Blast-induced vibration assessment in the Rouina open-pit mine: Impacts and measurements for the Ouled Mellouk Dam

Houcine Slimane¹, Said Berdoudi¹, Riheb Hadji^{2, 3}

¹LAVAMINE Laboratory, Department of Mines, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Badji Mokhtar-Annaba University, Annaba, Algeria

²Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences, University of Farhat Abbas, Setif, Algeria

³Laboratory of Applied Research in Engineering Geology, Geotechnics, Water Sciences, Environment, University of Farhat Abbas, Setif, Algeria

Min. miner. depos. 2024, 18(4):1-9

https://doi.org/10.33271/mining18.04.001

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      ABSTRACT

      Purpose. This paper aims to investigate the characteristics of blast-induced vibrations in Algeria’s Rouina open-pit mine and their potential impact on nearby infrastructure, specifically the Ouled Mellouk Dam, located downstream. The research seeks to understand the propagation patterns of these vibrations and assess their environmental and structural consequences, with a focus on risk mitigation strategies for infrastructure protection.

      Methods. The research was carried out through experimental explosion tests at Rouina mine. Advanced tools such as ETNA-type accelerographs and seismographs with highly sensitive triaxial LE-3Dlite sensors and a K2 digitizer were utilized to measure the induced vibrations. Various parameters related to the fragmentation process were adjusted to analyze their effect on vibration characteristics. The damping coefficient of the rock mass was calculated using Chapot’s law, and potential impacts on water discharge were also examined.

      Findings. The results indicate that the blast-induced vibrations have significant effects on vibration propagation, posing potential risks to nearby infrastructure. The research has also determined the rock mass’s damping coefficient, which serves to explain the behavior of vibration damping. The findings show that the implementation of optimized blasting plans can effectively control vibration levels and mitigate risks to structures such as the Ouled Mellouk Dam.

      Originality. This research provides new insights into the behavior of blast-induced vibrations in open-pit mining, especially when in proximity to critical infrastructure. The innovative use of advanced instrumentation and the application of Chapot’s law for vibration analysis emphasize the originality of the research.

      Practical implications. The research offers practical recommendations for managing blast-induced vibrations in mining operations near sensitive infrastructure, facilitating the development of improved safety protocols and environmental management strategies.

      Keywords: vibration propagation, discharge rate design, Chapot’s Law Analysis, damping coefficient, structural impacts, environmental effect

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