This standard provides criteria for the safety and design of structures subjected to ground vibrations from underground blasts. It establishes damage thresholds based on Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) for different types of structures and outlines methods to predict vibration levels from blasting operations.
Criteria for safety and design of structures subject to underground blasts
Quick Reference Values
PPV for no damage (well-designed structures)25 mm/s
PPV for minor damage threshold (residential)10 - 12.5 mm/s
PPV for severe damage threshold (residential)20 - 25 mm/s
PPV for safe limit (sensitive heritage structures)2.0 - 2.5 mm/s
General safe limit adopted for residential buildings5 mm/s
Key Formulas
v = K * (R / Q^0.5)^-B — Ground vibration propagation formula, where v is PPV, R is distance, Q is charge weight, and K and B are site constants.
Practical Notes
The core of this standard is controlling Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) at the structure's foundation. The permissible PPV depends heavily on the structure's type, age, and condition as per Table 1.
The vibration propagation formula is empirical. Site-specific constants (K, B) must be determined through trial blasts and measurements for reliable predictions.
The damage criteria in Table 1 assume short-term blast vibrations. For continuous or long-duration vibrations, lower limits should be considered.