Acceleration-Displacement Response Spectrum Vibration Limits for Blast Vibrations

Abstract

This paper proposes a new method to limit vibrations from blasting to avoid damage to residential structures. The evolution of commonly adopted vibration limits and standards adopted for surface blasting operations in close proximity to residential areas is reviewed. The importance of human sensitivity to vibrations is highlighted and vibration limits preventing damage are demonstrated to be influenced by human annoyance. A robust and rational procedure is presented to replace existing vibration standards limiting vibration using the acceleration- displacement response spectrum methodology commonly adopted in earthquake engineering. The proposed approach adopts drift as a measure of damage rather than the current industry accepted measurement of ground velocity.