Propagation characteristics of blast-induced shock waves in a jointed rock mass

The propagation characteristics of blast-induced shock waves in a jointed rock mass have been monitored and studied. Accelerometers were set up on a rock surface along three lines, at 0°, 45° and 90° with respect to the orientation of the predominant joint strikes. Cylindrical charges were detonated in a charge hole, and ground accelerations in both vertical and radial directions at various points on the rock surface were recorded. Results show that rock joints have significant effects on the propagation characteristics of blast-induced shock waves. The amplitude and principal frequency of shock waves attenuate with the increase of distance from the charge centre, and the increase of incident angle between the joint strike and the wave propagation path. The measured data were compared with the empirical equations of shock wave attenuation proposed by other authors. The mechanism of rock joint effect, the attenuation of shock waves in relation to the propagation distance, the charge weight and the incident angle, are discussed in this paper.     

Evaluation of blast induced ground vibration for minimizing negative effects on surrounding structures

The present paper mainly deals with the prediction of blast-induced ground vibration level in Bakhtiary formation at intake of waterway system in Gotvand dam, Iran. For this research the ground vibration components were recorded carefully by means of 3 sets of vibration monitors for 32 blast events during the bench blasting in front of tunnels. Then, the data pairs of scaled distance and particle velocity were analyzed by using the USBM equation. At the end of statistical evaluations, a relationship between peak particle velocity and scaled distance for this site was established with good correlation. Again, other data measurements during tunnel excavation near concrete structures were used to validate the predicted PPV and optimize the blasting patterns to omit the effects of resonance and vibration in USBM (RI-8507) standard. Based on the vibration tests done in Bakhtiary conglomerate, constant dynamic factors of the rock mass related to vibration velocity are 159.07 and 1.077.     

The importance of site-specific characters in prediction models for blast-induced ground vibrations

The aim of this study is to show the effect of geological factors in predicting the level of blast-induced ground vibrations. The site-specific character of ground must be involved in the prediction models especially if the ground conditions have a variable character like in this case. But in a blasting environment, this is only possible by using an empirical way. Towards this aim, an in-situ experimental study in a highly jointed sandstone quarry was carried out to incorporate the variable conditions into the prediction models. Therefore, 60 shots were organized and their ground vibrations monitored in two different directions to compare the results. These shots were normal production shots involving the true technological properties as well as geological properties into the prediction model. Based on these, the empirical relations between particle velocity, the amount of explosive and distance have been developed. The results show that the performances of these estimations depend on the site-specific character of these empirical relations. The best prediction was obtained with only 2.08% error level provided that the true technological and geological properties are involved.     

Analysis of parameters of ground vibration produced from bench blasting at a limestone quarry

The aim of this study is to predict peak particle velocity level at a limestone quarry located in Istanbul, Turkey. The ground vibration components were measured for 73 blast events during the bench blast optimization studies during a long period. In blasting operations; ANFO (blasting agent), gelatine dynamite (priming) and NONEL detonators (firing) were used as explosives at this site. Parameters of scaled distance (charge quantity per delay and the distance between the source and the station) were recorded carefully and the ground vibration components were measured by means of vibration monitors for every event. Then, the data pairs of scaled distance and particle velocity were analyzed. The equation of scaled distance extensively used in the literature was taken into consideration for the prediction of peak particle velocity. At the end of statistical evaluations, an empirical relationship with good correlation was established between peak particle velocity and scale distance for this site. The established relationship and the results of the study are presented.     

Evaluation of ground vibration effect of blasting operations in a magnesite mine

Ground vibrations induced by blasting are one of the fundamental problems in the mining industry and may cause severe damage to structures and plants nearby. Therefore, a vibration control study plays an important role in the minimization of environmental effects of blasting in mines. This paper presents the results of ground vibration measurement induced by bench blasting at Magnesite Incorporated Company (MAS) open pit mine in Turkey. The scope of this study is to predict peak particle velocity and to determine the slope of the attenuation curve for this site. For this purpose, the blasting parameters of 43 shots were carefully recorded and the ground vibration components were measured for each event. After carrying out statistical analysis, the site specific parameters were determined to predict the peak particle velocity. In the light of this analysis, the prediction graphics of maximum charge weight per delay versus distance for different damage criteria was proposed to be able to perform controlled blasting in order not to damage to the nearby structures, especially to the plant where rotary and shaft kilns have been established.     

