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By W. J. Birch, R. Farnfield

Nuisance caused by perceived high vibration levels as a result of blasting on quarries and opencast coal mine is now the number one environmental concern of residents living adjacent to such operations. The intrinsic nature of blast vibration monitoring and prediction is that it is impossible to accurately forecast the vibration levels that will be experienced by a given blast at a given location. Thus it is that a statistical approach to the problem is the only viable option. Unfortunately, persuading local residents living adjacent to a project that requires blasting that this is the best way of safe guarding both their homes and their quality of life is not an easy task. Thus routine monitoring involving both operators and regulators play a key role in building trust. However, public confidence is often shaken when regulators and operators use two different blast monitoring instruments side by side to record a blast at a local resident’s house and arrive at different results. To make certain that this does not happen in future, what is needed is a protocol that ensures that any two different blasting seismographs give the same peak particle velocity values at the same observation point. To do this all the equipment manufacturers, regulators and relevant professional explosive engineering bodies need to be involved.

Jan 1, 2014

By Benoît Pinier, Jason Furtney, Gustavo Sampaio Lopes, Jorge Valencia, Johan Hawinkel

This paper describes a numerical modeling study on the effect of airdecking on vibrations, fragmentation, and movement in mining-related rock blasting. Practice has shown that air gaps reduce blast vibrations and damage while maintaining the required fragmentation and movement, yielding similar blast outcomes with less explosive mass per hole. Given that the premise of “replacing explosives with air” for better blast results is counterintuitive, this paper aims to shed light on the physical mechanisms and processes occurring in a blast with airdecks. It is hypothesized that airdecks are effective and beneficial because they load the rock at pressures lower than what is required to crush the rock. In the airdeck, the explosive gasses directly fracture rock and avoid energy loss due to crushing. In essence, the airgap allows similar outcomes in fragmentation and throw with less total explosive product, as the lower pressure gasses in the airdeck are still effective at breaking and moving the rock. This is distinct from only having less explosive and more stemming, as the stemming reduces the pressure more than an airdeck at the same position. This study uses the blastFoam software (for modeling of single and multiphase flows) to accurately calculate the pressure history throughout a blasthole and air gap. The pressure and gas loading are coupled to numerical models of vibration, fragmentation, and blast movement. Using this modeling technique, a suite of blast scenarios for typical configurations in a range of commodities is assessed with and without airdecks. Rock blasting practitioners have a responsibility to protect communities, infrastructure, and heritage — demystifying airdecks through a better understanding of the physics provides another tool in the blasting engineering toolkit to serve this goal.

Jan 21, 2025

By Dennis Wilzbacher, John Wiegand

In an effort to reduce the cost of bulk explosives, Vigo Coal Company found that the addition of coal mined at their Friendsville Mine, not only reduced explosive costs, but also appeared to actually enhance blasting performance. The Friendsville Coal lies at the base of the Mattoon geologic formation within the Mcleansboro Group of the Missourian Series of the Pennsylvanian Geologic System in Southern Illinois. Vigo Coal Company commissioned VIBRONICS, INC., an independent blasting consulting company to quantify actual blasting performance. Insitu sonic velocity testing of overburden was conducted to determine the P-wave velocity of the sandstone present at Vigo’s Cypress Creek Mine, where the initial testing was conducted. Numerous VOD (velocity of detonation) recordings were obtained for varying blends of ANFO/Coal (now named Carbo*Prill). Cast blast percentages were determined for both Carbo*Prill and non coal blended bulk explosive blasts. The VOD of the coal blended product was intentionally reduced so as to more closely match the P-wave velocity of the sandstone overburden. Explosive blends containing as much as 40-50 percent coal were tested. Explosive blends containing greater than 30 percent coal, have been used in Cypress Creek Mine overburden production blasts. The coal blends appear to produce better fragmentation and yield excellent cast blast performance. Safer mining conditions were also observed. Flyrock potential was reduced. The blasts produced less back break, producing a safer highwall. Stripping dozer and shovel production rose during the testing period and equipment repair costs were lowered due to an increase in overburden fragmentation. Blasting vibrations were reduced, in part due to the lowered detonation velocity of the ANFO/Coal mixture. The Friendsville Coal Seam appears to contain inherent chemical and physical properties that enhance blasting performance. The use of Carbo*Prill has been approved by MSHA, BATF, the State of Illinois, and the State of Indiana. This paper will provide details concerning testing procedures, blast performance analysis, recommendations and conclusions for using this alternative blasting mixture.

