Ground vibration monitoring is the process of measuring and recording the movements in the ground using a seismograph. As vibration occurs at a source, a seismic wave travels causing soil and rock particles to move back and forth over very small distances. This is known as particle velocity. The vibration monitor measures the Peak Particle Velocity: the maximum speed of a particular particle as it oscillates about a point of equilibrium, caused by the traveling seismic wave. By measuring the Peak Particle Velocity in inches per second, operators indicate whether damage is likely to occur to surrounding structures (Ground Vibration Monitoring – How & Why Measure Ground Vibration?, n.d.).
Ground vibrations induced by drilling and blasting operations in aggregate mines and quarries have a serious impact on surrounding structures, machinery and even workers. In order to reduce their impact as much as possible, a number of approaches can be used. These include:
- Seismographs: these are the primary tools used for monitoring ground vibrations. They measure the movement of the ground by detecting seismic waves generated by blasting operations
- Geophones: these are sensors within seismographs that detect ground movement. They work based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where a magnet suspended in a coil induces a current proportional to its velocity.
- Microphones: some systems include microphones to measure air overpressure and sound waves from the blast.
Reference
Ground Vibration Monitoring—How & why measure ground vibration? (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2025, from https://groundvibrationmonitoring.com/
