Itatech Activity Group Excavation: V C U D B T
Itatech Activity Group Excavation: V C U D B T
Itatech Activity Group Excavation: V C U D B T
Contributors
ITAtech members :
Timo Laitinen Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy (Project Sponsor)
Johan Jonsson Atlas Copco AB
Oliver Schneider Amberg Technologies AG
Other contributors
Donald Jonson Nitro Consult AB
Ilkka Vähäaho City of Helsinki
Jari Honkanen Finnrock Oy
Juha Kukkonen Sandvik Mining and Construction OySika
Mark Ganster Austin Powder Intl.
Reviewers
Tarcisio B. Celestino VP ITA Executive Council
Robert Galler Montanuniversität Leoben Austria, Vice-Animateur ITA WG19
Ilkka Vähäaho City of Helsinki
1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................6
2 Blast vibrations.............................................................................................................................7
2.1 Effects of vibrations......................................................................................................................7
3.3 Bulgaria...........................................................................................................................................9
3.4 Croatia.............................................................................................................................................9
3.5 Finland. ............................................................................................................................................9
3.6 France..............................................................................................................................................9
3.7 Germany.........................................................................................................................................1 0
3.8 Greece............................................................................................................................................ 11
3.9 Hungary......................................................................................................................................... 11
3.11 Italy...............................................................................................................................................1 2
3.12 Norway.........................................................................................................................................1 2
3.13 Portugal......................................................................................................................................1 3
3.14 Romania........................................................................................................................................1 3
3.17 Slovenia........................................................................................................................................1 3
3.18 Spain..............................................................................................................................................1 4
3.19 Sweden.........................................................................................................................................1 5
3.20 Switzerland.................................................................................................................................1 6
4 Vibration control.......................................................................................................................1 7
4.1 Delay design...................................................................................................................................1 7
4.3 Explosive........................................................................................................................................1 8
5 Summary...........................................................................................................................................19
6 Sources............................................................................................................................................20
7 List of tables..................................................................................................................................21
8 List of figures...............................................................................................................................22
Blasting is an integral part of the excavation process in underground construction and civil engineering.
Due to the high energy content of explosives it is an inexpensive and highly effective method for rock
breaking. As explosives have continually been developing due to a high level of research, they have
also become remarkably safer. However, it would be careless to ignore the negative side-effects of
blasting operations. Due to urbanization, blasting operations are executed more often in populous
areas. For this reason it is important to perform the blasting works so that the possible effects on
the environment and people nearby are minimized. One of the inevitable negative side-effects of
excavation with blasting is blasting-induced vibrations.
The aim of this paper is to discuss the general aspects of blast vibrations and it should give an
overview of the blast vibration regulations and legislations in Europe. Furthermore, this paper should
also outline modern methods which can be used to efficiently reduce blast vibrations. The first
method which is discussed, is improving the delay design by using non-electric detonators. With
these detonators, it is possible to set up an efficient system of detonators with a large number of
delay times. The paper also treats the importance of the drilling accuracy and choosing the right
explosive type. The last method which is shown is the vibration isolation of sensitive equipment. This
method is easy to implement and very useful in urban drill and blast tunneling.
Blasting-induced vibrations depend on risk analysis is conducted in order to avoid be stressed, so that the possible cracking
many factors. Some of these factors can damage to the existing structures so that can be acknowledged. These analyses are
be influenced, some are given. One of the the contractor has limits and can define the a vital proof if the property owner begins to
factors that can be influenced is the charge maximum instantaneous charge in different suspect cracking in the walls. If these cracks
per ignition time. The most obvious way to places. Risk analysis is usually conducted are observed in the pre-blast inspection, the
perform this is to decrease the amount of using a vibration and blasting consultant or proof is undisputed. When the limits are set,
explosives in holes or to shorten the hole, someone with considerable experience and the contractor can calculate the project. As
i.e. the round length. Decreasing the charge knowledge. the PPV (peak particle velocity) allowed is
weight is not always as straightforward When tunnel quality is considered, blast set for each structure, the contractor can
as one could imagine. When the amount vibrations cannot be ignored. Tunnel quality calculate the maximum charge per delay.
of explosives is reduced, it is important is often evaluated based on waterproofness, The requirements for specialists cannot be
to avoid under-loading situations, i.e. the cracking zone and the shape of the strictly defined, but process knowledge and
drilling pattern design and placement of the excavated profile. When tunneling with the experience are important properties, which
holes play an important role in such cases. drill and blast method, small charge rates should be considered when choosing the
Modern detonators, on the other hand, prevent micro cracks in rock. On the other specialist.
