Search Results (103)

Blasting is one of the most widely used and cost-effective techniques for rock excavation and fragmentation in open-pit mining, particularly for large-scale operations. However, repeated or poorly controlled blasting can generate excessive ground vibrations that threaten slope stability by causing structural damage, fracturing of the rock mass, and potential failure. Evaluating the effects of blast-induced vibrations is essential to ensure safe and sustainable mining operations. This study investigates the impact of blasting-induced vibrations on slope stability at the Saindak Copper-Gold Open-Pit Mine in Pakistan. A comprehensive dataset was compiled, including field-monitored ground vibration measurements—specifically peak particle velocity (PPV) and key blast design parameters such as spacing (S), burden (B), stemming length (SL), maximum charge per delay (MCPD), and distance from the blast point (D). Geomechanical properties of slope-forming rock units were validated through laboratory testing. Slope stability was analyzed using pseudo-static limit equilibrium methods (LEMs) based on the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion, employing four approaches: Fellenius, Janbu, Bishop, and Spencer. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses quantified the influence of blasting parameters on slope behavior, and sensitivity analysis determined the cumulative distribution of slope failure and dynamic response under increasing seismic loads. FoS values were calculated for both east and west pit slopes under static and dynamic conditions. Among all methods, Spencer consistently yielded the highest FoS values. Under static conditions, FoS was 1.502 for the east slope and 1.254 for the west. Under dynamic loading, FoS declined to 1.308 and 1.102, reductions of 12.9% and 11.3%, respectively, as calculated using the Spencer method. The east slope exhibited greater stability due to its gentler angle. Correlation analysis revealed that burden had a significant negative impact (r = −0.81) on stability. Sensitivity analysis showed that stability deteriorates notably when PPV exceeds 10.9 mm/s. Although daily blasting did not critically compromise stability, the west slope showed greater vulnerability, underscoring the need for stricter control of blasting energy to mitigate vibration-induced instability and promote long-term operational sustainability. Full article

It is vital to stabilize pillar dams in underground reservoirs in coal mine goafs to protect groundwater resources and quarry safety, practice green mining, and protect the ecological environment. Considering the actual occurrence of coal pillar dams in underground reservoirs, acoustic emission (AE) mechanical tests were performed on dry, naturally absorbed, and soaked coal samples. According to the mechanical analysis, Quantitative analysis revealed that dry samples exhibited the highest mechanical parameters (peak strength: 12.3 ± 0.8 MPa; elastic modulus: 1.45 ± 0.12 GPa), followed by natural absorption (peak strength: 9.7 ± 0.6 MPa; elastic modulus: 1.02 ± 0.09 GPa), and soaked absorption showed the lowest values (peak strength: 7.2 ± 0.5 MPa; elastic modulus: 0.78 ± 0.07 GPa). The rate of mechanical deterioration increased by ~25% per 1% increase in moisture content. It was identified that the internal crack development presented a macrofracture surface initiating at the sample center and expanding radially outward, and gradually expanding to the edges by adopting AE seismic source localization and the K-means clustering algorithm. Soaked absorption was easier to produce shear cracks than natural absorption, and a higher water content increased the likelihood. The b-value of the AE damage evaluation index based on crack development was negatively correlated with the rock damage state, and the S-value was positively correlated, and both effectively characterized it. The research results can offer reference and guidance for the support design, monitoring, and warning of coal pillar dams in underground reservoirs. (The samples were tested under two moisture conditions: (1) ‘Soaked absorption’—samples fully saturated by immersion in water for 24 h, and (2) ‘Natural absorption’—samples equilibrated at 50% relative humidity and 25 °C for 7 days). Full article

