ENGINEERING ROCK CHARACTERIZATION FOR THE ANALYSIS OF BLASTING WAVES.

In this research blasting and vibration data were collected from several granite and limestone quarries and the possible interrelating factors were examined using statistical analysis techniques. Models employing the scaled distance concept were developed and subsequently selected for further analysis which included the introduction and incorporation of geotechnical parameters. Through non-destructive testing of rock samples, sonic properties obtained in the field were related to properties measured in the laboratory. The experiments indicate that the individual P and S wave velocities are more affected by the frequency of discontinuities present than the ratio P- to S-wave velocity. The latter, therefore, was correlated to the regression coefficients of the vibration equations for the different case studies. Such a relationship may be used for predicting wave parameters from an evaluation of the geotechnical data of the site.