Stochastically simulated blast-induced ground motion effects on nonlinear response of an industrial masonry chimney

This paper presents the dynamic response analysis of industrial masonry chimney subjected to artificially generated surface blast induced ground shock by using a three-dimensional finite element model. The effects of surface blast-induced ground shocks on nearby structures depend on the distance between the explosion centre and the structure, and charge weight. Blast-induced ground motions can be represented by power spectral density function and applied to each support point of the 3D finite element model of the industrial masonry system. In this study, a parametric study is mainly conducted to estimate the effect of the blast-induced ground motions on the nonlinear response of a chimney type masonry structure. Therefore, the analysis was carried out for different values of the charge weights and distances from the charge center. The initial crack and propagation of the crack pattern at the base of the chimney were evaluated. Moreover, the maximum stresses and displacements through the height of the chimney were investigated. The results of the study underline that blast-induced ground motions effects should be considered to perform the non-linear dynamic analysis of masonry type chimney structures more accurately.     

Numerical prediction of low-frequency ground vibrations induced by high-speed trains at Ledsgaard, Sweden

The ground vibrations induced by a passenger train at the test site of Ledsgaard, Sweden, have been analysed and numerically simulated through a spectral element discretization of the soil. To calculate the spatial distribution of loading due to train passage, the train is decoupled from the track, and a suitable series of static forces is applied. The track and the embankment are modeled as a beam on elastic foundation, using analytical solutions for loads moving at constant velocity. The results of both 2D and 3D modelling assumptions are thoroughly discussed, in terms of prediction of track motion and of attenuation of peak ground velocity with distance.     

Evaluation of blast-induced ground vibration predictors

The present paper mainly deals with the prediction of blast-induced ground vibration level at a Magnesite Mine in tecto-dynamically vulnerable hilly terrain in Himalayan region in India. The ground vibration was monitored to calculate the safe charge of explosive to avoid the continuous complaints from the nearby villagers. The safe charge of explosive and peak particle velocity (PPV) were recorded for 75 blast events (150 blast data sets) at various distances. These data sets were used and analysed by the widely used vibration predictors. From the four predictors, vibration levels were calculated and compared with new monitored 20 blast data sets. Again, the same data sets were used to validate and test the three-layer feed-forward back-propagation neural network to predict the PPV values. The same 20 data sets were used to compare the results by the artificial neural network (ANN). Among all the predictors, a very poor correlation was found, whereas ANN provides very near prediction with high degree of correlation.     

Regional ground‐motion prediction equations for amplitude‐, frequency response‐, and duration‐based parameters for Greece

Although all of the main properties of a ground motion cannot be captured through a single parameter, a number of different engineering parameters has been proposed that are able to reflect either one or more ground‐motion characteristics concurrently. For many of these parameters, especially regarding Greece, there are relatively few or no predictive models. In this context, we present a set of new regionally‐calibrated equations for the prediction of the geometric mean of the horizontal components of 10 amplitude‐, frequency response‐, and duration‐based parameters for shallow crustal earthquakes. These equations supersede previous empirical relationships for Greece since their applicability range for magnitude, and epicentral distance has been extended down to M_w 4 and up to 200 km, respectively, the incorporation of a term accounting for anelastic attenuation has been investigated, while their development was based on a ground‐motion dataset spanning from 1973 to 2014. For all ground‐motion parameters, we provide alternative optimal equations relative to the availability of information on the different explanatory variables. In all velocity‐based and contrary to the acceleration‐based parameters, the anelastic attenuation coefficient was found statistically insignificant when it was combined with the geometric decay and the coefficient accounting for saturation with distance. In the regressions where the geometric decay coefficient simultaneously incorporated the contribution of anelastic attenuation, its increase was found to be much less considerable in the velocity‐based than in the acceleration‐based parameters, implying a stronger effect of anelastic attenuation on the parameters that are defined via the acceleration time history.     

Propagation and attenuation characteristics of various ground vibrations

In order to effectively control vibration related problems, the development of a reliable vibration monitoring system and the proper assessment of attenuation characteristics of various vibrations are essential. Various ground vibrations caused by train loading, blasting, friction pile driving and hydraulic hammer compaction were measured using 3D geophones inside of the borehole as well as on the ground surface, and the propagation and attenuation characteristics of various source generated vibrations were investigated by analyzing particle motions. For the geometric modeling of various vibrations, the types of various sources and their induced waves were characterized and the geometric damping coefficients were determined. The measured attenuation data matched well with the predicted data when using the suggested geometric damping coefficient, and the estimated soil damping ratios were quite reasonable taking soil type of the site and experiencing strain level into consideration.     

