Blast vibration wavefront reinforcement model

Abstract

The combined effect of drilling pattern and sequential initiation sequence can result in substantial increases in airblast overpressure and ground vibration levels in certain directions. The blast vibration wavefront reinforcement model described in this paper uses as inputs burden, spacing and the sequential delay timing for each blasthole. The model has been extensively tested and used for many years and has been used by blasting personnel without specialist training to provide a clear graphical output to determine the direction and extent of increases in both airblast overpressure and ground transmitted blast vibration. The model has been shown to be applicable to blasting in a wide range of rock types, and overcomes the limitations of the commonly used time window analysis method of vibration control.