Seismic evaluation of the destress blasting efficiency

In this paper, selected methods of destress blasting efficiency assessment are presented, and novel quantitative methods based on in situ seismic measurements are proposed. The newly formulated solution combines two different approaches. The first, which is useful mostly for the near-field seismic analyses, is based on the analysis of seismic amplitude characteristics, and the second, relevant for far-field evaluation, is extended by the duration and frequency of the seismic wave. Both approaches are based on the seismic analyses of the waveforms generated by blasting recorded by the local seismic network. The proposed solutions are tested and validated in deep underground mines in Poland in which the room-and-pillar mining method is applied. Based on performed analysis, it is shown that both methods may be used as a rockburst hazard control in underground mines. However, developed methods may also be successfully implemented in other engineering practices, including the assessment of seismic vibrations in open pits and quarries.