DynoConsult Cuts Quarrys Vibration Levels in Half
Document type: Case Study
Categories: Case Study

OUTCOME
TECHNOLOGY APPLIED • 49.68% reduction in vibration levels
 • 12% reduction in drilling costs
VIBRATION TIMING OPTIMIZATION TOOLS
Dyno Nobel sent the DynoConsult team to provide technical support
to address the customer’s vibration concerns. Dyno Nobel’s Vibration Timing Optimization Tool, a proprietary software
solution that utilizes signature hole input and analysis to determine the best optimized timing schemes to minimize ground
vibrations in both frequency and peak particle velocity (PPV), was chosen as an effective tool in addressing the quarry’s
vibration concerns.

First, DynoConsult and the local blast services team captured data from a signature hole on the bench in question. A
portable seismograph was set up at the quarry’s closest neighbor for additional vibration data. DynoConsult then input the
signature hole data and the next shot’s specifications into the Vibration Timing Optimization Tool. The software analyzed
the vibration waveforms and determined the timing scenarios that would best mitigate the vibrations. Finally, the optimized
timing scenario was provided to the blasters and used in the next shot.

CASE STUDY

DYNOCONSULT® CUTS AT A GLANCE
QUARRY’S VIBRATIONS IN 50% REDUCTION IN
HALF FOR SIGNIFICANT COST VIBRATION LEVELS

SAVINGS
 10% DECREASE IN
BACKGROUND LABOR COSTS

BLASTING IN PROXIMITY TO NEIGHBORS
An eastern US quarry has neighbors close in proximity to their operation. 8% SAVED ON
As mining continued, blasting got progressively closer to their neighbors, EXPLOSIVE COSTS
with the region of the pit they were advancing within 550 feet of one
residence. A recent blast in this area had a peak particle velocity (PPV)
of 0.6167, which was higher than the operation wanted. When looking at
the United States Bureau of Mines Z-curve, the PPV for this shot did not 12% REDUCTION IN
reach the curve but was closer than desired.
 DRILLING COSTS

PROJECT GOALS CHALLENGE
 • Reduce blast vibration as a quarry
VIBRATION REDUCTION approached their neighbors
The quarry’s goal for this project was to drastically decrease their blast
vibrations as they approached their neighbors. The customer contacted SOLUTION
Dyno Nobel and requested their technical support and expertise to bring • Use the Vibration Timing
vibrations to a level far below the Z-curve. Optimization Tool to drastically
 reduce blast vibration

The quarry was very pleased with the results and has requested that DynoConsult’s timing optimization services continue
for shots in the sensitive area of the pit.

Fig 1. Shot performed prior to DynoConsult’s support Fig 2. Shot with DynoConsult’s optimized timing

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. © 2020 Dyno Nobel

CASE STUDY

VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS/
 TECHNOLOGY &
49.68% REDUCTION IN VIBRATION
 SERVICES USED
DynoConsult drastically decreased the vibration readings in this
sensitive blasting area. The last blast on the bench prior to Dyno Nobel’s
involvement in the project had a PPV reading of 0.6167 in/s at the closest
seismograph. The DynoConsult optimized timing on the shot next to it DYNOCONSULT
resulted in a PPV reading of 0.3103 in/s at the same seismograph. This
is a 49.68% decrease, or approximately half of the original PPV reading.

Additionally, the signature hole reading used in the initial analysis prior VIBRATION TIMING
to blast optimization had a PPV of 0.255 in/s. With a final PPV reading of OPTIMIZATON TOOL
0.3103 in/sec, the Vibration Timing Optimzation Tool’s analysis provided
a timing selection that decreased the vibration reading for an entire shot
to a level close to the reading of the single signature hole firing.

The optimized timing lowered the vibration readings without decking the shot. By not decking the shot, the quarry saved
approximately 8% on explosive products and 10% on labor costs. The quarry did not have to drill the tighter pattern
required for decked holes, which saved approximately 12% on drilling costs.