ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the theory of vibration and air blast produced by blasting, the methodology of study, the applicable damage criteria and the design parameters which must be taken into consideration by the technician to be able to control the environmental alterations. The parameters which affect the characteristics of vibrations are, practically, the same ones which influence the results of the blasts. They can be classified in two groups: controllable and uncontrollable by the users of explosives. The magnitude of ground and air vibrations at a determined point varies with the explosive charge that is detonated and the distance of that point from the blast area. The charge weight per delay is the most important individual factor that affects the generating of vibrations. The delay intervals between blasthole detonations can be referred to as the nominal delay or effective delay time.
