Influence of depth and geological structure on the transmission of blast vibrations

Vibrations generated by blasting carried out during the quarrying of material induce dynamic stresses that can give rise to damage of diverse considerations in surrounding buildings and structures. The adverse effects of vibrations caused by explosives used in mining and civil works can be controlled by suitably planning blasting operations, appropriately managing and optimising the equipment used, and monitoring the processes that cause these vibrations. The aims of the present study were to discuss and test the existence of a damping of underground vibrations, besides defining a transmission law for such vibrations which will depend on the directionality between the blast and the measurement point. Besides, the damages that vibrations can produce on the rock mass are evaluated. Their effects are very similar to those produced by an earthquake that disconnects the rock mass integral blocks.