PPV distribution of sidewalls induced by underground cavern blasting excavation

The peak particle velocity (PPV) is an important indicator for predicting blasting excavation disturbances. However, the PPV distribution in the deep underground space is significantly different from that on the outdoor ground. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the underground PPV by Sadovsky’s vibration formula. The PPV sidewall distribution characteristics were studied during site blasting in an underground cavern in the Taohuazui mine in China, and a similar numerical model was used to verify the site test data. We derived a PPV prediction formula for the underground cavern sidewall surrounding rock using a mechanical analysis model of a simply supported plate and beam in combination with dimensional analysis. The model considered derived boundary constraints, comparison with site measured data, the value predicted by Sadovsky’s vibration formula, and numerical simulation results. The results showed that the PPV distribution on the middle 1/3 section of the underground cavern sidewall showed a “platform” or “bulge” different from the curve from Sadovsky’s vibration formula. The PPV amplification coefficient in this section was distributed in a drum shape. The PPV prediction formula for the middle section of the sidewall derived in this paper was highly consistent with the data measured on-site and the numerical simulation results. The mechanical analysis model with a simply supported plate and beam included an underground cavern sidewall length–height ratio of 5 and effectively supplemented the PPV prediction formula for the middle section of the traditional underground cavern sidewall.