Jan 1, 2007

By Abraham Lindo

Taboguilla is a small island located 10 miles outside the Panama Canal Pacific Entrance. In 2002 a fuel distribution facility was installed in order to supply fuel to vessels passing thru the canal. The current capacity of the tank farm is equivalent to 1,100,000 barrels. The demand for marine diesel at this location still exceeds the current capacity, thus an expansion project is currently underway to increase the available space for diesel tanks. There is a total of 800,000 cubic meters to be excavated in order to create the new space. 400,000 cubic meters of that total is basalt rock which will need to be blasted

Jan 1, 2011

By G. Geremia, M. I. Serrano, L. Costa, Strohaecker

The advances in electronics and the development of more efficient algorithms, allow for the designing of more complex and sophisticated automated systems. The new devices include lighter, faster, reliable, and stronger robot manipulators. One available technology, with relatively low cost, is a simple robot manipulator controlled by remote control. The device has been designed to be used in both mining and law enforcement, where it can be useful for inspection, rescue, gas analysis, and even to manipulate dangerous objects, such as explosives. The applications may even include the rescue of trapped miners in risky environments. The major advantage is the fact that the robot can be controlled with a remote and monitored through a video camera, minimizing human exposure to hazardous areas, where robots can perform tasks in an aggressive atmosphere and confined spaces. This article presents a mining robot manipulator controlled by remote control, using video cameras for positioning and sensors for movements, which are located on the operator's arm. With this system, it is possible to create a sensation of virtual reality, allowing easy operation for anyone trained in dealing with explosives, rescues, or other dangerous tasks. Blasting and mining are becoming perfect applications for robots, and its use should increase very soon. The results are discussed and presented for the brand new Xiru 01 robot manipulator.

Jan 1, 2010

By Erica Lorenzo García, Benjamín Cebrian Romo, Antonio Morato Medina

This paper presents the results of a preliminary study on blast-induced vibrations conducted at a Radioactive Waste Storage Facility, located in Spain. The study was undertaken as a preparatory step prior to the blasting operations required for the construction of a new platform located near critical infrastructure housing very-low, low and intermediate-level radioactive waste. The primary goal was to establish a site-specific vibration attenuation curve to safely determine allowable explosive charges based on their distance to sensitive structures. The study followed the criteria defined in the UNE 22.381-93 standard, which regulates permissible vibration levels for different structural typologies. In this case, the existing facilities were classified as Type III structures, given their heightened sensitivity to vibrations. Two experimental campaigns were conducted. Test 1 consisted of a series of 10 individual blasts with increasing charges, monitored by five strategically placed seismographs to record seismic wave propagation and determine the attenuation parameters via regression analysis. Test 2 simulated a production blast using operational charges of 41.7 kg (91.93 lb), applying different delay sequences (42 ms and 25 ms) between holes to assess wave interference, resonance, and constructive effects. Data analysis showed that the longitudinal component dominated vibration transmission, and the predominant frequencies in the most critical zone ranged between 18 and 20 Hz. Based on these values, a conservative peak particle velocity (PPV) limit of 4.75 mm/s (0.19 in/s) was established for blast design. The recorded vibration levels during the tests remained within regulatory limits, with maximum values of 2.35 mm/s (0.09 in/s) and 2.86 mm/s (0.11 in/s) for the sequenced blasts, and peak acceleration of 0.0464g.

Jan 26, 2026

By Clara Godoy, Álvaro Dapía, Paulo Couceiro, Pablo Segarra, José Ángel Sanchidrián, Juan Navarro

This paper applies geostatistical tools in Measure While Drilling (MWD) data to estimate the probability distribution of values in all the points of the studied domain in order to assess the continuity of rock classes between boreholes. The analyses carried out by Ghosh et al. (2018) and Navarro et al. (2019) have been used as starting point of this work to classify the geotechnical rock condition in four classes: solid rock, fractured rock, cave- in rock and cavity. From it, an application for the geotechnical rock condition of orebodies have been developed, aiming at characterizing the rock before the charging the holes to minimize unexpected rock conditions and to address issues associated with charging and blasting operations. Such problems are closely related with non-optimal rock fragmentation after blasting.

Feb 1, 2020

Dear All, I am looking for information about vibrations and effects on fish in pools. A tunnel blast is planned to be carried out as close as 300 meters to a freshwater fish growing plant. What is the vibration criteria for fishes in pools? Your comments will be highly appreciated.

Jan 1, 2012

By Kwang-Yeom Kim, Dong-Gyou Kim, Hyo-Kwan Yoon

This study was intended to simulate the blasting model using notched-hole with numerical approach. Numerical analysis approach was applied to compare and evaluate the blasting model using notched-hole and circular hole. To implement non-linear dynamic blasting model, blasting analysis was carried out with AUTODYN code. Behavior of two models was compared and evaluated using AUTODYN and visual analysis and quantitative evaluation based on pressure and stress to verify the effect to induce the destruction territory to the specific direction when blasting with notched hole was attempted.

