Comparing the Response of Masonry Built Residences to Blast-Induced Ground Vibrations

Abstract

Response of three masonry residential structures to blast-induced ground vibrations was measured to determine their sensitivity. Upper and lower corners, and midwall displacements were measured during blasting events, and induced strain levels in the walls were calculated and compared with the failure strains of the weakest material composing the structures walls. Presented are the methods of measurement and the results of three case studies conducted at a coal mine and two quarries. Wall strains induced by blasting vibrations were lower than the failure strains for the weakest material comprising the building walls, which indicates that blasting could not produce cracking.