Blast Vibration Monitoring

Blast vibration monitoring is crucial in industries like mining, construction, and demolition, where explosives are used. It’s important to monitor and control the vibrations caused by blasts to prevent damage to nearby structures and to ensure the safety and comfort of people in the vicinity. The minimum trigger level for blast vibration monitoring can vary depending on several factors, including local regulations, the type of structures near the blasting site, and the project’s specific conditions.

1. Regulatory Guidelines: Different countries and regions have guidelines for acceptable vibration levels. For example, in the United States, the Bureau of Mines recommends a peak particle velocity (PPV) of 0.5 inches per second for residential structures, but local regulations may set stricter limits.
2. Type of Structures: Older buildings, historic structures, or buildings with pre-existing damage may require lower vibration limits to prevent further damage.
3. Distance from Blast: The acceptable vibration level might also depend on the distance of the structure from the blast site. Closer structures may have lower trigger levels.

Infrasound Sensitivity for Long Periods

Infrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies below the lower limit of human audibility (below about 20 Hz). Monitoring infrasound is important for detecting natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions, avalanches, landslides, and tornadoes, and for assessing the impact of human-made sources like wind turbines and industrial activities.

1. Human Sensitivity: While infrasound below the threshold of hearing is not audible, exposure to high levels of infrasound over long periods can potentially have health impacts, including stress, sleep disturbance, and other physical symptoms.
2. Monitoring Thresholds: The sensitivity of infrasound monitoring equipment is designed to detect very low frequencies at minimal levels. Modern infrasound sensors can detect pressure changes less than a Pascal, which allows for the monitoring of both natural and anthropogenic infrasound sources over great distances.
3. Environmental Impact Studies: For assessing the impact of infrasound on humans and wildlife, long-term monitoring is often required. The sensitivity and trigger levels for such monitoring depend on the objectives of the study and the baseline levels of infrasound in the environment.

Both blast vibration monitoring and infrasound sensitivity assessments require a careful approach that considers the specific context of each situation, including regulatory requirements, environmental conditions, and the potential for adverse effects on humans and structures. Continuous monitoring and adherence to established guidelines are key to managing the impacts effectively.

QuakeLogic leads the way in providing state-of-the-art infrasound sensors, dataloggers, and software solutions designed for real-time data analysis. These tools are crucial for professionals seeking to monitor and analyze infrasound with precision and efficiency. To explore the full range of our infrasound monitoring products and understand the powerful capabilities of our software, we invite you to visit our specialized webpage at QuakeLogic Infrasound Sensors.

If you have specific questions or need guidance to select the perfect infrasound monitoring setup for your project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our expert sales team via email at sales@quakelogic.net. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized consultation to ensure that you find solutions that precisely match your monitoring objectives. Reach out today to learn how our technology can elevate your infrasound monitoring capabilities.

In the realm of shake tables, used predominantly for vibration testing and simulations, two main types of electric motors come into play: servo motors and linear motors. A servo motor is a rotary actuator that allows for precise control of angular position, velocity, and acceleration. It consists of a suitable motor coupled to a sensor for position feedback. Servo motors are well-suited to a wide range of automation applications.

On the other hand, linear motors stand out due to their ability to directly convert electrical energy into linear motion without requiring any intermediate conversion from rotational motion. This direct-drive mechanism results in a plethora of advantages, particularly for shake tables which demand high fidelity and precision.

Linear motors are heralded as the most advanced technology in shake table systems due to their exceptional performance characteristics:

1. Unmatched Acceleration and Velocity: With their direct-drive design, linear motors achieve unparalleled acceleration and velocity, surpassing that of servo motors. This capability is crucial for tests necessitating rapid motion or high-frequency vibrations.
2. Minimal Maintenance Demands: The design of linear motors inherently involves fewer moving components compared to servo motors, translating to reduced maintenance needs and an extended operational lifespan.
3. Quieter, Smoother Operation: Linear motors operate with significantly less noise and vibration. This is especially advantageous for tests where external noise or vibration could contaminate results.
4. Supreme Precision and Accuracy: The precision control afforded by linear motors is essential for high-precision testing scenarios, offering superior repeatability and accuracy over servo motors.
5. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: By eliminating the need for gearboxes and other mechanical components, linear motors are not only less complex but also more energy-efficient, reducing energy loss during operation.

