Impactos das vibrações geradas pela detonação de rochas com uso de explosivos: uma análise na literatura de aplicações de técnicas mitigadoras em casos reais.

Abstract

Rock blasting with explosives is a widely used technique in mining to fragment large volumes of rock efficiently. This process involves drilling holes into the rocks, where explosives are placed. When detonated, they release energy rapidly, fragmenting the rock material. Although highly effective, blasting with explosives generates seismic vibrations that can have significant consequences. These vibrations can propagate over long distances, potentially causing damage to both the remaining rock mass and nearby structures. They may also cause some discomfort to residents living near mining operations, making this one of the primary sources of complaints from the local population. Given these impacts, the study aimed to conduct a literature review on the application of techniques to mitigate vibrations caused by rock blasting with explosives. The methodology involved reviewing vibration control techniques, such as limiting the maximum charge per delay, which allows control of vibration levels by merely adjusting certain parameters of the blast plan. This is achieved through an attenuation law that describes wave behavior in the blasting area to comply with regulatory standards NBR 9653, NP 2074, and the Transport Noise Management standard. The use of electronic detonators, which contribute to improved efficiency, safety, and control in blasting operations, was also reviewed, as well as damping barriers, which create artificial barriers that, through impedance contrast, retain low-frequency waves responsible for the most damage to structures. Practical cases demonstrating the application of these techniques and their results were presented. The results were satisfactory, showing that it is possible to achieve a balance between operational efficiency and the mitigation of environmental and structural impacts.