Abstract:
In recent years there was a noticeable developmental activity, especially in
industrial as well as construction sectors such as roads, harbours, condominiums etc.
This has enhanced and developed aggregate industry and the use of modern
technology for its effective operation. Blasting is being used extensively to supply rock
aggregates for construction and also to drive tunnels and roads through rugged rocky
terrains. There is growing concern on blasting effects on the environment such as dust,
toxic gases, noise, fly rock and ground vibration. Worldwide the common allegations
mainly focused on damages to residences. Present study was carried out to monitor
air blast and ground vibration due to rock blasting. Southern Highway expressway was
selected to monitor above effects due to high blast frequency available and the
availability of the vast data base. Geological condition of the site, including rock type,
drilling and explosive parameters, and distance between blasting and monitoring
location, ground vibration and air blast over pressure were recorded. The data was used
to develop site specific constants useful for blast programming. By using the site factors,
the quantity of explosive per delay or the vibration at particular range of distance could
be predicted.
Citation:
Sivarajan, V., Kumara, K.L.D.S., Hearath, H.M.S.D., Nanayakare, N.W.P., Welideniya, H.S., & Weerawarnakula, S. (2007). Ground vibration and air blast overpressure assessment using scaled distance. In S. Karunaratne (Ed.), Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Conference on Minerals for a Better Future – A Multidisciplinary Approach (pp. 33-36). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa.