ABSTRACT
From the mining point of view, the knowledge of ground particle motion characteristics in the vicinity of excavations is of the highest importance. Such characteristics, especially the knowledge of the PPV (peak particle velocity) can be utilized in assessment of the potential rockburst hazard state and in designing the support that might withstand dynamic loads.
A quantitative PPV evaluation associated with coal mine tremors was performed. In Polish coal mines, it has been observed that only seismic events located at short distances from the openings (up to 200 m), have a high likelihood of causing damage. Although no damaging effect was observed at the coal faces and in the openings during the underground measurements, the PPV higher than 300 mm/s were recorded. Because of significant contribution of near or intermediate field terms, very high PPV is observed at a distance < 100 m even for events as small as M~1. To predict the seismic hazard in underground mines, therefore, we should consider the effect of the near field term even for small tremors.
