SWEDISH STANDARDS FOR GROUND VIBRATIONS AND AIRBLAST

Roger Holmberg
Dyno Nobel Sweden AB, Sweden
Donald Jonson
Nitro Consult AB, Sweden

ABSTRACT

The Swedish Standard SS 460 48 66, Vibration and shock - guidance levels for blasting induced
vibration limits, is based on more than 50 years of experience from blasting close to structures and
tunnels. The Swedish Standard gives a method for calculation of guidance values for different types
of buildings and ground condition under the building. This is done for every building and structure
within a predetermined zone. The guidance levels are for the peak particle velocity monitored in
vertical direction. The standard is valid for all kinds of blasting project (tunnelling, quarrying,
mining etc.) The guidance levels neither take in to consideration discomfort for people inside the
building or structure nor vibration sensitive equipment inside the structure. The paper also presents
the Swedish Standard SS 02521 Vibration and shock - Blast induced airborne shock wave -
Guidance levels for buildings.

INTRODUCTION

For buildings founded on Scandinavian bedrock, the criteria for estimating ground vibrations and
their building damage are well established. Evaluation of hundreds of thousands of measurements
has given a reliable base, which authorities can use to determine the necessary level of restrictions
for any blasting operation. Depending upon the geology, various limits have been established for
different types of structures. The coupling to geology mirrors the considerations that were given to
the influence of the frequency as the limits always were given as peak particle velocities only.

However, over the years, the authorities successively lowered the limits and made it very difficult for
the blasters to keep the blasting operations cost effective. There was a trend from the ongoing
standardisation work on vibration limits in Europe with distinctively different geology and building
standards, and from discussions concerning human annoyance to apply even lower limits. The
industry made an effort to discuss and finally agree with the authorities that it would be beneficial for
all parties involved if a Swedish standard could be established.

Finally in 1989 a Swedish standard SS 460 48 66, was accepted and revised in 1991. This standard is
extremely helpful for calculation of guidance levels for blasting vibrations for buildings. The
guidance levels neither take in to consideration discomfort for people inside the building or structure
nor vibration sensitive equipment inside the structure. Guidance levels given should be used for
establishing permitted vibration levels or threshold levels.
The standard is valid for all kinds of blasting project (tunnelling, quarrying, mining. levelling etc.)

The standard uses only the peak particle velocity monitored in the vertical direction but prescribes,
for certain situations, that three component measurements must be performed. Risk analysis, pre- and
post-blast inspections, documentation, and instrument specifications are mentioned. The vibrations
shall, if possible, always be measured at the position of the foundation of the building where the
vibration wave is transferred to the building.

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2005G Volume 2 - Swedish Standards for Ground Vibrations and Airblast 1 of 9
The Swedish Standard SS 02521 Vibration and shock - Blast induced airborne shock wave
- Guidance levels for buildings is translated to English and is attached in the Appendix.

CONDENSED SWEDISH STANDARD FOR GROUND VIBRATIONS

Guidance Levels

These values are based on a broad, well-documented correlation between the vertical peak particle
velocity component and induced damage to buildings founded on various types of geological ground.
The guidance level v is given by

v = v 0* Fk*Fd* Ft (1)

where
v0 denotes the uncorrected vertical particle velocity,
Fk denotes the construction quality factor,
Fd denotes the distance factor which considers the distance from the round to the measuring
gauge and
Ft denotes a factor describing the project time for blasting work, for example, long-term
activities or short-term activities.

Uncorrected vertical peak particle velocity v 0.

The following values of v 0 are used for various ground conditions;

Table 2.1. Uncorrected vertical peak particle velocity v0 .

______________________________________________________________
Type of Ground v0 (mm/s)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loose moraine, sand, gravel, clay 18
Firm moraine, shale stone, soft limestone 35
Granite, gneiss, firm limestone, quartzite, sandstone, diabase 70
______________________________________________________________

The values for the vertical peak particle velocity v 0 in Table 2.1 should be used. A more detailed
value of v 0 can be achieved if the P-wave propagation velocity cp is measured in ground where the
building is founded using:

v0 = cp /65 (2)

where v 0 is in mm/s and cp is in m/s

Construction Quality Factor F k

The construction quality factor Fk is the product of the building factor Fb and the construction
material factor Fm both shown in Tables 2.2 and 2.3.

