Blasting Seismograph Training Program

1. 1 Blasting Seismograph Training Program

2. 2 Overview of Presentation Why use a Seismograph? Vibration Terminology Configuring your Seismograph Placement of your Seismograph & Sensors Different types of sensors Downloading and using Blastware 8.0 Understanding a Seismograph Report Public Awareness

3. 3 WHY USE A SEISMOGRAPH? Document compliance with established vibration guidelines Protect structures Optimize blasting & minimize risk of damage or annoyance Protect yourself against claims & lawsuits

4. 4 VIBRATION TERMINOLOGY Peak Particle Velocity (PPV): Maximum velocity over the record time on each channel. measured in in/sec. or mm/sec Air Overpressure: Air pressure wave resulting from the blast Geophone The sensor used to measure ground vibration Microphone The sensor used to measure air overpressure

5. Why does a sensor need to be level? Functionally a geophone sensor is a coil of wire suspended over a permanent magnet (see Figure 4-5.) The coil is free to move in a field of magnetic flux lines. By Lenzs' Law induced voltage is proportional to the speed at which flux lines are traversed. Induced coil voltage is therefore proportional to coil or magnet velocity relative to each other and in practice it does not matter whether the coil or the magnet moves. Only the motion and speed relative to each other are important. Functionally a geophone sensor is a coil of wire suspended over a permanent magnet (see Figure 4-5.) The coil is free to move in a field of magnetic flux lines. By Lenzs' Law induced voltage is proportional to the speed at which flux lines are traversed. Induced coil voltage is therefore proportional to coil or magnet velocity relative to each other and in practice it does not matter whether the coil or the magnet moves. Only the motion and speed relative to each other are important.Geophone sensor specifications give a number known as the Intrinsic Voltage Sensitivity. It is the coil voltage induced for a given coil vs magnet speed with units of V/in/s. In seismic applications the magnet is moved by the blast energy because it is coupled to the particles of surrounding terrain. The coil, because of its inertia, does not move and the resulting magnet vs coil motion induces a voltage which is proportional to particle velocity.Functionally a geophone sensor is a coil of wire suspended over a permanent magnet (see Figure 4-5.) The coil is free to move in a field of magnetic flux lines. By Lenzs' Law induced voltage is proportional to the speed at which flux lines are traversed. Induced coil voltage is therefore proportional to coil or magnet velocity relative to each other and in practice it does not matter whether the coil or the magnet moves. Only the motion and speed relative to each other are important. Functionally a geophone sensor is a coil of wire suspended over a permanent magnet (see Figure 4-5.) The coil is free to move in a field of magnetic flux lines. By Lenzs' Law induced voltage is proportional to the speed at which flux lines are traversed. Induced coil voltage is therefore proportional to coil or magnet velocity relative to each other and in practice it does not matter whether the coil or the magnet moves. Only the motion and speed relative to each other are important.Geophone sensor specifications give a number known as the Intrinsic Voltage Sensitivity. It is the coil voltage induced for a given coil vs magnet speed with units of V/in/s. In seismic applications the magnet is moved by the blast energy because it is coupled to the particles of surrounding terrain. The coil, because of its inertia, does not move and the resulting magnet vs coil motion induces a voltage which is proportional to particle velocity.

6. Why point the arrow towards the blast?

7. 7 CONFIGURING YOUR SEISMOGRAPH Printing seismographs (full keyboard) Blastmate II Blastmate III Non printing Seismographs (limited keyboard) Minimate DS-077 Minimate Plus Minimate Blaster

8. 8 Blastmate II Seismograph Introduced in 1991 Heavily used in Blasting Industry Integrated printer and keyboard

9. Blastmate II Keyboard

10. 10 Step 1: Choose Record Mode Possible Choices Are: CONTINUOUS, SINGLE-SHOT, MANUAL OR STRIP-CHART. They are selected by pressing the “Record Mode” key and scrolling up or down with the arrows and pressing enter In continuous record mode, the Blastmate II records multiple events until you stop monitoring or the monitor runs out of memory. Providing a detailed waveform plot. (most useful)In continuous record mode, the Blastmate II records multiple events until you stop monitoring or the monitor runs out of memory. Providing a detailed waveform plot. (most useful)