Blasting-induced seismic waves are typically nonlinear and non-stationary signals. The EMD-Hilbert transform is commonly used for time–frequency analysis of such signals. However, during the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) processing of blasting-induced seismic waves, endpoint effects occur, resulting in varying degrees of divergence in the obtained intrinsic mode function (IMF) components at both ends. The further application of the Hilbert transform to these endpoint-divergent IMFs yield artificial time–frequency analysis results, adversely impacting the assessment of blasting-induced seismic wave hazards. This paper proposes an improved EMD endpoint effect suppression algorithm that considers local endpoint development trends, global time distribution, energy matching, and waveform matching. The method first analyzes global temporal characteristics and endpoint amplitude variations to obtain left and right endpoint extension signal fragment S(t)_L and S(t)_R. Using these as references, the original signal is divided into “b” equal segments S(t)₁, S(t)₂ … S(t)_b. Energy matching and waveform matching functions are then established to identify signal fragments S(t)_i and S(t)_j that match both the energy and waveform characteristics of S(t)_L and S(t)_R. Replacing S(t)_L and S(t)_R with S(t)_i and S(t)_j effectively suppresses the EMD endpoint effects. To verify the algorithm’s effectiveness in suppressing EMD endpoint effects, comparative studies were conducted using simulated signals to compare the proposed method with mirror extension, polynomial fitting, and extreme value extension methods. Three evaluation metrics were utilized: error standard deviation, correlation coefficient, and computation time. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively reduces the divergence at the endpoints of the IMFs and yields physically meaningful IMF components. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of actual blasting seismic signals. It successfully suppressed the endpoint effects of EMD and improved the extraction of time–frequency characteristics from blasting-induced seismic waves. This has significant practical implications for safety assessments of existing structures in areas affected by blasting. Full article

We introduce a novel entropy-related function, non-repeatability, designed to capture dynamical behaviors in complex systems. Its normalized form, mutability, has been previously applied in statistical physics as a dynamical entropy measure associated with any observable stored in a sequential file. We now extend this concept by calculating the sorted mutability for the same data file previously ordered by increasing or decreasing value. To present the scope and advantages of these quantities, we analyze two distinct systems: (a) Monte Carlo simulations of magnetic moments on a square lattice, and (b) seismic time series from the United States Geological Survey catalog. Both systems are well established in the literature, serving as robust benchmarks. Shannon entropy is employed as a reference point to assess the similarities and differences with the proposed measures. A key distinction lies in the sensitivity of non-repeatability and mutability to the temporal ordering of data, which contrasts with traditional entropy definitions. Moreover, sorted mutability reveals additional insights into the critical behavior of the systems under study. Full article

With the popularization of the concept of seismic performance-based design, the correct and quantitative evaluation of post-earthquake damage to structural components has become a research focus. Referring to the concrete constitutive relationship mentioned in the Chinese national standard GB/T 50010-2010, this study proposes a damage assessment method for concrete components based on material damage. According to the value of the uniaxial damage evolution parameter of concrete (d_c(t)), the damage grades of concrete components are defined. It is specified that, when the value of d_c(t) is less than the d_c(t),r value corresponding to the peak concrete strain (ε_c(t),r), the concrete component is in a non-damaged state (Level L1). When the value of d_c(t) is greater than the d_c(t)u value corresponding to the concrete strain (ε_c(t)u), the concrete component is in a severely damaged state (Level L6). When the value of d_c(t) is between these two values, the damage grade of the concrete component (levels L2 to L5) is determined using linear interpolation. To promote its engineering application, this study also proposes a quantitative expression for the damage assessment method for concrete components based on d_c(t). To verify the rationality of the damage assessment method for concrete components based on d_c(t), a refined model of rectangular, T-shaped, and L-shaped concrete shear wall components was established using ABAQUS software, and a nonlinear finite element analysis was carried out. The simulation results show that (a) the damage assessment method for concrete components based on d_c(t) can better characterize damage to concrete shear wall components; (b) when defining the damage grades of concrete shear wall components, using d_c is more reasonable than using d_t; and (c), from a macroscopic perspective, the damage assessment method for concrete components based on d_c(t) is more in line with actual expectations and has a higher safety factor compared with the damage assessment method for concrete components based on the concrete compressive strain (ε_c) mentioned in the Chinese association standard T/CECA 20024-2022. Full article

