ARTIFICIAL SCREEN FOR REDUCING SEISMIC VIBRATION GENERATED BY BLASTING

Abstract

The purpose of blasting operations is rock fragmentation. Blasting is a key component in the overall rock fragmentation system - the first element of the ore extraction process. It provides appropriate rock material granulation or size that is suitable for loading and transportation. However, in spite of many advantages explosives have, their usage may cause environmental problem such as seismic vibration. One of the solutions to this particular problem may be application of an artificial screen as a barrier to the seismic wave path. The results of experimental research on the artificial screen concept, its characteristics and role in attenuation of seismic effects generated by blasting are presented. The experiment is based on two physical phenomena: (1) the size and degree of discontinuity and (2) the reflection and refraction of seismic waves. More than 1,500 laboratory measurements were conducted with different combinations of screen sizes, positions of the screen to blasting source, and intensities of blasting impulses. The results of the study show reduction of generated vibrations up to 58% by employment of artificial screens.