11. 11 Recording Modes CONTINUOUS MODE: Continuously monitors vibrations only recording an event if trigger level is exceeded SINGLE-SHOT: Same as continuous but shuts off after recording one event above preset trigger level. Not advisable to use as a false trigger can cause you to miss the actual shot

12. 12 Recording Modes Continued… MANUAL MODE: In Manual mode operation is similar to that of Single-Shot except that the triggering is initiated by the operator pressing the M key STRIP-CHART: Continuously records the peak vibration over a discrete interval (I.e. 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc.). Stores only one value for each time interval

13. 13 Step 2: Choose Trigger Source Geophone only (most common) Microphone only (good when your really far from your shot or blasting boulders) Geophone and Microphone (good when your not sure if your going to record the event from the geophone, but still need a reading from the microphone) NOTE: If the microphone trigger is enabled it could be triggered by the wind

14. 14 Step 3: Choose Trigger Level Press the Trigger Level button Generally a level of 1mm/s or 0.04 inches/sec is sufficient If the Seismograph is recording other construction activities, the trigger level may need to be increased When breaking boulders the microphone trigger is generally required (1)The erroneous events are often caused by construction traffic within the viscinity of the geophone. Another option would be to move it to a location not exposed to vibrations caused by heavy equipment. (2) You can compensate by pressing the trigger source button and changing the seismograph to be triggered by the microphone. This does not always work well, especially with high winds because wind velocities also incur a change in pressure.(1)The erroneous events are often caused by construction traffic within the viscinity of the geophone. Another option would be to move it to a location not exposed to vibrations caused by heavy equipment. (2) You can compensate by pressing the trigger source button and changing the seismograph to be triggered by the microphone. This does not always work well, especially with high winds because wind velocities also incur a change in pressure.

15. 15 Step 4: Set Record Time Press the Record Time button A normal record time for a typical quarry blast would range from 4 to 6 seconds. The record time is changed with the arrows in the record time function NOTE: As a rule of thumb you should take your longest delay time and then add 1 second of record time for every 1000ft between the seismograph and the blast Note: only applies if you are in excess of 5000ft. 5 seconds should cover most of your monitoring activities. Note: only applies if you are in excess of 5000ft. 5 seconds should cover most of your monitoring activities.

16. 16 Step 5: Add Notes The information in these fields is stored as part of the blast event record. Client Name: Press Client Name button, enter name Location: Press Location button, enter location User: Press User button enter your name and company While in the NOTES field you will also see distance and weight sections. These are not really important for regular monitoring but can help with blast design and analysis.While in the NOTES field you will also see distance and weight sections. These are not really important for regular monitoring but can help with blast design and analysis.

17. 17 Step 5: Add Notes Notes: Press Notes button enter any other relevant information specific set-up details, weather conditions etc… While in the NOTES field you will also see distance and weight sections. These are not really important for regular monitoring but can help with blast design and analysis.While in the NOTES field you will also see distance and weight sections. These are not really important for regular monitoring but can help with blast design and analysis.

18. 18 Step 6: Adjust Plotter Setup Under this key, you will find all the set-ups function for the plotter

19. 19 Step 7: Adjust Special Setups Timer Mode: Daily, Off Daily Self check: This will enter a line in the monitor log, telling the user the unit was still functioning properly on that date Sensorcheck: Before, After or Disable Units of Measurements: Imperial or Metric

20. 20 Step 7: Adjust Special Setups Microphone channel: On or Off Microphone Weight: Linear, “A” and “C” weight Always use “Linear” for Blasting applications Microphone Units: PSI, Pa, db Always use “db” for Blasting applications Geo & Mic Alarm Level: Don’t worry about these Language: English & French

21. 21 Printing Events Press Plot Event key Plot event will appear on the screen, press Enter. Use the Up/Down arrows to view peak component particle velocity and overpressure of each event If you press Enter again, you will then print the particular event displayed

22. 22 Deleting Events Press Print Event Press the Up arrow until you see Delete all events Press Enter for 5 seconds

23. 23 Setting up your Blastmate III Blastmate III offers the same functionality as Blastmate II but with a few additional options

24. Blastmate III Keyboard

25. 25 Differences Between the Blastmate II and the Blastmate III In the Record Mode function: Strip-chart is called Histogram In the Record Mode function: the user can record in Histogram Combo mode. The unit has the capability to Call Home once an event as been recorded The user can adapt different sensors to the unit

