Development of ground vibration attenuation model by imperialist competitive algorithm

The effect of blast-induced ground vibrations on mines and on adjacent structures and facilities is an example of the adverse consequences of the mining cycle. In order to control the vibrations, and also, managing the adverse effects, the measurement and modeling of the concerned wave attenuation are necessary. Normally, by implementing several trial blasts and analyzing corresponding ground vibrations, we can determine the related attenuation model for different sites and mines. Usually, the modeling of the peak particle velocity (PPV) damping is performed based on the distance between blast-face and monitoring station and maximum charge used per delay. In this research, using different empirical models, the PPV equation is determined for blasting in the Sungun copper mine. Moreover, imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) has been employed to develop prediction model for ground vibrations. A comparison of the results obtained from different models are made based on several statistical tests between monitored and predicted values of PPV. According to these statistical tests, fairly good performance of the ICA-based model in the forecasting of PPV is proved.