Blasting side effects - Investigations in an opencast coal mine in India

Abstract

Field investigations were conducted in a potential opencast coal mine in India with a view to optimizing blast patterns for controlling ground vibration, sound pressure level and fly rock within safe and tolerable limits. Blasting was performed in all operating benches i.e., alluvium, sandstone, shale, coal and blast vibrations were monitored on the alluvial soil present in the vicinity of the mine. It was observed that in all the blasting rounds, low frequency ground vibrations were generated. Further investigations were carried out by recording structural response to ground vibration on single and double storied buildings. It was observed that the ground vibrations were amplified by structures themselves, as much as 2.0 to 5.6 times.