Geotechnical measurement to monitor the effects of blasting

How to analyze the effects of blasting on controlled objects located far from the blast site?

We found the answer to this question during a three-year scientific research project, which aimed to develop an optical fiber sensor system for monitoring seismic and acoustic effects caused by small- and large-scale blasting. The result is a unique monitoring technology with a measurement range of up to 10 km. This technology will find its application in the excavation of underground structures, excavation of large construction pits, mining blasting, and demolition work.

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

Research project entitled “Monitoring of small-scale and large-scale blasting parameters by fiber optic sensors” took place in 2021 – 2023

Consortium of partners SAFIBRA, s. r. o., Subterra a.s., Czech Technical University in Prague and VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava
Financed with state support from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic under the TREND Program

REQUIREMENTS

Development of new monitoring technology based on fiber optic sensors
Increased efficiency and economy compared to conventional solutions
Use of 5G mobile networks, cloud data storage, and processing system using innovative IoT principles

ENTRY CONDITIONS

Current technology, based on electrical sensors, requires time-consuming offline evaluation and manual data processing
Larger projects need more seismic stations with remote activation and data transmission to a central server, which increases both complexity and cost

Acoustic effects are often evaluated separately from seismic effects, which complicates overall monitoring

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

The undesirable effects of blasting on the surrounding environment must be monitored especially in built-up areas, where there is a risk of damage to buildings on the surface and below. In addition, blasting noise can have undesirable effects on humans and the environment. Vibration can negatively affect shock-sensitive equipment and technologies. It is therefore important to correctly predict the effect of vibrations and to design adequate monitoring of blasting. The measurement results can lead to adjustments and optimization of blasts, in terms of timing, type and amount of explosives used, limit charge size and shot length.

Benefits of the solution compared to conventional methods

I. MEASURING RANGE UP TO 10 KM

Thanks to the low attenuation of fiber optic cables, the signal can be transmitted over longer distances without amplifiers or repeaters. This results in the efficiency and reliability of data transmission up to 10 km.

II. SEPARATION OF THE MONITORING SITE FROM THE EVALUATION UNIT

The fiber optic solution for sensors does not require a local power supply, and data is transmitted optically via the connected fiber optic cable.

III. EASY INSTALLATION, RELIABLE DATA, AND SYNCHRONIZation

Thanks to its small size and electrical passivity, installation is easy. Fiber optic cables are also immune to electromagnetic interference, which assures synchronization of the signals from multiple sensors installed in different locations.

How did we approach the solution?

We have developed unique fiber optic sensors and an evaluation unit for monitoring the seismic and acoustic effects of blasting and integrated them into the monitoring infrastructure. This ensured the electrical passivity of the entire system and its resistance to electromagnetic interference. Data from these sensors were collected and transmitted to a central server in real time using secure communication protocols. Subsequent analytical data processing enabled the identification of key blasting parameters and their impact on the surrounding environment.

We have successfully verified the results during tests in partner laboratories and field measurements in the Czech Republic and Sweden, on the construction of the metro line D in Prague and the extension of the metro in Stockholm. The system has been certified by CMI and is now available for commercial use.

Products used

Gallery from realized project

Why work with us?

Our company was invited to the project because of its expertise and experience in developing the most economical measuring systems and providing fiber optic sensing solutions according to the client’s needs.

FBG technology is the most suitable solution where conventional procedures fail or are not viable in general operation.

Our systems monitor continuously and in real-time, so you will receive an error notification immediately, without unnecessary delays. In addition, they allow you to work with the collected data immediately.

Fiber optic technology is characterized by high durability and reliability.

Industry

Partners

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