Assessing the seismic effect of quarry blasting at surface mineral workings on the state of underground mines using PRESS 3D URAL software

Relevance. The development of numerical and analytical methods of assessing ore in place dynamic overload from quarry blasting impact is due to the need to improve the reliability of underground mines stability analysis. Research aim is to assess the effect of blasting at surface mineral workings on underground mines stability and safety. Research methodology includes the numerical and analytical analysis of dynamic stress within ore in place containing underground mines based on the boundary integral equations method in spatial formulation. Research results. Under conditions of dynamic impact made by quarry blasting, the stability of underground mines may be preserved by means of strengthening the support through bolting with reinforced concrete roof bolts. Summary. The proposed method makes it possible to adjust the value of underground mines factor of safety with the account of the dynamic impact made by quarry blasts.

The importance of seismic protection of strategic objectives, in the area of influence of useful rock quarries, in which blasting works are carried out

In this scientific article was studied the main methods for assessing the seismic effect generated during the blasting operations with explosives, from quarries on essential infrastructure elements, in the analyzed situation - railway tunnel and supporting pillars of the railway superstructure in the adjacent area of the quarry, regarding the most appropriate technique for estimating and assessing the seismic effect through the specificity of the evaluated parameter. In order to be able to carry out an activity with as little impact as possible on the environment, the economic operator carrying out career blasting works must apply technical measures to ensure the protection of civil / industrial objectives in the area close to carrying out these works. The establishment of measures leading to the maintenance of the stability and integrity of the objectives, as well as to the protection of the environment, is based on an artificial earthquake assessment process, which highlights the possible effects on the adjacent area. The evaluation of the seismic effect can be done by monitoring some parameters that characterize the seismic waves produced by quarry blasting such as: frequency of oscillations, amplitude of movement, soil particles oscillations velocity, acceleration of oscillations, duration of their manifestation.

Geophysical site assessment of an active urban development site, southeastern suburb of Cairo, Egypt

There has been significant structural damage of newly built residential buildings in Quarter-27 District in the SE of Cairo, Egypt. A nearby active limestone quarry may also be affecting ground stability. This paper shows how a near-surface geophysical survey could characterize the site, unusually after the initial housing construction had already been undertaken. Geophysical surveys included seismic refraction (acquired between phases of quarry blasting), electrical resistivity and ground penetrating radar (GPR) 1D and 2D datasets. Geophysical results produced maps of a 3D ground model that also included water table depth, known major faults and a saturated layer that may have caused the building damage. Of the geophysical techniques trialled electrical resistivity tomography and GPR data were deemed optimal. This study shows that it is possible to undertake geophysical surveys to characterize a restricted urban site development.