Blast vibration control in highway construction near a cultural heritage site

Abstract

Blast vibration is a major concern during surface blasting operations. This paper presents observations and analysis of ground vibration caused by bench blasting on a highway construction site near the cultural heritage site of Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang, China. The range of blasting vibration parameters has been determined by means of regression analysis. A new formula for the calculation of peak particle velocity (PPV) is developed and adopted for future use to ensure the structural safety of the Grottoes during the blasting excavation operations. The formula was derived by analysing the vibration wave parameters measured in situ with frequency spectrum theory. Employing the new formula has resulted in modification of the blast design near the heritage cultural site.