Production Mining Based on the Results of Seismic Measurements at the "Zvečaj" Quarry Site - A Case Study

Abstract

During mass blasting, seismic effects occur that can significantly damage existing buildings near the blasting site, depending on the amount of explosives and the blasting distance itself. An additional problem during blasting is the facilities located in the critical zone of mining works -the problem of unpredictable behavior of the soil or rock in relation to the propagation of seismic waves. Based on the measurements performed on the example presented in this paper at the site of the quarry EP "Zvečaj" (minefield at the level of the second floor K + 163 to K + 179), the method is explained, how quality and well-conducted research can determine optimal amounts of explosives per ignition level. Based on the performed measurement procedures and processed data, measured and obtained results of values of soil oscillation velocities in the direction of populated areas caused by production blasting in the quarry EP "Zvečaj", it follows that the conducted mining activity, consequently, had no damage. Blasting significantly affects the environment, due to the emission of noise and seismic action, which is manifested in the form of oscillations and elastic deformations of the rock, which is an artificial earthquake in which the place of explosion is its epicenter.