On 23 January 2024, a M_S7.1 earthquake struck Wushi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, marking the largest seismic event in the Southern Tianshan (STS) region in the past century. This study investigates the relationship between hydrothermal fluid circulation and seismic activity by analyzing the chemical composition and origin of fluids in natural hot springs along the Maidan Fracture (MDF). Results reveal two distinct hydrochemical water types (Ca-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-Cl). The δD and δ¹⁸O values indicating spring water are influenced by atmospheric precipitation input and altitude. Circulation depths (621–3492 m) and thermal reservoir temperatures (18–90 °C) were estimated. Notably, the high ³He/⁴He ratios (3.71 Ra) and mantle-derived ³He content reached 46.48%, confirming that complex gas–water–rock interactions occur at fracture intersections. Continuous monitoring at site S13 (144 km from the epicenter of the Wushi M_S7.1 earthquake) captured pre-and post-seismic hydrogeochemical fingerprints linked to the Wushi MS7.1 earthquake. Stress accumulation along the MDF induced permeability changes, perturbing hydrogeochemical equilibrium. At 42 days pre-Wushi M_S7.1 earthquake, δ¹³C DIC exceeded +2σ thresholds (−2.12‰), signaling deep fracture expansion and CO₂ release. By 38 days pre-Wushi M_S7.1 earthquake, Na⁺, SO₄²⁻, and δ¹⁸O surpassed 2σ levels, reflecting hydraulic connection between deep-seated and shallow fracture networks. Ion concentrations and isotope values showed dynamic shifts during the earthquake, which revealed episodic stress transfer along fault asperities. Post-Wushi M_S7.1 earthquake, fracture closure reduced deep fluid input, causing δ¹³C DIC to drop to −4.89‰, with ion concentrations returning to baseline within 34 days. Trace elements such as Be and Sr exhibited anomalies 12 days before the Wushi M_S7.1 earthquake, while elements like Li, B, and Rb showed anomalies 24 days after the Wushi M_S7.1 earthquake. Hydrochemical monitoring of hot springs captures such critical stress-induced signals, offering vital insights for earthquake forecasting in tectonically active regions. Full article

The crust and upper mantle structure of Mars is determined in the depth range of 0 to 100 km, by means of dispersion analysis and its inversion, which is performed for the surface waves present in the traces of the seismic event: S1094b. From these traces, Love and Rayleigh waves are measured in the period range of 4 to 40 s. This dispersion was calculated with a combination of digital filtering techniques, and later was inverted to obtain both models: isotropic (from 0 to 100 km depth) and anisotropic (from 0 to 15 km depth), which were calculated considering the hypothesis of the surface wave propagation in slightly anisotropic media. The seismic anisotropy determined from 0 to 5 km depth (7% of S-velocity variation and ξ ~ 1.1) could be associated with the presence of sediments or lava-flow layering, and wide damage zones surrounding the long-term fault networks. For greater depths, the observed anisotropy (17% of S-velocity variation and ξ ~ 1.4) could be due to the possible presence of volcanic materials and/or the layering of lava flows. Another cause for this anisotropy could be the presence of layered intrusions due to a single or multiple impacts, which could cause internal layering within the crust. Finally, the Moho depth is determined at 50 km as a gradual transition from crust to mantle S-velocities, through an intermediate value (3.90 km/s) determined from 50 to 60 km-depth. Full article

Earthquakes, as serious natural disasters, have greatly harmed human beings. In recent years, the combination of acoustic emission technology and information entropy has shown good prospects in earthquake prediction. In this paper, we study the application of acoustic emission b-values and information entropy in earthquake prediction in China and analyze their changing characteristics and roles. The acoustic emission b-value is based on the Gutenberg–Richter law, which quantifies the relationship between magnitude and occurrence frequency. Lower b-values are usually associated with higher earthquake risks. Meanwhile, information entropy is used to quantify the uncertainty of the system, which can reflect the distribution characteristics of seismic events and their dynamic changes. In this study, acoustic emission data from several stations around the 2008 Wenchuan 8.0 earthquake are selected for analysis. By calculating the acoustic emission b-value and information entropy, the following is found: (1) Both the b-value and information entropy show obvious changes before the main earthquake: during the seismic phase, the acoustic emission b-value decreases significantly, and the information entropy also shows obvious decreasing entropy changes. The b-values of stations AXI and DFU continue to decrease in the 40 days before the earthquake, while the b-values of stations JYA and JMG begin to decrease significantly in the 17 days or so before the earthquake. The information entropy changes in the JJS and YZP stations are relatively obvious, especially for the YZP station, which shows stronger aggregation characteristics of seismic activity. This phenomenon indicates that the regional underground structure is in an extremely unstable state. (2) The stress evolution process of the rock mass is divided into three stages: in the first stage, the rock mass enters a sub-stabilized state about 40 days before the main earthquake; in the second stage, the rupture of the cracks changes from a disordered state to an ordered state, which occurs about 10 days before the earthquake; and in the third stage, the impending destabilization of the entire subsurface structure is predicted, which occurs in a short period before the earthquake. In summary, the combined analysis of the acoustic emission b-value and information entropy provides a novel dual-parameter synergy framework for earthquake monitoring and early warning, enhancing precursor recognition through the coupling of stress evolution and system disorder dynamics. Full article

