The Influence of Vibrations Induced by Blasting Works in an Open-Pit Mine and Seismic Events in an Underground Mine on Building Structures—A Case Study

Abstract

Monitoring induced vibrations caused by blasting works is becoming an increasingly common form of preventive activity conducted in open-pit mines. Measurement stations also record other events unrelated to blasting works. This article presents a comparison of the intensity of vibrations induced by blasting works in an open-pit mine and mining tremors in an underground mine. The recorded data and conducted analyses of vibration intensity and frequency structure also allowed for a comparison of the impact of vibrations on a building structure. Calculations and analyses, conducted in accordance with the procedures provided in the standard PN-B-02170:2016-12 and the rules for applying the Mining Seismic Intensity Scale MSIS-2017, demonstrated a stronger impact on the building from induced vibrations in an underground mine located 10 km away compared to vibrations induced by blasting operations conducted in an open-pit mine, which is approximately 600 m away from the building. The presented material constitutes a unique set of data that can be used to introduce any necessary corrections in the methodology of analyzing vibrations regarding their harmfulness to building structures. The velocity value of vibrations correlated with frequency alone, without taking into account the vibration duration, can lead to incorrect interpretation.