Fk =Fb *Fm (3)

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 Table 2.2. Building factor Fb .
_____________________________________________________
Class Type of struc ture Fb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Heavy structures, bridges, quay, civil defence 1.70
structures
2 Industrial and office buildings 1.20
3 Residential buildings 1.00
4 Sensitive buildings with high arches or large 0.65
span, churches and museums
5 Historical buildings in poor condition 0.50
_____________________________________________________

Table 2.3. Construction material factor, Fm.

______________________________________________
Class Type of structure Fm
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Reinforced concrete, steel 1.20
2 Non-reinforced concrete, brick 1.00
3 Aerated concrete 0.75
4 Mexi-brick (artificial limestone brick) 0.65
_______________________________________________

Buildings are described by five classes. Classes 1 to 4 are valid for buildings of good standard. When
selecting the factor Fm , considerations should be given to the construction material with the lowest
Fm- value integrated in the building.

Distance factor F d

The distance factor Fd can be determined using the diagram in Figure 2.1. It is a function of the
shortest distance between the round and the building of concern.

The following six relations (with d, the distance in meters) are valid for the curves in Figure 2.1:

1. Fd = 1.91d0.28 (4)
2. Fd = 1.56d0.19 (5)
0.29
3. Fd = 1.91d (6)
4. Fd = 2.57d0.42 (7)
5. The distance factors Fd = 0.22, Fd = 0.35, and Fd = 0.50 for distance over 350 m are calculated to
make the product v 0 *Fd = 18 mm/s for rock, 15 mm/s for moraine, and 9 mm/s for clay when using
v0 = 70, 35, and 18 mm/s.
6. For distances less than 10 m, special problems might occur. For example expansion products can
penetrate into existing joints, causing severe damage to a structure due to large displacements. If
problems are likely to occur, there is a need for more detailed monitoring to obtain the time history
and the frequency domain for more than one component.

The distance factor compensate for decreased frequency with increasing distance. A distance of 10m
gives Fd equal to 1.0.

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 Figure 2.1. The distance factor Fd.

Project time factor F t

The project time factor Ft, which depends upon the duration of the blasting activity, is shown in
Table 2.4.

Table 2.4. Project time factor, Ft.

______________________________________________________________
Type of blasting activity Ft
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construction works such as tunnels caverns, surface blasting 1.0
Stationary works, quarries and mines 0.75 - 1.0
_______________________________________________________________

Vibration monitoring requirement

Vibrations should be monitored at the foundation level and at the part of the structure closest to the
blast. The geophone must be mounted to the supporting part of the structure and the use of expansion
bolts is encouraged. Extended monitoring such as using triaxial geophones, geophones on upper
levels of the building or strain gauge measurements, is required for buildings where the risk of
damage is high at the permitted vibration level.

Further investigation

The Swedish Standard outlines the scope of a Risk Analysis. Risk Analysis is an assessment of every
structures capability to withstand vibration. Based on the result of this assessment vibration limits are
determined.

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HOW BLASTERS COMPLY WITH THE LIMITS AND HOW THE CLIENT ENFORCE THE
LIMITS

Vibrations

Conditions: Proceedings and limit values to avoid technical damages on buildings and installations
are specified in Risk analysis in respect to vibrations from blasting operations. Taking into account
the construction and material of the buildings with the foundation and the distance to the blasting,
there are guidelines for vibration restrictions according to the Swedish Standard SS 460 48 66
Vibration and shock-Guidance levels for blasting- induced vibration in buildings.

Proceedings and limits for piling, sheet-piling etc. guidance is given in the Swedish Standard SS 02
52 11 Vibration and shock- Guidance levels and measuring of vibration in buildings originating
from piling, sheet-piling, excavation and packing to estimate permitted vibration levels.

For the proceeding for house inspection in respect to vibration activities, there are guidelines
according to the Swedish Standard SS 460 48 60 Vibration and shock- Method for survey of
buildings and constructions in conjunction with vibration activities.

