A method for the prediction of peak sound pressure level related to opencast blasting

The sudden noise caused by blasting can give rise to substantial complaints from people living in the proximity of opencast mines, quarries or construction sites. A measurement technique and simple prediction method are proposed witch can be effectively applied for community exposure planning and reduction. The prediction method is based on measurements of the peak sound pressure level generated by small unconfined explosive charges; the sound propagation directions can be taken into account. By means of a numerical relationship, in which also the main round parameters are considered, the peak sound pressure level in each position in the surrounding areas can be predicted