Estimation of blast induced peak particle velocity at underground mine structures originating from neighbouring surface mine

Surface blasting may cause ground vibration in underground mine workings affecting their structural stability and resulting in loss of coal production. The effects of surface blasting on adjacent underground workings have been studied using peak particle velocity (PPV) measured at various locations in two underground Bord and Pillar mines. Predictor equations of PPV have been developed based on distance D from the source of blasting and charge (explosive quantity) per delay Q. This study finds that the Q(0.50) factor, generally used in predictor equations of PPV, may not be applicable when estimating PPV at an underground location. Depending on the number and composition of rock strata through which stress waves are transmitted from the surface to underground, Q(0.35) or Q(0.26) factors may be appropriate for estimating the scaled distance, which is considered as a measure of PPV. The present paper also compares the results of forecast PPVs using both regression analysis and neural network techniques.