26. 26 Viewing & Deleting Events Press List/Delete button, now View Events will be at the top of the display, press Enter and now you can scroll through the events To delete the events, pressed List/Delete then the up/down arrows until Delete All Events appears. Press and hold Enter for five seconds

27. 27 Setting up your Minimate DS077

28. Accessing the Setup Functions

29. 29 Setting up your Minimate Plus

31. 31 Setting up your Minimate Blaster

33. 33 Monitor Selection Guide

34. 34 Monitor Selection Guide

35. 35 Monitor Selection Guide

36. 36 Monitor Selection Guide

37. 37 Monitor Selection Guide

38. 38 Seismograph Maintenance for all Units Be sure to keep all connections dry. Do not force geo/mic connection. They should simply align with the mating grooves and then screw on. Always close the lid and make sure that the clips are snap shut while monitoring. Keep the unit on charge when not in use.

39. 39 THE PLACEMENT OF YOUR SEISMOGRAPH Refer to the ISEE Field practice guidelines, a copy can be found on your CD-ROM The sensor Placement and Coupling are the two most important factors to ensure accurate vibration recordings Placement and coupling of the vibration sensor are the two most important factors to ensure accurate ground vibration recordings. A. Sensor Placement The sensor should be placed on or in the ground on the side of the structure towards the blast. A structure can be a house, pipeline, telephone pole, etc. Measurements on driveways, walkways, and slabs are to be avoided where possible. 1. Location relative to the structure. Sensor placement should ensure that the data obtained adequately represents the vibration levels received at the structure being protected. The sensor should be placed within 10 feet of the structure or less than 10% of the distance from the blast, whichever is less . 2. Soil density evaluation. The soil density should be greater than or equal to the sensor density. Fill material, sand, unconsolidated soils, flower-bed mulch or other unusual mediums may have an influence on the recording accuracy if not properly dealt with during geophone installation. 3. The sensor must be nearly level. 4. The longitudinal channel should be pointing directly at the blast and the bearing should be recorded. 5. Where access to the structure and/or property is not available, the sensor should be placed closer to the blast in undisturbed soil. Placement and coupling of the vibration sensor are the two most important factors to ensure accurate ground vibration recordings. A. Sensor Placement The sensor should be placed on or in the ground on the side of the structure towards the blast. A structure can be a house, pipeline, telephone pole, etc. Measurements on driveways, walkways, and slabs are to be avoided where possible. 1. Location relative to the structure. Sensor placement should ensure that the data obtained adequately represents the vibration levels received at the structure being protected. The sensor should be placed within 10 feet of the structure or less than 10% of the distance from the blast, whichever is less . 2. Soil density evaluation. The soil density should be greater than or equal to the sensor density. Fill material, sand, unconsolidated soils, flower-bed mulch or other unusual mediums may have an influence on the recording accuracy if not properly dealt with during geophone installation. 3. The sensor must be nearly level. 4. The longitudinal channel should be pointing directly at the blast and the bearing should be recorded. 5. Where access to the structure and/or property is not available, the sensor should be placed closer to the blast in undisturbed soil.

