Modelling of Blast-Induced Vibration at Lafarge Quarry, Gunung Kanthan, Perak Malaysia

Abstract

Blasting is the predominant technique employed for various applications and purposes for hard rock excavation. Blast energy from explosives cannot be fully utilized for rock fragmentation. The unused energy generated has adverse environmental impacts that may lead to human discomfort and damage to structures. Such unused or surplus blast energy may cause ground vibration, flyrock and airblast. Effective blasting plans should anticipate and reduce potential adverse impacts by estimating the expected vibration level. Factors like the geological condition of the site, the type and amount of explosives used, and the blast pattern play a significant role in determining these harmful effects. This study aims to establish the specific site constants (k, β) for Lafarge Quarry in Kanthan to predict blast-induced vibration and safe distance. The study estimates the site constants and applies them to assess vibration levels for a given distance and maximum instantaneous charge (Q). Ten different and independent blast events were investigated, with each blast's maximum charge per delay evaluated. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) readings were taken using an Instatel MiniMate Plus, located 600 meters from the blasting area, and the scaled distance (SD) was calculated for each event. Regression analysis evaluated the site-specific constants (k and β) as -1.66 and 2,262, respectively, demonstrating that fixed numerical constants cannot universally predict blast-induced vibration due to varying global geological conditions. A predictive model was developed for the studied quarry based on these constants, and the model provides vibration predictions that are more accurate and closer to the actual measurements than those produced by the Australian Standards. This work confirms the previous works that blast constants are site-specific and depend on the geological conditions of the studied area..