Assessment of blast induced vibrations based on regulatory criteria (a case study of limestone mines, Nigeria)

This study assesses the effect of blast-induced vibration on the environment. Measurements of six blasts were carried out with number of blast hole per blast ranging from 30 to 56. The distance between the locations of the vibrograph and the centre of the blast ranged from 0.8 km to 3 km. The vibrograph measured the peak particle velocities and air blast over pressure levels. Blast induced vibrations can cause human annoyance and damage to nearby structures. Hence, measurements of ground vibrations and air blast levels and use of published damage criteria are necessary to judge the design of the blasting operations, if it complies with the safe regulated levels. Blast induced vibrations at the Quarries were monitored from selected locations. All measurement obeys the USBMRI8485 and Office of Surface Mining (OSM) regulation criteria. Maximum PPV is 0.75 inch/s (168.75 mm/s) for the measured locations. The structures at the monitored locations were safe.