Improved signature hole analysis for blast vibration control in open pit mines

Jhon Silva, Patrick Jenks, Robert Sharon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ground vibration is an undesired effect of blasting in mining. In some situations where geotechnical slope performance is of concern, blast design gains an increased relevance as a variable to consider in slope stability. Several methods are available to assess the vibration levels produced by blasting in a mine operation (surface and underground). The scaled distance approach is the most widely used methodology to control vibration, however it has several limitations including the need for a complete set of data to find the ground coefficients used in the governing equation. This paper proposes a new methodology using a case study to predict and control ground vibrations produced by mine blasts based on the concept of the traditional signature hole technique. In the new methodology, a Monte Carlo scheme is used to produce a histogram of the predicted peak particle velocity and acceleration in locations of interest of the slope, according to the geometry, the timing, and the sequence of the blast design. This methodology has been used in surface coal mines to protect important infrastructure (power structures, gas lines, etc.) and in metal mines to control vibration levels to minimize the impact of blasting on the performance of large open pit slopes.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016
Pages1436-1442
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781510828025
StatePublished - 2016
Event50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016 - Houston, United States
Duration: Jun 26 2016Jun 29 2016

Publication series

Name50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016
Volume2

Conference

Conference50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston
Period6/26/166/29/16

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 ARMA, American Rock Mechanics Association.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geophysics

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