Quantifying Uncertainty in Blast-Induced Vibration Velocity Accounting for Spatial Variability of Rock Masses

Abstract

Blasting generates peak particle velocity (PPV), a key physical quantity used to evaluate the impact of blasting on buildings and structures. The natural spatial variability in rock masses introduces uncertainty in blast-induced vibrations. In this study, the uncertainty in blast-induced vibration velocity accounting for spatial variability of rock masses is quantified through random field theory and Monte Carlo simulations, and the spatial variability of the rock masses was introduced into the blast design. The results show that the degree of dispersion of the rock masses is largely proportional to the degree of PPV dispersion, and the spatial variability of elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio have significant effects on PPV. Therefore, the spatial variability of the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio should be fully considered in the design of blasting. The proposed blast vibration velocity correction method fully accounts for the spatial variability of the rock masses at the site in blast design. The method could reasonably and accurately predict the PPV, with excellent prospects for application.