Evaluation of blast-induced ground vibration effects in a new residential zone

The results from an experimental blasting program that was performed at the special explosives training field of the General Directorate of Security in Ankara, where new residential blocks are planned to be constructed nearby, are presented. With the objective of estimating the blast-induced ground vibration effects on the proposed structures, various blasting parameters of nineteen surface and underground explosions were recorded in two directions at three measurement stations. Site-specific empirical relationships between peak particle velocity, the amount of explosive and the distance were developed. These relationships were used to construct a practical blasting chart, which gives the maximum amount of explosive to be used as a function of distance, for future underground and surface blasting operations in the training field. Since the use of peak particle velocity in the field of civil engineering has been limited so far, site-specific parameters were also estimated to predict the blast-induced horizontal peak ground acceleration. Then, an attempt was made to investigate the dynamic responses of four and six storey reinforced concrete structures that consist of frame and shear wall type structural systems under the measured accelerations using finite element analysis. The limitations of this approach were discussed within the context of damage estimation.     

Ground vibrations from sheetpile driving in urban environment: measurements, analysis and effects on buildings and occupants

Following a comprehensive review of the subject of man-made ground vibrations, measurements of ground vibration caused by vibratory sheetpile driving in recent soil deposits are reported in terms of particle velocities vs. distance from the source of vibration. The measurements were conducted on paved surfaces and sidewalks in the inner urban environment. Reconstructed particle displacement paths indicated, predominantly, vertical vibrations of the Rayleigh type. The attenuation rate of vibrations with distance was compared to published results of other studies and satisfactory agreement was found to exist. Values of particle velocity measured in this study, however, were lower than corresponding values of other studies under comparable values of rated vibratory kinetic energy. This is possibly due to different soil conditions. Average and upper bound linear log–log attenuation relationships are proposed, which fit the results of measurements and are representative of the conditions likely to be encountered in the urban environment. Measurement of vibrations on higher floors of multistory reinforced concrete buildings indicated a significant amplification of vertical vibration and an average curve for amplification magnitude vs. floor level was fitted to the results of measurements. A comparison of measured values of vibration with the observed performance of buildings and with damage threshold values suggested by existing codes and standards indicated that the latter do not provide safety against damage caused by vibratory densification of loose sandy soils. On the other hand, the existing criteria for human exposure to vibrations in buildings, according to the results of this study, seem to adequately define the degrees of human discomfort.     

Ground-motion prediction equations for the intermediate depth Vrancea (Romania) earthquakes

We present the regional ground-motion prediction equations for peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), pseudo-spectral acceleration (PSA), and seismic intensity (MSK scale) for the Vrancea intermediate depth earthquakes (SE-Carpathians) and territory of Romania. The prediction equations were constructed using the stochastic technique on the basis of the regional Fourier amplitude spectrum (FAS) source scaling and attenuation models and the generalised site amplification functions. Values of considered ground motion parameters are given as the functions of earthquake magnitude, depth and epicentral distance. The developed ground-motion models were tested and calibrated using the available data from the large Vrancea earthquakes. We suggest to use the presented equations for the rapid estimation of seismic effect after strong earthquakes (Shakemap generation) and seismic hazard assessment, both deterministic and probabilistic approaches.     

沪宁城际铁路高架桥段CRH动车组运行引起的地面振动现场测试与分析

对沪宁城际铁路CRH动车组运行引起的高架桥段地面振动竖向速度和加速度进行了现场测试,分析了地面振动特征及其传播的衰减规律。结果表明：CRH动车组运行引起的地面振动主频在70Hz以下,属于低频振动;地面振动峰值速度和加速度随着离高架桥距离的增大而减小,20m以内地面振动衰减幅度较大;地面振动峰值随列车时速的提高而增大,车厢数量对地面振动峰值和主频成分的影响不明显;CRH动车组运行引起的地面振动对一般性建筑物影响不大,列车时速为300km左右时,地面振动速度超过办公室等公共建筑的允许值,列车时速为200km左右时,地面振动速度超过居民住宅的允许值;与其他高速铁路的地面振动实测值相比,沪宁城际铁路CRH动车组运行引起的高架桥段地面振动强度相对较低。     

Ground surface response induced by shallow buried explosions

Based on the spherical cavity expansion theory in the elastic half space,the ground surface movement characteristics of shallowly buried explosions are analyzed.The results show that the induced seismic wave is a longitudinal wave in the near zone and a Rayleigh wave in the far zone.The maximum displacement(velocity) of the longitudinal wave and the Rayleigh wave are inversely proportional to the scaled distance,and can be described by exponential function with exponents equal to 1.4 and 0.5,respectively.The vibration frequencies of the waves have almost no change.The vibration frequency of the longitudinal wave approximates the natural vibration frequency of the cavity in the broken area,and the vibration frequency of the Rayleigh wave is about half that of the longitudinal wave.On the same reduced buried depth and reduced distance,the particle displacement is directly proportional to the product of the boundary loading and cavity radius,and is inversely proportional to the transversal wave velocity.Meanwhile,the particle velocity is directly proportional to the boundary loading and inversely proportional to the wave velocity ratio.In the far zone,the buried depth of the explosive only has a slight effect on the longitudinal wave,but has a larger effect on the Rayleigh wave.     

