Study on the Vibration Effects of Cyclic Blasting on Bridge Structures under Construction

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of cyclic tunnel blasting on adjacent bridge structures under construction. Monitoring vibration velocities of the bridge deck, piers, and middle column adjacent to the Zhanma Tian Tunnel, a three-dimensional numerical model was developed using FLAC3D software, utilizing blasting vibration test data from the Zhanma Tian Tunnel project in Guizhou. Results show that, as the distance between the bridge and tunnel increases, vibration velocity at the bridge deck decreases more rapidly compared to the base of the pier. Peak vibration velocities recorded were 0.235 cm/s for the bridge deck, 0.081 cm/s for the pier base, and a predicted 0.209 cm/s for the middle column. The impact order from blasting vibrations on the bridge structure is: pier base, middle column, bridge deck. Peak vibration velocity induced by blasting ranged between 0.05 and 0.25 cm/s, within safe limits of bridge material strength. Eight daily blasting cycles do not compromise the safety of bridge structures located 43 m away.