A magnitude (M) 7.7 quake struck on 6 February 2023 in Turkey. Nine hours later, a M7.5 quake occurred near the initial M7.7 quake. We studied seismicity before and after these doublet quakes, integrating physics-based and statistical approaches. We first used the statistical Epidemic-Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) and the Bayesian Gutenberg–Richter b-value models to confirm previously reported seismicity transients (seismic activation and low b values) prior to the future M7.7 quake. We then showed that the low b-value area coincided with a high-slip area on the strand segment from which the M7.7 rupture started, a similar result to that obtained for the 2011 Tohoku megaquake case in Japan. We next used the physics-based Coulomb and statistical b-value models to find that the locations of the largest and second-largest events in the post-doublet-quake sequence were in relatively high-stress regions and became closer to failure as a result of the doublet quakes. We further used the ETAS model to show that this sequence is currently active but is decaying with time. The duration of the sequence was estimated at 2.7–5.5 years, which is longer than previously proposed (1–2.5 years). Our result was stable because it was based on quake data from about 600 days, six times longer than the study period used in a previous study. Full article

In the seismic design of steel moment-resisting frames (MRFs), the panel zone region can significantly affect overall ductility and energy-dissipation capacity. This study investigates the influence of panel zone flexibility on the seismic response of steel MRFs by comparing two modeling approaches: one with a detailed panel zone representation and the other considering fixed beam-column connections. A total of 30 2D steel MRFs (15 frames incorporating panel zone modeling and 15 frames without panel zone modeling) are subjected to nonlinear time–history analyses using four suites of ground motions compatible with Eurocode 8 (EC8) soil types (A, B, C, and D). Structural performance is evaluated at three distinct performance levels, namely, damage limitation (DL), life safety (LS), and collapse prevention (CP), to capture a wide range of potential damage scenarios. Based on these analyses, the study provides information about the seismic response of these frames. Also, lower-bound, upper-bound, and mean values of behavior factor (q) for each soil type and performance level are displayed, offering insight into how panel zone flexibility can alter a frame’s inelastic response under seismic loading. The results indicate that neglecting panel zone action leads to an artificial increase in frame stiffness, resulting in higher base shear estimates and an overestimation of the seismic behavior factor. This unrealistically increased behavior factor can compromise the accuracy of the seismic design, even though it appears conservative. In contrast, including panel zone flexibility provides a more realistic depiction of how forces and deformations develop across the structure. Consequently, proper modeling of the panel zone supports both safety and cost-effectiveness under strong earthquake events. Full article

Characterized by frequent earthquakes and a dense population, Yunnan Province, China, faces significant seismic hazards and is a hot place for earthquake forecasting research. In a previous study, we evaluated the performance of the b value for 5-year seismic forecasting during 2000–2019 and made a forward prediction of M ≥ 5.0 earthquakes in 2020–2024. In this study, with the forecast period having passed, we first revisit the results and assess the forward prediction performance. Then, the background seismicity rate, which may also offer valuable long-term forecasting information, is incorporated into earthquake prediction for Yunnan Province. To assess the effectiveness of the prediction, the Molchan Error Diagram (MED), Probability Gain (PG), and Probability Difference (PD) are employed. Using a 25-year catalog, the spatial b value and background seismicity rate across five temporal windows are calculated, and 86 M ≥ 5.0 earthquakes as prediction samples are examined. The predictive performance of the background seismicity rate and b value is comprehensively tested and shown to be useful for 5-year forecasting in Yunnan. The performance of the b value exhibits a positive correlation with the predicted earthquake magnitude. The synergistic effect of combining these two predictors is also revealed. Finally, using the threshold corresponding to the maximum PD, we integrate the forecast information of background seismicity rates and the b value. A forward prediction is derived for the period from January 2025 to December 2029. This study can be helpful for disaster preparedness and risk management in Yunnan Province, China. Full article

