Since the principle of the elementary wave method has been described in the 1980s, there has always been much controversy about it. The theory is easy to understand, but when it comes to applying it to predict the level of vibration, optimize time to reduce PPV or change frequencies, it does not always work as expected. The simulations show waveforms that have no meaning or predictions that are far from the actual results.

From June 2009 to December 2010, about 500 blasts have been made at more than 35 sites in the United States. All these blasts were fired with electronic detonators. They have been carefully simulated and optimized with the elementary wave principle. The vibrations have been recorded at multiple points for each blast that builds a meaningful database.

The document provides some statistical analysis on how the method works. You will also learn what makes it work, some interesting results about the 8 ms rule, the law of attenuation and more.

The document finally describes the fragmentation and performance related to air wave as an output of the time optimization carried out for vibration control.