Investigation of the effect of above ground contact blasting on underground structures

The dynamic response and damage of structures to high-frequency blast ground motion is a very important consideration in designing construction and mining blasting and munitions storage. Ground movements inevitably occur during blasting, and these movements have a negative impact on the safety of surrounding structures. Studies on structural response and damage to blast vibration have focused on determining empirically allowable ground vibration levels in terms of peak particle velocities (PPV) or peak particle velocities along with the fundamental ground vibration frequency to limit structural damage. However, these criteria have been adopted in current practices to predict structural performance when designing explosions. Within the scope of this thesis study, the effects of above-ground contact blasting on limestone ground on underground structures were investigated and the results obtained were evaluated. Within the scope of the study, it was tried to determine the peak particle acceleration (PPA) and PPV values created by the blasting speed on the ground, as well as the acceleration that delayed blasting would give to the structures. For this purpose, various blasting tests were carried out in two main regions, on the Southern Zone Road and near the Altay Barracks. Controlled explosions were carried out on the Southern Zone road on 5 different days, and sequential explosions were carried out near the Altay Barracks. As a result of the study, the maximum acceleration value in the blasting on the Southern Zone Road was obtained over 10m/s2. As a result of the blasting carried out near Altay Barracks, no structural problems were encountered. However, a general equation has been developed to be used in close contact blasting in the limestone soil class.