Reducing regulatory, community and liability exposure with DigiShot® and Waveform Analysis
Document type: Case Study

QUARRY CASE STUDY

Reducing Regulatory Community Liability Exposure
with DigiShot® and Waveform Analysis
 PROJECT SUMMARY PROJECT GOALS
DIGISHOT® AND WAVEFORM ANALYSIS KEY TO REDUCED VIBRATION WITHOUT IMPACTING
RISK MANAGEMENT PRODUCTION COSTS
Blasting in an urban environment has its own unique set Blasting in an urban environment involves significant
of obstacles. liability exposure.

Strict regulatory compliance with both federal and local Concerns over the effects of vibration on existing homes in
laws can leave a mine or quarry owner with few blasting this north-eastern city resulted in increased scrutiny by the
options. local township and state regulatory agencies.

Taking advantage of the flexibility and precision of With mounting concerns over the potential cost of litigation
the DigiShot® electronic initiation system paired with and the tightening of regulatory limits, Dyno Nobel initiated
alternative timing sequences designed through signature a program to utilise the capabilities of the DigiShot system.
waveform analysis, one northeast U.S.A. quarry operator
was able to reduce peak particle velocity (PPV) values by The goal of this system is to employ alternative timing
over 50%. sequences, developed using waveform analysis, to reduce
 the impact of off-site effects.
This reduction in PPV resulted in fewer neighbour
complaints and a decreased need for oversight by local Drawing on over 20 years of waveform analysis experience,
regulatory authorities. Dyno Nobel targeted:

Reductions in ground vibration were realised without the • reducing vibration,
loss of productivity, blast size, or fragmentation. • providing a positive impact on productivity through
 improved fragmentation,
 • reducing mucking cycle times and;
 • increased blast size.

All of this, while reducing off-site effects such as ground
 vibration and air overpressure.

Digishot tagger.

QUARRY CASE STUDY

The use of electronic initiation allowed the blaster to
 TECHNOLOGY APPLIED increase productivity through greater crusher throughput,
 faster cycle times for mucking and increased size of the
PRECISION INITIATION AND OPTIMISED FIRING blast event. SEQUENCES PROVIDES THE SOLUTION
 The modelling capabilities of the Signature Waveform
To determine optimum firing times for vibration control, a Analysis (SWA) program ensured that timing sequences
series of single-hole test blasts were designed by a team used for each blast would not result in unacceptable
consisting of DynoConsult and quarry staff. vibration. For each test location, arrays of seismic monitoring units This enabled the blaster to take a more aggressive
were deployed to record the test data. approach which maximised production without increasing
 community complaints or incurring regulatory penalties. Using state-of-the-art waveform analysis software,
DynoConsult derived site-specific blast design sequencing A comparison of electronic initiated blasts with previous
aimed both at a reduction in peak particle velocity at critical blasts utilising traditional pyrotechnic delay detonators
structures and at enhancing the high frequency spectra to showed a significant reduction in peak particle velocity for
minimise structure response. blasts using the DigiShot system, with timing sequences
 developed using SWA modelling.

h frequency spectra to showed a significant reduction in peak particle velocity for
minimise structure response. blasts using the DigiShot system, with timing sequences
 developed using SWA modelling. Timing sequences were reviewed by Dyno Nobel blasters
to ensure results would not only provide the desired off- This quarry customer also realised a virtual elimination
site effects but would also provide the mechanism for of complaints from the surrounding community. All these
improved fragmentation and the ability to increase blast results were achieved while maintaining productivity
size. targets set by the quarry. Using the alternative timing designs, Dyno Nobel blasters
began initiation of production blasts using DigiShot
electronic detonators.

VALUE ADDED
REDUCED VIBRATION, FEWER COMPLAINTS AND
BETTER REGULATORY COMPLIANCE WITHOUT
NEGATIVE IMPACT TO PRODUCTION
The use of electronic initiation on its own may have
provided some reduction in vibration.

However, by introducing timing sequences derived from
site specific waveform analysis, the level of success in
 PPV NONEL vs Digishot
reducing peak particle velocity and increasing the high-
frequency spectra generated by production blasts was
greatly enhanced.

Because of the history of damage complaints from blasting
in this state, regulatory penalties are assessed on an ever-
increasing scale, making compliance a financial necessity.

Disclaimer: This case study is provided for informational purposes only. No representation or warranty is made or intended by Dyno Nobel or its affiliates
as to the applicability of any procedures to any particular situation or circumstance or as to the completeness or accuracy of any information contained
herein, and, to the full extent permitted by law, Dyno Nobel expressly disclaims any liability arising from the use of this document or the information
contained herein. User assumes sole responsibility for all results and consequences.

Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Limited (ACN 003 269 010) is a subsidiary of Incitec Pivot Limited (ACN 004 080 264). 28 Freshwater Place, Southbank
VIC 3006.

® DYNO, GROUNDBREAKING PERFORMANCE, DIGISHOT, DynoConsult and the DC device are registered trademarks of the
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