ABSTRACT
Rock excavation by blasting is the cheapest method
of excavation in open cast mining. However, the
blasting operation nowadays faces a stiff challenge
due to lateral expansion of the mines leading to envi-
ronmental threats to the nearby habitats. Structural
damage is one of the most commonly discussed blast
vibration-induced problems and the matter has been
dealt in great details the world over by the researchers,
academicians, planners and the executing agencies.
Safe vibration criteria have been developed in many
countries and the damage compensation packages are
also standardized. However, the contribution of blast
vibration to create damage to the poorly built struc-
tures is still a matter of dispute. Blasting close to the
structures is a serious matter of concern and is to be
managed very scientifically. Huge quantity of miner-
als cannot be excavated due to stringent criteria, heavy
compensation packages and unrest or annoyance in
the local habitats. Hence, the work executing agencies
are forced to follow a methodology with high factor of
safety, which proves quite unproductive on many occa-
sions. This calls for a reconsideration of established
practices. A new method of designing safe blasting
practice with calculated risk, to provide higher flex-
ibility and productivity, is discussed in this paper.