make it possible to set up a nearly infinite hand, if a high degree of charging is used Most European states have their own
number of ignition times. both in the contour holes and in the aid row, standards for measurement equipment. In
In addition there are factors which cannot most likely the tunnel profile will suffer and general, the equipment has to measure and
be influenced, such as the distance from more micro cracking could potentially result record the velocity of the vibrations and the
the blast area to the sensitive objects e.g. in an increased amount of water flowing into frequency. Additional requirements, which,
infrastructure, buildings, foundations etc. the tunnel. for example, record the acceleration of the
Usually the blasting location is fixed and Due to the nature of drill and blast excavation, vibrations, can also exist. The accelerations
is not possible to change. Typically, also especially when excavating under urban can be necessary for the evaluation of the
the foundation material or soil is fixed. The areas, people nearby might have some possible effects on persons and sensitive
design of the structure and the overall concerns regarding the excavation. It is very equipment. The best place to set up the
importance of it, such as cultural values, rare that blasting-induced vibrations cause sensors is either the foundation of the
need to be taken into account as well. any physical harm to surrounding structures structure or a place near the foundation. In
Different structures tolerate vibrations in or people but more often the “harm” is some cases, the measurement should also
different ways. For example, an industrial instead psychological. This should always be set up at the top of structures.
building of reinforced concrete can bear more be taken into account when excavating If the excavation is done under sensitive
vibrations than a listed monument. Naturally under populated areas. Careful planning places, such as hospitals or laboratories
there are differences in human behavior too. and communication with people play an equipped with sensitive equipment, the
Psychological factors need to be considered extremely important role. specialists carry out a specific analysis for
since people react to vibrations differently. each piece of equipment and define the
limits for particle velocity and acceleration.
2.2 Measurement methods In addition, the equipment manufacturers
2.1 Effects of vibrations
of sensitive equipment often set limits of
When designing a tunnel project, the their own. Even though these limits are very
In some cases blast vibrations can cause environment and the existing structures low, they could be used as a basis for the
damage to structures. These can be divided have to be thoroughly examined. If the analysis.
into minor or significant damage. There are tunneling is done in an urban environment,
various studies which investigate blasting the existing structures have to be inspected
vibrations and the tolerance that structures and documented before blasting. The
and people have for it. An international inspection is usually conducted by structure
survey shows that particle velocity (mm/s) and/or vibration specialists and they map,
is the best and most practical description for instance, the existing cracks on the walls
for defining potential damage to structures. and the type of foundation of the building.
But also the effects of the frequency of the This process is called a pre-blast inspection.
vibrations are not negligible, especially if the Afterwards specialists calculate and set the
frequency of the vibrations is equal to the maximum values for the particle velocity so
natural frequency of the structure, which that the structures are safe. The specialist can
could cause resonance and, in further create a schematic presentation of the house
consequence, damage. In most cases, and an analysis of zones which are likely to
when tunneling in an urban environment, a
3.1 Austria
Basis for the Consideration of Consideration
Evaluation
evaluation the construction of the soil
The standard ÖNORM S 9010, published
in 1982, dealt with the effects of whole- minor
body vibrations on persons. It was experience - -
vibrations
replaced by the international standard vibration vibration
ISO 2631 in 2005. The latest ISO 2631 Classes -
measurement measurement in the foundation
standard entitled “Mechanical vibration
vibration measurement in the velocity of velocity of
and shock – Evaluation of human stress/strain
foundation and in the area of the propagation propagation
measurement
exposure to whole-body vibration” highest vibrations in the construction in the soil
was published by the International
Table 1: new evaluation steps ÖNORM S 9020:2015
Organization for Standardization in
2003. Two parts were taken and issued
by the Austrian Standards Institute, the class description Examples Factor EF
ÖNORM ISO 2631-1 and the ÖNORM
ISO 2631-2. Part one deals with the tunnels
general requirements for the assessment 0 Very low sensitivity machine foundations 15
of the effects of mechanical vibrations bridges
30 7 14 25 45
3.4 Croatia
50 6 12 21 38
The Croatian Standards Institute (HZN) 100 5 10 17 28
has adopted the full German standard DIN
4150 and published it in 2011. The Croatian 200 4 9 14 22
A B C
3000 5 15 50
Table 5 : soil depending limits A.F.T.E.S. Source: Borges V., José E., 2004
Sensitive construction 6 9 12
If there is information about the soil, the
Very sensitive construction 4 6 9
A.F.T.E.S. recommends that the values
should be adapted. The crucial property is Table 6: limits Ministry of the Environment. Source: Borges V., José E., 2004
the velocity of propagation of longitudinal
waves. The customized values are shown
the principles for predetermination of are the short-term vibrations, which are
in table 5.
