In this study, the seismic data obtained from blasting were used to determine the Q factor of the field, which in turn determines the Q value of the site. Blast vibrations were calculated using field equations derived from both the conventional and Q-factor methods. The vibration values measured by seismographs were then compared with the calculated data. The Q factor method, which takes into account the frequency content of the seismic waves, the velocity of the surface waves, and the absorption and damping properties of the seismic waves, predicted the vibration velocity with values very close to reality. However, the values obtained using the PPV-SD method are incompatible with the measurement results. The Q method is highly effective in cases where vibration measurement is not feasible. Additionally, the significance of directional changes in predicting blast vibrations is emphasized.

Keywords

• blasting
• vibration
• seismic quality factor
• peak particle velocity
• scaled distance