Blast-induced vibration in rock masses: amplitude–frequency relationships and optimization

Purpose In light of the intricate nature of rock vibration responses, a holistic assessment of vibration speed and frequency is essential for monitoring and mitigating the damage to surrounding rock from blasting operations. Design/methodology/approach This study systematically investigates the influence patterns of single-hole blasting and four-hole blasting on rock mass vibration frequency and velocity through field testing and numerical simulation. The primary factors influencing the propagation attenuation of vibration velocity and frequency, as well as the impact of source parameters, uncoupling coefficient and hole spacing on vibration response and spectral characteristics, were analyzed. Findings Findings reveal that the dominant vibration frequency diminishes along the axial direction of the cavity as the detonation distance increases, while it exhibits fluctuations in the radial and vertical directions. In the single-hole blasting model, an increase in the blast center distance leads to a shift of the spectral peak toward lower frequencies, a general decrease in the main frequency with localized abrupt changes and a strict monotonic decrease in the centroid frequency. Specifically, the attenuation rate of peak particle velocity and total energy shifts significantly at a critical distance of 4 m, dropping rapidly within this range and stabilizing beyond it. The four-hole blasting model exhibits a peak vibration velocity variation law similar to the single-hole model, characterized by an initial rapid attenuation followed by a slower rate and a transition from steep to gradual decline. The influence of variations in blasting source parameters on the blasting vibration response, especially in terms of frequency, is significant. Notably, a decoupling coefficient of 2.3 yields the maximum particle velocity and minimum dominant frequency, representing the peak destructive load; meanwhile, hole spacings of 1.2 and 1.6 m result in higher vibration frequencies, effectively mitigating damage to the rock mass. Originality/value The research outcomes provide a scientific foundation for the strategic layout and parameter design of blasting holes, thereby enhancing the efficiency and safety of blasting construction processes.