Influence of blast design parameters and geological discontinuities on ground vibration: A multivariate regression approach

Blast-induced vibration waves can only propagate when a transmission medium is present. In surface coal mining, this medium is represented by bedding planes. This highlights that vibration analysis cannot rely solely on scale distance but must also consider geological conditions such as bedding orientation. This study analyses the influence of blast hole diameter, number of holes, scale distance, and bedding planes on Peak Particle Velocity (PPV). The bedding plane parameter is defined as the angular difference between the bedding orientation and the blast wave propagation direction, or the angle between the blast boundary and the vibration monitoring point. In other words, the orientation of bedding planes relative to the propagation direction significantly affects the transmission pattern, with vibrations tending to be stronger when aligned with the bedding strike and more attenuated when perpendicular. This study confirms that accurate vibration prediction can only be achieved by integrating both blast design parameters and geological structures. The developed model has the potential to support safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible blast design in surface mining operations.