Rock Blasting Practices and Induced Ground Vibrations in Opencast Mines - Case Studies

Abstract

This paper presents case studies on instrumentation with accelerometers, and scientific studies conducted on ground vibrations due to blasting with various types of explosive and accessories (Cartridge, Site Mixed Emulsions, electronic detonators etc) at Dunguri limestone mine, Jindal Power Opencast Coal Mine- Tamnar, and Baphlimali Bauxite Mines under M/S Utkal Alumina International Limited, Jayanthipuram Limestone Mine, The Ramco cements Ltd to design safe blasting practices to contain the ground vibration levels below the damage criteria to protect the structures surrounding the blasting site.. To minimize/eliminate the environmental impacts of rock blasting, utmost care has to be taken to keep the charge per delay below the stipulated level. Part of the scientific studies conducted on ground vibrations induced by blasting, and to estimate safe maximum charge per delay to protect the nearby structures are presented. A number of field visits were made to collect the geotechnical data, and monitoring ground vibrations induced by blasting for above excavations. A number of blasts were monitored to study various blast parameters related to blasting Overburden and pit benches and to understand the effect of blast on the surrounding structures, and rock mass conditions at the above four excavations. Further studies with application of trans-disciplinary research including Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and Internet of Things (IoT) is also recommended for collection of more relevant data, analysis and communication of data for better implementation of the results at mine sites.