40. 40 SENSOR PLACEMENT Location relative to the structure. Soil density evaluation. The sensor must be level or nearly level. The longitudinal channel must point directly at the blast. Where access to the structure and/or property is not available, the sensor should be placed closer to the blast in undisturbed soil. The microphone should be 3 ft above the ground. The microphone must point directly at the blast. Placement and coupling of the vibration sensor are the two most important factors to ensure accurate ground vibration recordings. A. Sensor Placement The sensor should be placed on or in the ground on the side of the structure towards the blast. A structure can be a house, pipeline, telephone pole, etc. Measurements on driveways, walkways, and slabs are to be avoided where possible. 1. Location relative to the structure. Sensor placement should ensure that the data obtained adequately represents the vibration levels received at the structure being protected. The sensor should be placed within 10 feet of the structure or less than 10% of the distance from the blast, whichever is less . 2. Soil density evaluation. The soil density should be greater than or equal to the sensor density. Fill material, sand, unconsolidated soils, flower-bed mulch or other unusual mediums may have an influence on the recording accuracy if not properly dealt with during geophone installation. 3. The sensor must be nearly level. 4. The longitudinal channel should be pointing directly at the blast and the bearing should be recorded. 5. Where access to the structure and/or property is not available, the sensor should be placed closer to the blast in undisturbed soil. Placement and coupling of the vibration sensor are the two most important factors to ensure accurate ground vibration recordings. A. Sensor Placement The sensor should be placed on or in the ground on the side of the structure towards the blast. A structure can be a house, pipeline, telephone pole, etc. Measurements on driveways, walkways, and slabs are to be avoided where possible. 1. Location relative to the structure. Sensor placement should ensure that the data obtained adequately represents the vibration levels received at the structure being protected. The sensor should be placed within 10 feet of the structure or less than 10% of the distance from the blast, whichever is less . 2. Soil density evaluation. The soil density should be greater than or equal to the sensor density. Fill material, sand, unconsolidated soils, flower-bed mulch or other unusual mediums may have an influence on the recording accuracy if not properly dealt with during geophone installation. 3. The sensor must be nearly level. 4. The longitudinal channel should be pointing directly at the blast and the bearing should be recorded. 5. Where access to the structure and/or property is not available, the sensor should be placed closer to the blast in undisturbed soil.

41. 41 SENSOR COUPLING If the acceleration is expected to be: Less than 0.2 g, no burial or attachment is necessary Between 0.2 and 1.0 g, burial or attachment is preferred. Spiking may be acceptable. Greater than 1.0 g, burial or firm attachment is required (USBM RI 8506). Sensor coupling If the acceleration exceeds 0.2 g, slippage of the sensor may be a problem. Depending on the anticipated acceleration levels spiking, burial, or sandbagging of the geophone to the ground may be appropriate. 1. If the acceleration is expected to be: a. less than 0.2 g, no burial or attachment is necessary b. between 0.2 and 1.0 g, burial or attachment is preferred. Spiking may be acceptable. c. greater than 1.0 g, burial or firm attachment is required (USBM RI 8506). The following table exemplifies the particle velocities and frequencies where accelerations are 0.2 g and 1.0 g. Frequency, Hz 4 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 100 200 Particle Velocity- in/s at 0.2 g 3.07 1.23 0.82 0.61 0.49 0.41 0.31 0.25 0.12 0.06 Particle Velocity- in/s at 1.0 g 15.4 6.15 4.10 3.05 2.45 2.05 1.55 1.25 0.60 0.30 Sensor coupling If the acceleration exceeds 0.2 g, slippage of the sensor may be a problem. Depending on the anticipated acceleration levels spiking, burial, or sandbagging of the geophone to the ground may be appropriate. 1. If the acceleration is expected to be: a. less than 0.2 g, no burial or attachment is necessary b. between 0.2 and 1.0 g, burial or attachment is preferred. Spiking may be acceptable. c. greater than 1.0 g, burial or firm attachment is required (USBM RI 8506). The following table exemplifies the particle velocities and frequencies where accelerations are 0.2 g and 1.0 g. Frequency, Hz 4 10 15 20 25 30 40 50 100 200 Particle Velocity- in/s at 0.2 g 3.07 1.23 0.82 0.61 0.49 0.41 0.31 0.25 0.12 0.06 Particle Velocity- in/s at 1.0 g 15.4 6.15 4.10 3.05 2.45 2.05 1.55 1.25 0.60 0.30

42. 42 Burial Method Preferred burial method - excavating a hole that is no less than three times the height of the sensor (ANSI S2.47-1990, R1997), spiking the sensor to the bottom of the hole, and firmly compacting soil around and over the sensor. 2. Burial or attachment methods. a. The preferred burial method is excavating a hole that is no less than three times the height of the sensor (ANSI S2.47-1990, R1997), spiking the sensor to the bottom of the hole, and firmly compacting soil around and over the sensor. b. Attachment to bedrock is achieved by bolting, clamping or glueing the sensor to the rock surface. c. The sensor may be attached to the foundation of the structure if it is located within +/- 1- foot of ground level (USBM RI 8969). This should only be used if burial, spiking or sandbagging is not practical. 2. Burial or attachment methods. a. The preferred burial method is excavating a hole that is no less than three times the height of the sensor (ANSI S2.47-1990, R1997), spiking the sensor to the bottom of the hole, and firmly compacting soil around and over the sensor. b. Attachment to bedrock is achieved by bolting, clamping or glueing the sensor to the rock surface. c. The sensor may be attached to the foundation of the structure if it is located within +/- 1- foot of ground level (USBM RI 8969). This should only be used if burial, spiking or sandbagging is not practical.

