Theoretical Derivation of a Peak Particle Velocity–Distance Law for the Prediction of Vibrations from Blasting

I would like to suggest a theoretical justification for the mathematical structure of some laws for predicting the maximum particle velocity vibration from blasting operations in the light of some basic notions of elastic and anelastic wave theory. Within this point of view, in dimensionally correct expressions, the terms pertaining to the rock, to the blast and to the seismic wave become evident and recognisable. A law is presented that can be used to forecast the maximum particle velocity on the basis of some blast design and rock parameters. Four tests of the proposed law performed with real data sets seem to confirm fairly well its reliability.