Research has been undertaken to improve techniques used in the prediction of ground vibration caused by civil engineering construction works. In particular, the effects of explosive excavation of rock for subsurface structures is considered. Factors affecting the input and propagation of explosive energy in the rock mass are investigated, and recommendations made on procedures for trial blasting and the most effective data processing and presentation for the derived predictive equations. These developments are supported by blasting trials at two major road construction sites, where vibration measurements were taken during conventional and innovative blasting operations. A critical review of contemporary dynamic structural damage and intrusion criteria is provided. It is concluded that vibration prediction and control techniques, together with workable damage/intrusion criteria, can be applied which substantially mitigate vibration hazard. The distribution of vibration associated risk between employer and contractor is discussed and contractual options presented. Techniques to determine the engineering properties of rock masses by analysis of stress waves from explosive and hammer impact sources have been developed and successfully tested. The advantages and limitations of the most promising seismic methods are discussed and field seismic classifications are compared with known rock mass properties and established geotechnical classification systems. The research shows that both rock mass properties and 'site specific' laws of vibration decay may be obtained during the trial blasting sequence of a site investigation programme.

Thèses (Ph.D.)--Université de Sherbrooke (Canada), 1997. / Titre de l'écran-titre (visionné le 20 juin 2006). Publié aussi en version papier.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1967. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1970. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

The primary objectives of the described research were to examine the underlying physical phenomena occurring during flame/obstacles interactions in various chambers of low L/D ratio and to develop a new empirical equation for explosion venting. A literature review suggested that the propagating flame/obstacle interactions in enclosures with large L/D ratio (&gt 2) result in flame acceleration and subsequent pressure build-up during a gas explosion. However, the interactions in practical situations with small L/D &lt 2 were not extensively studied. In this thesis the first investigation involved the flame interaction with different single and multiple obstacles in a 1/20th model of real enclosure. Results provided the basis for flame propagation, local flame displacement speed probability density functions (pdfs), mean flame velocity and explosion pressure. The second investigation of the study involved the flame interaction with multiple bars within chambers of different L/D ratios. The results provided mean flame velocities on each stage, as a function of nondimensional time, and pressure developments as a function of L/D ratio. The final investigation is associated with gas explosion venting. The predictive ability between existing models on explosion venting and experimental results obtained in this thesis were undertaken and found to be deficient. Consequently a new empirical model for predicting explosion venting was developed. The new model was validated with experimental data published in literature.

The primary objectives of the described research were to examine the underlying physical phenomena occurring during flame/obstacles interactions in various chambers of low L/D ratio and to develop a new empirical equation for explosion venting. A literature review suggested that the propagating flame/obstacle interactions in enclosures with large L/D ratio (&gt 2) result in flame acceleration and subsequent pressure build-up during a gas explosion. However, the interactions in practical situations with small L/D &lt 2 were not extensively studied. In this thesis the first investigation involved the flame interaction with different single and multiple obstacles in a 1/20th model of real enclosure. Results provided the basis for flame propagation, local flame displacement speed probability density functions (pdfs), mean flame velocity and explosion pressure. The second investigation of the study involved the flame interaction with multiple bars within chambers of different L/D ratios. The results provided mean flame velocities on each stage, as a function of nondimensional time, and pressure developments as a function of L/D ratio. The final investigation is associated with gas explosion venting. The predictive ability between existing models on explosion venting and experimental results obtained in this thesis were undertaken and found to be deficient. Consequently a new empirical model for predicting explosion venting was developed. The new model was validated with experimental data published in literature.

Photocopy of typescript. / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

No description available.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

No description available.