43. 43 Attachment Method Attachment to bedrock - achieved by bolting, clamping or gluing the sensor to the rock surface. 2. Burial or attachment methods. a. The preferred burial method is excavating a hole that is no less than three times the height of the sensor (ANSI S2.47-1990, R1997), spiking the sensor to the bottom of the hole, and firmly compacting soil around and over the sensor. b. Attachment to bedrock is achieved by bolting, clamping or glueing the sensor to the rock surface. c. The sensor may be attached to the foundation of the structure if it is located within +/- 1- foot of ground level (USBM RI 8969). This should only be used if burial, spiking or sandbagging is not practical. 2. Burial or attachment methods. a. The preferred burial method is excavating a hole that is no less than three times the height of the sensor (ANSI S2.47-1990, R1997), spiking the sensor to the bottom of the hole, and firmly compacting soil around and over the sensor. b. Attachment to bedrock is achieved by bolting, clamping or glueing the sensor to the rock surface. c. The sensor may be attached to the foundation of the structure if it is located within +/- 1- foot of ground level (USBM RI 8969). This should only be used if burial, spiking or sandbagging is not practical.

44. 44 Attachment to Foundation The sensor may be attached to the foundation of the structure if it is located within +/- 1 foot of ground level (USBM RI 8969). This should only be used if burial, spiking or sandbagging is not practical. 2. Burial or attachment methods. a. The preferred burial method is excavating a hole that is no less than three times the height of the sensor (ANSI S2.47-1990, R1997), spiking the sensor to the bottom of the hole, and firmly compacting soil around and over the sensor. b. Attachment to bedrock is achieved by bolting, clamping or glueing the sensor to the rock surface. c. The sensor may be attached to the foundation of the structure if it is located within +/- 1- foot of ground level (USBM RI 8969). This should only be used if burial, spiking or sandbagging is not practical. 2. Burial or attachment methods. a. The preferred burial method is excavating a hole that is no less than three times the height of the sensor (ANSI S2.47-1990, R1997), spiking the sensor to the bottom of the hole, and firmly compacting soil around and over the sensor. b. Attachment to bedrock is achieved by bolting, clamping or glueing the sensor to the rock surface. c. The sensor may be attached to the foundation of the structure if it is located within +/- 1- foot of ground level (USBM RI 8969). This should only be used if burial, spiking or sandbagging is not practical.

45. 45 Sand Bagging remove sod with minimal disturbance to the soil & place sensor on the bare spot with a sand bag over top Sand bags should be large and loosely filled with about 10 pounds of sand Sandbag profile should be as low and wide as possible with a maximum amount of firm contact with the ground Combination of both spiking and sandbagging gives improves coupling

46. 46 Other Placement Methods Shallow burial is anything less than described in previous slides. Spiking entails removing the sod, with minimal disturbance of the soil and firmly pressing the sensor with the attached spikes into the ground.

47. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SENSORS

48. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SENSORS

49. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SENSORS

50. 50 Available Accessories

51. Downloading and using Blastware 8.0

52. Understanding the Event Report

53. 53 Public Awareness Why do people get upset? They were not informed of the blasting They do not understand regulatory vibration limits Believe that if they can feel the vibrations, there MUST be damage Annoyed by the development or construction activities Stress in their own personal and professional lives People automatically assume that if they can feel the vibrations from the blasting operations, it MUST be damaging their house. People automatically assume that if they can feel the vibrations from the blasting operations, it MUST be damaging their house.

54. 54 What you can do to ease the public concerns Notify public of blasting operations (visible signs and written notices) Provide literature, web sites and videos explaining construction blasting Explain your monitoring program Provide access to blast records: event reports, threshold levels for damage to structures Listen to their concerns

55. 55 New Service from Instantel InfoChange Instantel’s On-line Technical Services Area. Find answers to your questions Ask a question to our Technical Services department Obtain RMA numbers to repair or calibrate your unit Accessed through our web site at www.instantel.com

56. 56 Questions?