For comfort disturbances in buildings it is stipulated that vibrations from equipment in continuous
use (compressors, fans, sheet pile driving and piling aggregates, excavators, traffic etc.) may not
exceed 1 mm/sec RMS according to Swedish Standard SS 460 48 61 Vibration and shock -
Measurement and guidelines for the evaluation of comfort in buildings.

Control: Measurement of vibrations in buildings with respect to building construction and comfort
disturbances should be carried out during periods when operations generate vibrations. The
measuring points are chosen and paid for by the client.

Measures: If controls show that limit values according to the Risk analysis are exceeded this should
be reported to the client immediately. If the measuring values after control by the client are still too
high, the work should be stopped at once if demanded by the client.
The work can restart as soon as satisfactory measures, complying with the rules, have been taken. If
the rules cannot be fulfilled by measures based on known technique or change of working method
the work can first be resumed after the client has established proceedings in consultation with and
approval.

Reporting and documentation: Measured vibrations and adjustments should be reported to the
client during site meetings. If the levels are too high the contractor should also be ready to consult
the supervisory authorities. The measuring results should be reported weekly to the client.

Air shock wave

Conditions: Proceedings and limit values to avoid technical damages on buildings and installations
are specified in Risk analysis in respect to vibrations from blasting operations. This Risk analysis
is based on the Swedish Standard SS 02 52 10 Vib ration and shock Blast induced airborne shock
waves Guidance levels for buildings. The standard settles 500 Pa measured as reflected pressure
as permissible level. The frequency range of interest is 2 315 Hz.

Control: Measurement of air shock wave s from blasting against buildings should be carried out
especially in connection to the tunnel opening when building tunnels in urban areas. The measuring
points are chosen and paid for by the client.

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2005G Volume 2 - Swedish Standards for Ground Vibrations and Airblast 5 of 9
Measures: If controls show that stipulated values are exceeded this should immediately be reported
to the client. If the measuring values after control by the client are still too high, the charging of the
holes and the type and length of stemming should be reconsidered.
The work can restart as soon as satisfactory measures, complying with the rules, have been taken. If
the rules cannot be fulfilled by measures based on known technique or change of working method
the work can first be resumed after the client has established proceedings in consultation with and
approval.

Reporting and documentation: Measured air shock waves and adjustments should be reported to
the client during site meetings. If the levels are too high the contractor should also be ready to
consult the supervisory authorities. The measuring results should be reported weekly to the client.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

R Forsn och B Selin, FOA Rapport C 20832-2-3, 1991, Damage on panes of glass at explosives
detonation.

A-M Wilhelmsen och B Larsson, Byggnadsforskningen Rapport R43:1972, Sound bangs and
building damages, Stockholm 1972.

A Persson och L- Almgren, SveDeFo-Rapport, 1971, Sound blast waves propagation at detonations
on the ground and rowdy influence on people and buildings.

J W Reed, 23rd DOD Explosives Safety Seminar, Atlanta, GA, Aug.8-11, 1988, Explosion air blast
prediction on personal computer and application to Hendersen, Nevada, incident.

J J Olson and L R Fletcher, Bureau of Mines Report of Investigation RI 7574, 1971, Air blast - over
pressure levels from confined underground production blasts.

E Abrahamsson, Fortifikationsfrvaltningen, C-Rapport nr 175(103), 1979, Low pressure at

explosions.

S Lamnevik, FOA-Rapport, 1989, Explosive course, diagram for consequence analysis.

S Lamnevik, FOA-Rapport, 1985, Explosive course foundations for consequence and risk analysis.

American National Standard, ANSI S2.20-1983, Estimating air blast characteristics for spherical
charge explosions in air, with a guide to evaluation of atmospheric propagation and effects.

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2005G Volume 2 - Swedish Standards for Ground Vibrations and Airblast 6 of 9
 APPENDIX A

Translated Swedish Standard For Airborne Shock Wave

Approved 1996-03-13 Swedish Standard SS 02521
Vibration and shock - Blast induced airborne shock wave
- Guidance levels for buildings.

Content
1. Scope.
2. References.
3. Definitions.
4. Guidance levels.
5. Monitoring and analysis.
6. Risk analysis.
7. Instrumentation specs.

Addendum: Literature.

1. Scope.

This standard refers to Guidance levels for allowed reflected pressure for blast induced airborne air
shocks.

