Selection of optimal deceleration intervals to reduce seismic impact on the strip mine wall
S.T. Sokolov1, V.V. Pronin2, I.V. Shmonin3, A.A. Fardzinov1
1 Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
2 KRU-Vzryvprom LLC, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
3 JSC UK Kuzbassrazrezugol, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4S/ 2026 p. 77-84
Abstract: The paper discusses the effect of different time intervals in short-delay blasting using programmable electronic detonators to determine the minimum seismic impact on the strip mine wall. A test blast block of a simple geometric shape located at the Kedrovsky coal strip mine, consisted of 406 blast holes and was divided into four sectors with the delay intervals of 176 (I), 109 (II), 67 (III), and 42 ms (IV). Based on the dependence of Academician M.A. Sadovsky and the actual displacement velocities obtained in three components, a detailed analysis of the vector velocity attenuation for each sector was performed, the seismicity coefficient K and the attenuation index n were determined, and the accuracy of the approximation R2 was evaluated. An index of the amplitude attenuation increment ai was proposed to more accurately interpret the experimental results. This index is calculated based on the ratio of the peak velocities and the ratio of the reduced distances from the actual group of blast holes to the measuring equipment. The average value of ai was determined for each interval of slowdown. It is shown that a 176 ms slowdown interval leads to significant interference of seismic waves, which negatively affects the attenuation rate. The 109 ms interval results in a high K value, while a 42 ms interval is characterized with a low K value, but a lower proportion of the positive attenuations and significant peak oscillation velocities. The 67 ms interval strikes a balance between a minimal K value and a high proportion of attenuations (80%), making it preferable for practical applications in a specific enterprise.
Keywords: pit wall stability, seismic effect, vector velocity, seismic coefficient, attenuation coefficient, short-delay blasting
Acknowledgements: The research was carried out as part of Activity No.1 of the Comprehensive Scientific and Technical Programme for the Complete Innovation Cycle, approved by Order No.1144-r of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 11 May 2022.
For citation: Sokolov S.T., Pronin V.V., Shmonin I.V., Fardzinov A.A. Selection of optimal deceleration intervals to reduce seismic impact on the strip mine wall. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(4S):77–84. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4S-77-84
Article info
Received: 29.05.2026
Revised: 29.07.2026
Accepted: 12.08.2026
Information about the authors
Semen T. Sokolov – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant of the Department of Explosives, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3153-7874; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Viktor V. Pronin – First Deputy General Director, KRU-Vzryvprom LLC, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Ivan V. Shmonin – Deputy Technical Director for Blasting and Demolition, JSC UK Kuzbassrazrezugol, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Artem A. Fardzinov – Postgraduate Student of the Department of Blasting, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4096-5536
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