The application of regionalized variables forblast vibration analysis and predictions

The conventional approach of analyzing blast-induced ground vibration contains basic assumptions that have long been questioned. Smooth predictors cannot adequately describe local random fluctuations of ground vibration. The spatially dependent nature of the data makes the regionalized variable approach suitable. Variograms of peak particle velocity (ppv) and of its associated frequency were developed using a blast vibration data set as an example. Predicted values of these ground vibration parameters were obtained using ordinary kriging. Indicator variograms were generated for a given ρρv vibration threshold. The probability of exceeding this value at any point within the domain was estimated by indicator kriging. The approach of regionalized variables lends itself naturally to this class of problem. In addition to providing solutions to the problem at hand, it addresses the heretofore difficult question of determining the probability that a given vibration limit is exceeded.