vibrations and measurement methods, included in chapter 5 of the DIN 4150-
The recommendation of the Ministry of part two evaluates the effects of vibrations 3. The velocity and the frequency of the
the Environment was published in 1986 on persons and the third part the effects vibrations have to be measured. The
and expanded in 1993. It also subdivides on buildings. evaluation of the vibrations is based on
into three building classes. There are the maximum of the three individual
For the evaluation of the effects of
resistant, sensitive and very sensitive components (|v i|max with i=x,y and z).
vibrations on persons, according to part
buildings. The vibration limits depend Table 8 presents the guideline values of
two of DIN 4150, the maximum value
on the frequency. The Ministry of the the velocity of the vibrations according
of the velocity (vmax in mm/s) and the
Environment sets three frequency bands to DIN 4150-3. If these values are not
frequency of the vibration (f in Hz) have
in its recommendation. In Table 6 are the exceeded, no damages can be expected.
to be recorded. With these values KB can
maximum values for each construction
be calculated using equation (6).
type and frequency band shown.
In 1994, the Ministry of the Environment
adopted a decree for quarrying and raw
material processing with the number reference
values (Ao)
NOR: ENVP9430348A. In this decree the with f 0=5.6 Hz (6)
building area
vibrations on adjacent buildings caused day night
by blast operations, must not exceed 10 Industrial area 6 0.6
mm/s. But the scope of this decree only
This KB value multiplied with the factor cF Commercial area 6 0.4
covers quarrying works.
results in the value KB F max. If KB F max < A o, Industrial area
then the requirements of the DIN 4150-2 Commercial area 5 0.3
3.7 Germany have been complied with. The factor cF
for blast vibrations with resonance is 0.8 Central area
One of the most comprehensive and 0.6 without resonance. The reference Residential area 3 0.2
norms, DIN 4150 “Erschütterungen im values A o are shown in table 7. Special areas
Bauwesen”, is published by the German 3 0.15
(hospitals, health clinic, etc.)
Standard Institute Deutsches Institut Part three of the German standard
für Normung. This standard is divided concerns the effects on structures. The Table 7: AO reference values. Adapted from: DIN 4150-2
1999, p. 7
into three parts. The first part explains crucial vibration types for blast operations
Construction of reinforced concrete which is founded on solid rock. 150 3.10 Iceland
Buildings that stand on concrete foundations of hard consolidated rock types. Concrete
130 In Iceland, there are not many tunneling or
floors and walls.
Construction on hard rock (usually the maximum velocity allowed by the government
underground projects in urban areas. The
70 projects usually concern energy and road
and insurance companies in the event of explosions)
Construction including hard rock. Repeated explosions in towns where more than state
projects. The Icelandic standardization in
50 determining vibration limits is simpler than
buildings prevail.
Construction on soft rock. Repeated explosions. 30
those of other Scandinavian countries. In
Table 10, Icelandic PPV allowed values are
Construction on soft base (sand and clay). Repeated explosions. 20 presented.
For avoiding discomfort to people (at a frequency of 10Hz). 15
Normal 1.0
3.12 Norway
Fragile 0.8
Norwegian vibration guideline values are defined
in the Norwegian standard collection. The new Table 14 : defining building condition factor Ft. Source: Norwegian standard collection, p.7
standard is NS8141-1:2012+A1:2013. The
limits of vibrations are calculated using equation
(7). The factors for the calculation are defined
in Table 12, Table 13, Table 14 and Table 15,
which can be found below. Type of work Work factor Fv
Table 15 : definition of blasting time factor, Fv. Source: Norwegian standard collection, p.8
The standard concerns principles for the 34 2 108 10 400 81 1250 500
evaluation of vibrations, damage risks and 40 2.4 150 17 455 100 1500 670
the influencing factors, and it recommends
43 2.5 167 20 500 116 1600 750
measurement and data analysis methods. For
the assessment of the measured values, the 50 2.9 200 27 585 150 1900 1000
Russian standard refers to several European 52 3 215 30 600 155 2000 1060
standards and the OSM standard of the United
States in Appendix B. The mentioned European Table 17 : safety distances Slovenia. Source: Uradni List No. 111 2003, p. 15213
standards are the German DIN 4150, the British
BS 7385-2 and the Norwegian NS 8141.
3.18 Spain
of persons.
