Comparison in Terms of Base Shear Forces of Vibrations Formed Due to Open Mine Blasting and Structural Design Loads

Abstract

One of the applied methods used in examination of the existing buildings' structural safety is the comparison using base shear force parameter. During the design stage of constructions, design variables are determined by expressing base shear force as the effect which corresponds to the maximum ground motion that the building might encounter throughout its service life, and thus the building is basically designed according to a certain base shear force. Since vibrations based blasting have similarities with seismic waves, in respect to research of the possible negative effects of the vibrational motions on the safety of buildings, it is possible to determine base shear-force of the vibrations on the building and compare it with the base shear force which is designed as a result of design effects. In this study, base shear force and design base shear force were obtained which are occurred by vibrations based on open mine blastings on a RC building. It was determined that the base shear force created by vibrations which the building is exposed due to mine blasting were at quite lower levels than design base shear force, and that no decrease should occur in strength of the building due to vibrations.