Publication: Design and implementation of blast control measures for ground vibration and airblast in a quarry adjacent to residential areas
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Date
2025-08-08
Authors
Nur Aisyah binti Mohamad Munir
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Abstract
Drill and blast remain as the continuous method for extracting materials and rock such as granite in quarries, especially with the growing demand for construction materials. But when blasting takes place near residential areas like the site in Bukit Mertajam it raises valid concerns about ground vibration and airblast. This study looked into those effects by combining field measurements with empirical modelling. Ground vibration and airblast were assessed based on scaled distance and charge per delay (Q). Using data from the site, a localized model for predicting Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) was determined, PPV = 220.24 × SD⁻¹.214. This model proved more accurate than standard ones like the USBM equation. The granite at the site showed strong mechanical properties, with UCS values between 64.83 and 84.65 MPa and point load strengths up to 7.13 MPa, suggesting it can transmit blast energy efficiently. Airblast results indicated that higher charge weights require greater setback distances, with safe ranges estimated between 121 m and 135 m to stay below the DOE’s 120 dB(L) limit. Even though some localized spikes in vibration and airblast were recorded, all values stayed within regulatory limits 5 mm/s for vibration and 120 dB(L) for airblast. This confirms that the proposed blast design is effective and safe. To further improve safety, especially near homes, optimizing charge placement and using real-time monitoring could make a meaningful difference.