Vibration measurements for the prediction of ground bearing capacity

Abstract

Instead of direct measurement, ground bearing capacity has been predicted by various equations in the literature. In this study, ground vibrations produced by a certain energy source were measured at eight different locations of three open-pit mines (Divrigi Open-Pit Iron Mine, Kangal Open-Pit Coal Mine, and Ulas Open-Pit Celestite Mine) in Turkey for the assessment of ground bearing capacity. Particle velocity values were evaluated considering the distance and the direction of the measurement. The paper reports a study depicting the use of vibration tests as a quick, cheap, and easy means of establishing a preliminary bearing capacity. The regression analyses indicated a clear relationship between the bearing capacity of rock formations ranging from weak to strong and the peak particle velocity with good performance indices (r(2), RMSE, VAF). The highest correlation coefficient was found at 0.97 where the distance to energy source was 7 m. Therefore, equation at a distance of 7 m was suggested for bearing capacity prediction.