Jan 1, 2010

By Sunil Vytla, Akash Adhikari, Purushotham Tukkaraja

Blasting operations produces gases and fumes that may be toxic or non-toxic in nature. A detonation of commercial explosives such as ANFO, emulsion, and dynamite would ideally produce only nontoxic products such as steam (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2). However, in the real world, the detonation of explosives produces toxic products such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). The focus of this study is the blast fumes entrapped in the muckpile. Fume clearance and workplace re-entry time studies performed in the past have overlooked the toxic gases entrapped in the muckpile. Studies show that as much as 60% to 70% of the fumes or gases produced during blasting underground can remain entrapped in the adjacent rock mass or in the muckpile. The toxic fumes trapped inside the muckpile are slowly released and could be fully uncovered during the mucking process. Exposure to these gases or fumes is hazardous to mine workers. In this study, author have analyzed the nature of fume flow, i.e. accurately predicting where and how the fumes flow after an underground development/tunnel blast. This will help in determining i) precise re-entry times for the workers ii) rate and direction of the fume flow. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), a mathematical simulation technique that predicts fluid dynamics phenomena is used for this purpose. CFD is preferred over physical models because it is inexpensive, once the accuracy is established, a wide range of scenarios can be simulated quickly, and the toxic gas flow patterns through underground openings can be analyzed efficiently. For this study, CFD is performed using SC/Tetra software owned by MSC software company.

By A T. Spathis

Corrections are given for “A three parameter rock fragmentation distribution” by A.T. Spathis (Measurement and Analysis of Blast Fragmentation, Workshop hosted by 10th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, New Delhi, India, November 25-29, 2012 pp. 73-86). Typographical errors in two equations for the uniformity index in the two versions of the original and modified Kuz-Ram model are corrected. It is noted that the modified equation in the original published paper of Cunningham also had the same typographical error. A corrected plot of the dependence of the uniformity index versus the burden to diameter ratio is given. These corrections do not affect the rest of the original published paper.

Jan 1, 2013

By Riaan Van Wyk, Gys Landman

In today’s mining environment the use of radio communications in the form of two-way radios, cellular phones and even automated mining, form a vital part of the daily operations of a mining site. The radio transmissions that are used are a form of energy and as with all other types of energy it can have an influence on blasting equipment.

Jan 1, 2011

By Ethan Steward, Kyle Perry

Blast resistant structural design continues to be a research area of major concern for governments around the world due to explosive threats from both state and non-state actors. Glass and aluminum curtain wall systems are commonly used to clad the exterior of government and commercial structures, allowing light into the building, regulating the interior environment, and providing an aesthetically pleasing exterior. These systems are likely to fail when exposed to sudden, high-pressure events such as the purposeful or accidental detonation of explosives. Engineers have designed blast resistant curtain walls and structural elements to reduce the likelihood and severity of failure, but the design tools and testing mechanisms commonly used in the process may not accurately model or simulate actual blast conditions at all ranges. In blast resistant structural design, the origin of a shock wave is typically assumed to be in the far-field, creating a wave that is nearly planar and parallel to at least one face of the target. Shock is applied evenly and immediately across the entire impacted surface. However, the source of real-life blasts is often very close to the target structure, and the assumption of far-field planar shock does not always apply. Mid-field blasts exhibit qualities different from those assumed about far-field shocks, specifically a hemispherical shock that produces different peak pressures, impulse curves, oblique reflections, and Mach stems across a target. This paper will examine mid-field shock effects from scaled distances of 2.5 to 4 13 (6.3 to 10.1 13) on a tall, scaled target by measuring reflected and incident pressure, impulse, and shock velocity across the target. Results will be compared to theoretical blast parameter equations and empirical data used by the industry. Possible effects of mid-field blasts on structures and further research ideas will be suggested.

Jan 21, 2025

By ISEE

Micrometer Crack Response to Vibration and Weather, by Prof. Charles H. Dowding of Northwestern University, adds to Prof. Dowding’s already important contributions to the industry with his “Construction Vibrations” books. This new book reports and interprets important data on crack response that are essential for differentiating the unseen effect of weather on structural cracking from the usually much smaller effect of vibration. In addition, the book contains detailed descriptions of data collection methodology.

Jan 1, 2010

By Robert Hopler

RBH Note: The Illinois Powder Manufacturing Company was established in 1907 and was acquired in 1957 by American Cyanamid. The latter company left the explosives business in 1969.