As the forefront of inland extension on the Indian plate, the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, marked by low strain rates and high stress levels, is one of the regions with the highest seismic risk. Analyzing seismicity through statistical methods holds significant scientific value for understanding tectonic conditions and assessing earthquake risk. However, seismic monitoring capacity in this region remains limited, and earthquake frequency is low, complicating efforts to improve earthquake catalogs through enhanced identification and localization techniques. Bi-scale empirical probability integral transformation (BEPIT), a statistical method, can address these data gaps by supplementing missing events shortly after moderate to large earthquakes, resulting in a more reliable statistical data set. In this study, we analyzed six earthquake sequences with magnitudes of M_S ≥ 6.0 that occurred in northeastern Tibet since 2009, following the upgrade of the regional seismic network. Using BEPIT, we supplemented short-term missing aftershocks in these sequences, creating a more complete earthquake catalog. ETAS model parameters and b values for these sequences were then estimated using maximum likelihood methods to analyze parameter variability across sequences. The findings indicate that the b value is low, reflecting relatively high regional stress. The background seismicity rate is very low, with most mainshocks in these sequences being background events rather than foreshock-driven events. The p-parameter of the ETAS model is high, indicating that aftershocks decay relatively quickly, while the α-parameter is also elevated, suggesting that aftershocks are predominantly induced by the mainshock. These conditions suggest that earthquake prediction in this region is challenging through seismicity analysis alone, and alternative approaches integrating non-seismic data, such as electromagnetic and fluid monitoring, may offer more viable solutions. This study provides valuable insights into earthquake forecasting in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Full article

For arch dams, the joint surface has a certain bond strength after grouting the contraction joints, which can withstand the arch-wise tensile stress to a certain extent and influence the stress distribution of the dam blocks on both sides. The seismic response analysis of arch dams needs to consider the influence of the initial tensile and shear strengths generated by the contraction joint grouting. Thus, a modified B-differentiable equation method is proposed by introducing the initial tensile strength and the initial shear strength of contraction joints the into traditional B-differentiable equation method. In the proposed method, the shear strength varies with the contraction joint opening. The modified B-differentiable equation method can still be solved by the B-differentiable damped Newton method with theoretical guarantee of convergence. Then, a seismic calculation model for the dam–reservoir–foundation system is developed based on the modified B-differentiable equation method, the Westergaard additional mass method, and multiple transmission boundary conditions. The influence of the initial tensile and shear strength of the contraction joints on the arch dam seismic response is discussed. The results show that the initial tensile and shear strength of the contraction joints have an influence on the opening and distribution range of the contraction joints and the maximum values of the principal tensile and compressive stress in the dam body. The initial tensile and compressive strength of the contraction joints should be considered when carrying out seismic response analysis of arch dams. Full article

Existing research on reduced beam section (RBS) connections in steel frames rarely addresses H-shaped beams with middle and wide flanges. Therefore, this study investigates the hysteretic behavior of RBS connections in H-shaped columns connected to H-shaped beams with middle and wide flanges. Using finite element analysis, the influence of key parameters (a, b, and c, where “a” represents the unweakened beam flange extension length, “b” represents the weakened beam flange length, and “c” represents the weakened beam flange depth, respectively) on structural performance was evaluated, focusing on rotational stiffness, load-carrying capacity, plastic rotation capacity, and ductility. The results indicate that increasing a enhances initial rotational stiffness and load capacity but reduces plastic rotation and ductility, making lower a values (near 0.5b_f) optimal for ductile performance. Similarly, higher b values (up to 0.85b_f) marginally reduce stiffness and load capacity, improving plastic rotation capacity, with a greater benefit in wide-flange beams. Meanwhile, a lower c value (around 0.20b_f) offered balanced performance, with higher c values decreasing stiffness and load capacity but enhancing ductility. Overall, wider flanges improve plastic rotation and ductility but slightly decrease rotational stiffness, providing insights to guide RBS connection designs for seismic resilience. Full article

We present a sensitivity analysis on the impact of input parameters and methods used on the results of a probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA). The accurate estimation of the parameters in recurrence models (declustering and fitting methods), along with the selection of scaling relationships for determining maximum magnitude and the selection of ground motion models (GMMs), enhance control over epistemic uncertainties when constructing the logic tree, minimizing final calculation errors and producing credible results for the study region. This study focuses on Central America, utilizing recent data from seismic, geological, and geophysical studies to improve uncertainty analyses through classic statistical methods. The results demonstrate that proper fitting of the recurrence model can stabilize acceleration variations regardless of the declustering method or b-value fitting method used. Regarding scaling relationships, their low impact on the final results is noted, provided the models are tailored to the tectonic regime under study. Finally, it is shown that the GMM contributes the most variability to seismic hazard results; therefore, their selection should be conditioned on calibration with observed data through residual analysis where region-specific models are not available. Full article