Methodology for measuring the seismic effects generated by quarry blasting works

Abstract

Exploitation of useful mineral substances by surface works is an important branch of mining activity. For rocks of low strength or weak aggregation, the method of extraction by mechanical means (excavators of various types, draglines) is successfully applied, but for rocks of medium and high strength, aggregated with or without cracks, or other geological anomalies, the method of extraction generalized exploitation is that by drilling-blasting, using explosives appropriate to the field conditions and correlated according to the technical possibilities and the geometry of the work. One of the major disadvantages to the technologies where drillingblasting works are applied is the generation of seismic waves, which will propagate after the detonation of the charges. In the common situation, where in the area of operation are civilian or industrial targets, that need to be protected, it is important to monitor these effects by performing seismic measurements and then processing the data to adjust the blasting technique in order to reduce these seismic waves in intensity, but while maintaining adequate performance parameters. The paper presents the methodology based on technical-scientific principles for performing these measurements, applied to surface exploitation.