This standard states methods of measurement and guidance levels for the maximum allowed peak
reflected pressure for avoiding building damages.

The standard is applicable upon all types of blasting activities.

The Guidance levels do not consider human annoyance or the risk for damage to vibration sensitive
equipment stationed in the building.

2. References.

SS 4604866 Vibration and shock. Guidance levels for blast induced vibrations in building.

3. Definitions.

Airborne shock wave - normally a pressure rise is propagating at supersonic speed. When blasting
with charges in direct contact with the atmosphere the pressure rise is almost momentary. In rock
blasting the rise time can be several tens of milliseconds. The pressure pulse then propagates with
normal sound speed.

Free field pressure - the pressure that can be measured at a free wave passage where no obstacles
influences the measurements.

Reflected pressure - the pressure that results from a pressure wave is reflected at a surface positioned
at a right angle to the direction of propagation. The reflected pressure will be increased with a factor
f;

f= Pr
Ps = [8 Po
Ps
+ 14 ]/[ Po
Ps
+ 7]
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which for pressures (Pr) below 1000 Pa and air pressure (Po) 101300 Pa, i.e. when Ps approx. =Po, f
can be approximated as f = 2 (1+0,43 Ps/Po) = 2.

where
Pr = reflected pressure
Ps = free field pressure
Po = normal air pressure

The reflected pressure is about equal to twice the free field pressure.

4. Guidance levels.

4.1. Guidance levels for buildings.

The Guidance level for maximum reflected pressure at blasting is 500 Pa for distances over 20 m. In
tunnel blasting the distance is measured from the tunnel entrance.

4.2. Reduction factor.

The determination of a threshold value or other proceeding could, if needed, be done in a risk
analysis. For stationary blasting sites like mines and quarries and for longer construction jobs the
Guidance level can be multiplied with a factor of 0,5 depending upon distance and construction
material.

5. Monitoring and analysis.

5.1. The monitoring of airborne shock waves is usually carried out as survey measurements.
According to 5.2 the peak value is registered. The explosive charge is in this case normally
confined in rock or soil.

5.2. Survey Monitoring.

Survey monitoring is performed as a control of the peak pressures. The survey instrument shall
show the peak value for the reflected pressure in Pa and the absolute times for the monitoring.
In the report the positions of the sensors, the type of instrument and distance from the
round/tunnel entrance to the sensors must be mentioned.

5.3. Extended Monitoring.

Extended monitoring should be done when a more precise material is needed for the analysis of
risks for building damages and settlement of maximum allowed peak values.

5.4. Position of the pressure sensors.

A sensor should be placed where the highest pressure levels id found, i.e., close to the reflecting
surface. The sensor for reflected pressure should be placed within 0.15 m from the surface and
at least 1.5 m from ground, corners, roof or other obstacles.

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 If the free field pressure is monitored the sensor should be positioned at least 10 m in front of
the building of concern, and at least 10 m from other surfaces who can influence the pressure
pulse and avoid reflected pressures.

6. Risk analysis.

Risk analysis is carried out according to SS 4604866 with the following addendum;

- The judgements of risks due to weather conditions, geometrical factors and

focusing effects.

- Permitted reflection pressure level.

- For distances below 20 m higher guidance leve ls can be used and/or special
arrangements can be introduced.

7. Instrument specification and function control.

7.1. Instrument specification.

Instruments (inclusive microphones) for measuring of the pressure profile should be specified
according to the following;

- Upper frequency limit (-3dB) 315Hz with filter 12dB/octave.

- Sampling speed (digital equipment) >= 3000 Hz.
- Pressure window 10 Pa - 1000 Pa.

7.2. Function control, calibration and frequency control.

A Function Control of the monitoring instruments shall be made at every measuring period or
when long term monitoring is performed - at the installation and the periodical maintenance
control.

Calibration of the system is carried out at the frequency 31,5 Hz and the pressure 10 Pa
(114dB). Accuracy should be better than 5%. The system must be calibrated every year.

When controlling the frequencies a sinusoidal sweep at constant pressure 10 Pa (114dB) for 2-
315 Hz. The system response should be within the tolerances showed in figure below. (Figure
not included)

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