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Vol 279
Pages:
82-89
In press
Article
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

Principles for classifying explosive seismic sources using the USBM formula

Authors:
Aleksandr P. Gospodarikov1
Mikhail A. Zatsepin2
Vladimir N. Kovalevskii3
Andrei N. Kholodilov4
About authors
  • 1 — Ph.D., Dr.Sci. Head of Department Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University ▪ Orcid ▪ Scopus
  • 2 — Ph.D. Associate Professor Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University ▪ Orcid
  • 3 — Ph.D. Associate Professor Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University ▪ Orcid
  • 4 — Ph.D., Dr.Sci. Professor Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University ▪ Orcid ▪ Scopus
Date submitted:
2025-06-25
Date accepted:
2026-04-28
Online publication date:
2026-06-05

Abstract

This article examines the seismic effects of blasting operations on protected structures, highlights the importance of this factor for ensuring occupational safety at mines, and reviews advances in predicting the magnitude of seismic effects. The relevance of applying two classical formulas, Sadovsky’s formula and the USBM formula, is substantiated for predicting the parameters of blast-induced ground vibrations. As the problem of classifying blasting operations according to their seismic effect has already been solved using Sadovsky’s formula, the present study addresses a similar classification problem for the USBM formula, given its widespread use in international practice. The problem was solved based on a statistical analysis of paired values of the seismic coefficient and attenuation exponent for blast-induced ground vibrations, compiled from open literature sources. For the first time, the attenuation exponent is shown to follow a normal distribution, while the seismic coefficient follows a lognormal distribution; the key parameters of these distributions are also estimated. A classification criterion is proposed for explosive seismic sources based on their seismic impact level, distinguishing between high and low seismic effects. The statistical significance of the paired regression is evaluated, leading to the conclusion that the coefficients in the classification criterion are statistically significant. Challenges associated with classifying explosive seismic sources by seismic impact level are discussed for both the USBM and Sadovsky’s formulas. Practical examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed classification for the comparative assessment of seismic effects generated by different explosive sources. Directions for further research are also outlined.

Область исследования:
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
Keywords:
blasting operations blast-induced ground vibrations peak particle velocity USBM formula statistical distributions protected structures
Funding:

None

Go to volume 279

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