Jan 1, 2010

By J. Eloranta

"Previous work indicated that the annual per-capita consumption of raw aggregate material averages about 10 tons; half of which is produced by blasting. Given a population of approximately 320 million in the United States alone, this amounts to 1.6 billion tons of blasted material annually. It was also estimated that up to 20% of the blasted material in aggregate operations is smaller than 6.35 mm (1/4inch) in size. Thus, about 320 million tons (i.e. 1 ton per capita) of byproduct is produced annually and sold at significantly lower prices or potentially discarded in waste dumps."

Jan 1, 2017

By David N/A Doucet, Colter N/A Angell, William N/A Joa, Kyle N/A Wagner, Catherine N/A Johnson, Marty N/A Langenderfer

The Kingery-Bulmash (K-B) equations are a widely accepted means of predicting air-blast parameters from surface explosive detonations. The parameters predicted from these calculations include incident and reflected pressure, time of arrival, shock front velocity, incident impulse, reflected impulse, and positive phase duration. K-B calculations are based on curve fitting of experimental data and can be used to predict air-blast parameters for explosive weights from less than 1 kg (2.2 pounds) up to 400,000 kg (440.9 US Tons), and ranges of 0.05 to 40 meters (1.9 inches to 131.2 feet). The K-B equations can also determine the parameters for multiple explosive types using scaled distances and relative equivalency to TNT. An experiment was designed to demonstrate if the measured results for incident pressure, time of arrival, shock front velocity, incident impulse, and positive phase duration equal the expected results reported for the detonation of a small quantity of explosive determined by the K-B Calculator. Three surface-detonated 300-gram (0.66 pound) hemispherical charges of Composition C-4 were observed via high-speed imaging and hydrostatic pressure monitoring. The hydrostatic pressure generated from each charge was measured via piezoelectric pressure transducers at a scaled distance of 10 from the charge epicenter, and at elevations of 0.30, 0.61, and 1.22 meters (1, 2, and 4 feet) above ground level. Variances in experimental values from the K-B predicted values were recorded for each measured blast parameter. Time of arrival, which was redundantly confirmed through high-speed imaging analysis and hydrostatic pressure monitoring, showed the highest deviation from the predicted values at more than double the K-B predicted value. This report compares the observed blast parameters from the test series with the expected blast parameters from the Kingery-Bulmash Blast Parameter Calculator. Differences between the experimental and predicted values are reconciled through analysis and discussion of testing conditions, instrumentation setup, and scaling methods.

Jan 1, 2019

By Ann Barron, Mark Abernethy

Regardless of the care exercised by a blaster, seismic and acoustic effects produced by blasting can be disruptive and alarming to many people. With the general trend toward larger blasts, increased population, and urban sprawl, as well as sensational accounts of explosives - related incidents by the news media, fear and concern often leave residents searching for damage to their property. As a result, many blasting companies today find themselves at the center of litigation at an accelerating rate. Obviously, the best strategy for handling vibration and airblast complaints is to operate in a manner that does not create grounds for them in the first place. During the bidding process, ask questions. See the actual site to perf o rm an “exposure analysis.” Collect as many facts as possible before blasting including geological issues, contractual obligations, zoning, historical use of site, disruption of daily life to local residents, demographics of the surrounding area, as well as any unfavorable public opinions or prejudices connected with local construction projects or mining operations. A consultation with local pre-blast firms may assist in tracking down previous problems in the area.

Jan 1, 2004

By Brian Lewis, Reinhold Daykin Schnell

Blasting is the primary and most effective method for breaking and moving material at most mine sites. The blast design is often adjusted in efforts to optimize the effectiveness of the blasts’ explosive energy while minimizing costs. When adjusting blast design parameters, it is important to adjust one parameter at a time, observing and analyzing the potential effects of the change on the overall blast performance.

Feb 6, 2023

By Anderson da Cunha Meireles, Pedro Garcia, Ernst Young, Leandro Coelho, Carlos Eduardo Soares Feliciano, Key Fonseca de Lima

Rock blasting is a crucial technique employed in mining construction and quarrying industries to fragment large rocks into smaller, more manageable pieces. However, it often generates ground vibrations that can pose significant challenges. This study explores the application of Conformal Prediction (CP) in the context of rock blasting to develop predictive models that estimate blasting-induced vibrations and quantify the associated uncertainties. Various machine learning models were integrated within the CP framework using MAPIE and CREPES libraries. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of CP in providing statistically reliable prediction intervals, making it particularly useful for applications where the stakes of underestimating uncertainty can be high.

Jan 21, 2025