Peak Particle Velocity Predicting Equation Associated with the Propagation of Vibrations Induced by Blasting in a Mine and Impacts on the Physical Degradation of Houses: The Case of the Yaramoko Mine, Bagassi, Burkina Faso

Abstract

This study utilizes empirical equations to describe the propagation of vibrations induced by blasting, with the goal of predicting the attenuation of Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) at the Yaramoko mine in Bagassi, Burkina Faso, a site characterized by granitoid rock. Four empirical PPV prediction equations were employed, so-called Duvall & Fogelson (or the United States Bureau of Mines “USBM”), Langefors and Kihlstrom, Ambressys-Hendron, and the Bureau of Indian Standard. The constant parameters for each of these equations, referred to as site constants, were derived from linear regression curves. The results show that the site constants k , a , and b of 4762, 0.869, and 1.737, respectively, derived from the general prediction equation by Davies, PPV = kQ a D − b , based on Duvall & Fogelson, are in good agreement with values of 4690, 0.9, and 1.69, respectively, for similar rock types in Spain. Regarding the impacts of blasting on houses, the findings indicate that houses built from laterite-block bricks in the village of Bagassi are the most vulnerable to vibration waves, followed by those constructed with cinder-block bricks. In contrast, houses made of banco bricks are the most resilient. Additionally, it was determined that during blasting operations, adjusting the blasting parameters to ensure the PPV does not exceed 2 mm/s at the level of nearby dwellings can minimize the appearance of cracks in houses.