Seismic Assessment of Blast Vibration Impacts on Wind Turbine Structural Integrity: A Case Study from NW Türkiye

Abstract Purpose Blasting operations in NW Türkiye near the blast site may have caused resonance or structural damage to turbines. Wind farms are increasingly co-located with mining operations in regions with suitable topography and land availability due to rising global demand for renewable energy. This study examines blast-induced ground vibrations on a wind turbine near an active open-pit mine. Methods Ground vibration analysis was performed using spectral and particle motion analysis. Peak ground acceleration, velocity, displacement and scaled distance calculations were conducted with accelerometer and short period seismometer located near the blast site and wind turbine. Results The blast utilized a maximum charge per delay of 25 kg at 600 m, resulting in a calculated scaled distance of 120 m. The dominant frequencies at the blast site attenuated and ranged between 15 and 35 Hz, while those at the wind turbine remained below 10 Hz, well above the turbine’s natural frequency, minimizing the risk of resonance. The local ground’s dominant frequency, determined by microtremor H/V analysis, was 3–5 Hz, indicating minimal site amplification. Peak ground velocities reached approximately 1.5 mm/s. This measured value is significantly below the local regulatory threshold of 19.00 mm/s. Conclusion Blasting vibrations did not cause wind turbine resonance or structural damage. Properly designed and regulated blasting in similar settings poses little risk to nearby wind turbine infrastructure. Blasting operations in similar co-located mining–wind energy environments pose little risk to turbine infrastructure when properly designed and regulated.