Scholarly record

EVALUATION OF SEISMIC EFFECTS OF BLASTING IN UNDERGROUND SALT MINES

Ilie - Ciprian Jitea, Cristian Radeanu, Ewdward Gheorghiosu, Bogdan Garaliu-Busoi, Mircea Grecea

Abstract

Blasting operations are an essential part of underground mining activities, but the seismic waves generated during detonation may adversely affect the stability of underground mining structures such as galleries, chambers, intersections, and support systems. Repeated blasting can lead to cumulative damage, increasing the risk of degradation of both the rock mass and the installed support. This paper presents considerations regarding the assessment of the seismic effects of blasting operations on underground mining structures, based on in-situ vibration measurements and site-specific attenuation analysis. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) is used as the primary indicator for evaluating blast-induced vibrations, complemented by frequency analysis to better assess structural response. Empirical attenuation relationships are established by correlating PPV with the maximum explosive charge per delay and the distance from the blast source. The proposed methodology enables the determination of allowable explosive charge per delay for given distances, ensuring that vibration levels remain below acceptable thresholds for underground structures. Practical measures for reducing the seismic impact of blasting, including charge limitation, delay sequencing, and energy distribution, are also discussed. The results support the application of controlled blasting design as a reliable approach for improving safety and promoting sustainable underground mining operations.

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