ABSTRACT
Blast induced ground vibration is an impact from the use of explosives that has historically been an extremely difficult problem to effectively mitigate. When an explosive charge detonates, the rapid reaction of the explosive components produces an intense dynamic wave (shock wave) set around the blast hole. The energy carried by these waves crushes the rock to a fine powder. Beyond the shock zone, although the energy of the waves gets attenuated through processes of geometric spreading and energy dissipation is enough to cause the radial cracking of the rock mass. Finally, the shock wave degenerates into seismic waves.
There are many variables involved in the transmission of ground vibration that when combined, result in the formation of a complex vibration waveform. A more profound knowledge of how stress waves propagate in fractured rock masses is needed to control and manage vibration impacts: traditional methods of prediction such as empirical equations must be complemented with artificial intelligence methods (AIMs) or numerical models based on the waveform superposition method. On the other hand, advanced signal analysis confirms the convenience of the revision of vibration and seismic safety standards.
