DynoConsult Provides Cutting-Edge Vibration Prediction
Document type: Case Study
Categories: Case Study

BACKGROUND IMPROVED
 COMMUNITY
QUARRY OPERATOR SEEKS QUALITY VIBRATION RELATIONS
PREDICTION
Close neighbors and strict regulatory requirements led a quarry operator CHALLENGE
to seek out cutting-edge vibration prediction methods. With neighbors • Estimate and control vibration
just 300 feet away from blasting, this is a highly sensitive quarry with at a site with close neighbors
challenging community relationships.
 SOLUTION
The quarry decided to take a proactive approach with the community • Use Dyno Nobel’s software suite to
when a blast is forecast to have relatively high vibration levels. State law accurately predict vibration levels
requires vibrations to be confined by the United States Bureau of Mines
Z-curve, but the site maintained limits much lower than the regulations. OUTCOME
The quarry faced extremely strict regulatory limits and became concerned • 96% of PPV estimates within 0.15
whether they could continue operations. As a result, they looked to their in/s of actual PPV
full-time, on-site Dyno Nobel blasting consultant responsible for all • Fewer community complaints
blasting design to provide high-accuracy vibration estimates and control
for each blast on site.

PROJECT GOALS
VIBRATION PREDICTIONS AND COMPLIANCE
The goal for this project was to provide the operator with cutting-edge,
accurate vibration predictions for each shot. This would allow the operator
to take a proactive approach with community relations and make wiser,
data-driven blasting decisions.

Vibration Timing Optimization Tool

CASE STUDY

DYNOCONSULT® PROVIDES AT A GLANCE
CUTTING-EDGE VIBRATION 68% OF PPV
PREDICTION ESTIMATES WITHIN
 0.076 IN/S OF ACTUAL
 PPV
PROJECT SUMMARY
 96% OF PPV
A quarry with close neighbors turns to DynoConsult for high- ESTIMATES WITHIN
accuracy vibration prediction. 0.15 IN/S OF ACTUAL
 PPV

CASE STUDY

 PRODUCTS/
 TECHNOLOGY &
 SERVICES USED

 DYNOCONSULT

 TITAN BULK EMULSION

 DIGISHOT
 ELECTRONIC
 INITIATION

 Neighbors just 300 feet from blasting
 BOOSTERS
TECHNOLOGY APPLIED
VIBRATION TIMING OPTIMIZATION AND ADVANCED ADVANCED VIBRATION
VIBRATION PREDICTION PREDICTION TOOL
Since 2020, DynoConsult has used a combination of the Vibration Timing
Optimization Tool, Advanced Vibration Prediction Tool, and statistical
analysis to predict vibration levels at this quarry. All initial blasts and close
proximity blasts are analyzed and timed using Dyno Nobel’s software VIBRATION TIMING
programs. OPTIMIZATION TOOL

Representative signature holes are the basis of prediction in the software.
The Vibration Timing Optimization Tool refines the blast timing scenario
options to the lowest vibration predictions. The Advanced Vibration
Prediction Tool is then used to finalize the timing scenario selection for the blast and to estimate the vibration levels
at neighboring seismographs. As blasting continues, the data is recorded and used to assist in statistically estimating
predictions for less sensitive areas and blasts in succession in the same benches.

In addition to Dyno Nobel’s software, DigiShot® electronic detonators and TITAN® SD Emulsion with TROJAN® SPARTAN®
SR boosters are used in every shot.

CASE STUDY

VALUE ADDED
ACCURATE PREDICTIONS AND FEWER COMPLAINTS
The blast estimates provided by DynoConsult proved to be high-quality and assisted in maintaining blast compliance and
neighbor relations. DynoConsult also used the vibration predictions to adjust blast design, hole diameter, decking, bench
splitting, and shot size limiting in sensitive areas of the pit.

Of the shots completed in the past three years, the average difference between the predicted vibration and the actual
vibration was 0.035 in/s with a standard deviation of 0.076 in/s. 68% of the estimates were within 0.076 in/s and 96% were
within 0.15 in/s of the actual blast vibrations. 74% of the estimates were conservative and were slightly greater than the
actual blast vibrations.

Since Dyno Nobel began these services in 2020, the blast vibrations have remained well within the regulatory compliance
limits for the site. Blasting-related complaints from the neighbors via phone call and town meetings decreased. The quarry
operator was pleased with the results and determined that DynoConsult’s technical services were a critical piece of their
blasting operations.

Comparison of predicted PPV and actual PPV

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its affiliates as to the applicability of any procedures to any particular situation or circumstance or as to the completeness or accuracy of any
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document or the information contained herein. User assumes sole responsibility for all results and consequences. © 2023 Dyno Nobel