Attenuation of ground vibrations using in-filled wave barriers

Ground vibrations generated by construction activities can adversely affect the structural health of adjacent buildings and foundations supporting them. Therefore propagation and rate of attenuation of construction induced ground vibrations is important during construction activities, particularly in urban areas where constructions are carried out in the vicinity of existing structures. In practice wave barriers are installed in the ground to mitigate the ground vibration propagation and hence to minimise the effect of ground vibrations on surrounding structures. Different types of fill materials such as bentonite, EPS geofoam and concrete are used in constructing wave barriers. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed to study the efficiency of different fill materials in attenuating ground vibrations. The model is first verified using data from full scale field experiments, where EPS geofoam has been used as a fill material in wave barriers. Then the same model has been used to evaluate the efficiency of open trenches, water filled wave barriers and EPS geofoam filled wave barriers on attenuation of ground vibrations. EPS geofoam is found to be the most efficient fill material, providing attenuation efficiency closer to open trenches. The efficiency of EPS geofoam and water filled wave barriers can be significantly increased by increasing the depth of the wave barrier.     

Numerical investigation of stochastic response of an elevated water tank to random underground blast loading

This paper presents a stochastic finite element seismic response study of a water tank subjected to random underground blast-induced ground motion. Such tanks contain water and hazardous chemical substances, which implies significant risk to human life, serious environmental pollution, and considerable economic loss. The random blast-induced ground motion is represented by power spectral density function and applied to each support point of the three dimensional finite element model of the elevated water tank–fluid interaction system. A parametric study is conducted to estimate the effects of the blast-induced ground motion on the stochastic response of the elevated water tank system. Therefore, the analyses are carried out for different values of the charge weight and the distance from the charge centre. Additionally, in order to investigate the effect of the fluid on the stochastic response of the elevated water tank, three cases with different water levels are considered in the analyses. Finally, it is observed that underground blast loading considerably changes the stochastic behavior of the elevated water tank system.     

Spatial variation and stochastic modelling of seismic differential ground movement

Specially designed arrays of strong motion seismographs located near earthquake sources are required for engineering studies of near-source earthquake properties as well as spatial variation of seismic waves. The SMART-1 array in Tath provides good records for this type of study. Based on the SMART-1 array data, the analysis of the principal direction wave propagation and the space-time correlation of some events recorded by SMART-1 have been studied. A stoce model for predicting the differential ground movement was also developed. This stochastic model includes the effect of source characteristics, attenuation of wave passage and spatial correlation characteristics. The performance of this more discussed and compared with the ground movement recorded by the SMART-1 array. From the present study, it is that spatial correlations do exist as seismic waves propagate across the array site. Generally, the loss of coherence is direction of propagation can be explained by energy at the same frequency exhibiting a slightly different velocity with the measurement intervals. It is also concluded that the phase velocity of seismic waves and the corner frequency of the grep displacement spectrum are controlling factors in the prediction of the root mean square of differential grep displacement.     

Effect of surface stress on magneto-elastic surface waves in finitely conducting media

This paper deals with the investigation of the effect of surface stress and conductivity on the propagation of surface wave in isotropic, homogeneous, elastic media under the action of a primary magnetic field. Formulation of the general surface wave propagation problem has been made, and the corresponding frequency equation has been derived. Frequency equations for Rayleigh wave, surface shear wave and Stoneley wave have been deduced from that of general surface wave as special cases. The effects of surface stress and magnetic field on the wave velocities and attenuation factors of Rayleigh wave and surface shear wave are shown by numerical calculations and graphs. Some important wave velocity equations, as obtained by other authors, have been deduced as special cases from the wave velocity equation for Stoneley wave. It is found that the combined effect of surface stress and magnetic field modulates the wave velocity ratios and attenuation factors of Rayleigh wave and surface shear wave to a considerable extent.     

An investigation on the ground motion parameters and seismic response of underground structures

Peak ground acceleration (PGA), frequency content and time duration are three fundamental parameters of seismic loading. This study focuses on the seismic load frequency and its effect on the underground structures. Eight accelerograms regarding different occurred earthquakes that are scaled to an identical PGA and variation of ground motion parameters with ratio of peak ground velocity (PGV) to PGA, as a parameter related to the load frequency, are considered. Then, concrete lining response of a circular tunnel under various seismic conditions is evaluated analytically. In the next, seismic response of underground structure is assessed numerically using two different time histories. Finally, effects of incident load frequency and frequency ratio on the dynamic damping of geotechnical materials are discussed. Result of analyses show that specific energy of seismic loading with identical PGA is related to the seismic load frequency. Furthermore, incident load frequency and natural frequency of a system have influence on the wave attenuation and dynamic damping of the system.