In the Royal Decree 863/1985, the minimum Building
distances from the blasting area to buildings Class Building factor,
have been examined. This distance depends Fb
on the type of the buildings. If this distance 1 Heavy constructions such as bridges, quays, defense installations, etc. 1.70
is not maintainable, the authority may require 2 Industrial and office buildings consisting mainly of prefabricated elements 1.20
the application of UNE 22381. The scope of
3 Normal residential buildings 1.00
this Royal Decree only extends to mining
and quarrying works. 4
Especially sensitive buildings and buildings with high vaults or constructions with large
0.65
spans
Guideline values for especially sensitive heritage buildings, installations or environments
5 Fb ≤ 0.5
3.19 Sweden identified in the investigation shall be determined separately. (per special investigation.)
Swedish vibration guideline values are Table 21 : Vibration sensitivity factors for different buildings. Source: Jonson D., 2012
defined in SS4604866: Vibration and shock
– guidance levels for blasting included
vibrations in buildings and other structures. Material
This value is PPV (mm/s) and it concerns Class material factor,
Fm
the vertical direction. It is calculated using
equation (9) below. The factors for the 1 Reinforced concrete, steel, wood 1.20
calculation, with the exception of Fd, are 2 Plain concrete, brick, concrete hollow blocks, lightweight-aggregate concrete 1.00
defined in Table 20, Table 21, Table 22 and
3 Autoclaved aerated concrete, plaster, lath- and-plaster, stucco, render, etc. 0.75
in Table 23. The factor Fd, which depends
on the distance (d in m), can be calculated 4 Sand-lime brick, tiled oven with sensitive joints 0.65
using equations (10), (11), (12), and (13). Table 22 : defining material factor. Source: Jonson D., 2012
(9)
Fd=1.91×d-0.28
distance from 0 to 10 meters (10) Class Blasting-work duration factor, Ft
Fd=1.56×d-0.19 for clay (11) For the construction of tunnels, rock chambers,
1.0
road cuttings, foundations etc.
Fd=1.91×d
-0.29
for moraine (12) For permanent works such as rock quarries and mines 1.0 – 0.75
Fd=2.57×d-0.42 for rock (13) Table 23 : blasting duration factors. Source: Jonson D., 2012
3.20 Switzerland
Class sensitivity Examples
The Swiss standard SN 640312 “Shock-
1 Very low sensitivity Bridges, tunnels in hard rock, crane and machinery foundations, etc.
Vibration Effects on Structures” was
developed by the “Swiss Association of Road 2 Low sensitivity
Industrial and commercial buildings, tunnels in soft ground,
and Traffic Professionals” and published by gas and water pipes, etc.
the Swiss Association of Standardization. 3 Average sensitivity Residential buildings, offices, schools, hospitals, sensitive cables, etc.
The standard concerns all types of Timber-framed buildings, historical buildings, listed buildings,
4 Increased sensitivity
vibrations, also including blast vibrations. To newly built buildings of class 3, etc.
evaluate the effects of these vibrations, four
Table 24 : building classes. Adapted from: SN 640312 2013
sensitivity classes of buildings are defined.
Table 24 presents an overview of the classes
with examples.
reference values for the velocity of the vibration mm/s
Table 25 shows the frequency-dependent
Class exposition Frequency
reference values for the individual sensitivity
classes, according to SN 640312. If these < 30 Hz 30 Hz - 60 Hz > 60 Hz
reference values are respected, no damage occasionally
can be expected. frequently
1 up to 3 times the values of class 3
permanently
3.21 Turkey occasionally
1 5
4-10 19
30-100 50
Tunnel and underground excavation using the drilling and blasting method always influences the
surrounding environment. When excavating rock by blasting, some negative side effects such as
vibrations always exist. The geology, rock properties and rock mass properties vary a great deal and
all of these need to be carefully taken into account when excavation with drilling and blasting is used.
The legislation and norms for blasting-induced vibrations vary country by country but many
similarities can be found. An international survey shows that the particle velocity (mm/s) is the best
and most practical description for defining potential damage to structures. Due to this, in most
countries, the norms give the limit values for velocity. Performing a risk analysis prior to excavation is
a good practice for defining sensitive structures and objects near the excavation and for defining the
maximum degree of charging values or maximum charge per delay values.
With the help of modern technology, developed excavation methods and careful planning, tunneling
and underground excavation can be carried out in urban areas and extremely close to sensitive
structures or equipment. When the amount of the explosives is optimized and the boreholes correctly
placed, the energy of the explosives can be utilized as planned, i.e. to break the rock mass and not
to cause excessive vibrations.
Figure 1: limits A.F.T.E.S. Source: Borges V., José E., Monitoreo, estudio
y analisis de vibraciones 2004, p. 36 10
Figure 2: selection of the assessment method. Source: UNE 22381 1993, p. 8 14
Figure 3: Figure 3: Initiation design. Source: Ganster, Mark. 2011.
Die nichtelektrische Sektorzündung im vereinfachten Einsatz. Sprenginfo. 33, 2011, 1. 17
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