Despite these advantages, there are considerations to keep in mind when opting for linear motors, such as initial costs, installation complexity, and the typically lower torque capabilities relative to servo motors. However, when advanced technology and performance are paramount, the investment in linear motors can be justified.

At the forefront of this technological revolution is QuakeLogic, which proudly offers state-of-the-art ironcore shake tables powered by linear motors. These tables represent the zenith of testing precision and reliability. A testament to their superiority, QuakeLogic’s latest installation at CALTECH underscores the confidence that leading research institutions place in linear motor technology for their complex and critical testing needs.

For detailed information on the iron-core shake table equipped with linear motors, please click HERE.

Reach us at sales@quakelogic.net for questions or queries.

Istanbul, straddling two continents, is not just a city of unparalleled historical and cultural wealth but also one that lives in the shadow of a significant seismic threat. The North Anatolian Fault (NAF), a major source of earthquakes in the region, skirts to the south and east of this vibrant metropolis, placing it at a heightened risk of seismic activity. But in a city so vast, the question arises: which district of Istanbul will bear the brunt of such an inevitable shake?

The sequence of westerly propagating ten large (M>6.7) earthquakes on the North Anatolian Fault Zone and the seismic gap in the Sea of Marmara close to Istanbul is an indication of a large earthquake.

The Epicenter of Concern: The Riskiest Districts

Historical data and seismic studies indicate that the districts closest to the North Anatolian Fault zone beneath the Marmara Sea, especially those on the city’s European side, are more vulnerable. Our most recent study (Kalkan and Gulkan, 2024) indicates that Istanbul’s western shoreline faces heightened risk, with median spectral accelerations at 0.3 s approaching 1 g, signifying intense shaking potential. Among these, Adalar, Bakırköy, Avcılar, and Zeytinburnu stand out as areas that might experience the most intense shaking. These districts, with their dense populations and structures, many of which were built before modern seismic standards were implemented, could face significant impacts in the event of a major earthquake.

The figure above shows close-up to peak ground acceleration (PGA) estimates for the Istanbul metropolitan area considering six earthquake scenarios. The median computed PGA­­ is 0.65 g along the shoreline to the west of Istanbul (Bakırkoy district) and at Marmara Islands (Adalar district) as a result of multiple rupturing of Off-Tekirdağ, Mid-Marmara, and Islands faults.

The Science of Shaking: Understanding the Risk

Seismic risk is not only about proximity to the fault line but also about the ground beneath. Areas built on softer, sedimentary layers, such as parts of Avcilar, Atakoy, and Bakırköy amplify seismic waves, leading to more intense shaking compared to those on more solid rock. This geological variability across Istanbul means that the impact of an earthquake can differ dramatically, even within short distances.

Preparedness: The Key to Resilience

While the threat is significant, the focus now is on resilience and preparedness. Istanbul’s government and various organizations are working tirelessly to retrofit vulnerable buildings, improve emergency response systems, and educate the public about earthquake preparedness. Efforts are particularly concentrated in the high-risk districts, aiming to minimize the impact when the inevitable occurs.

Conclusion: A City Bracing for Its Future

As Istanbul faces its seismic future, understanding the areas at greatest risk is crucial for safeguarding its residents and heritage. While many districts along its shoreline may be more vulnerable, city-wide efforts to enhance resilience are a testament to Istanbul’s determination to protect its people and preserve its legacy against the forces of nature.

Engage with Us

Are you from Istanbul or have experiences related to earthquakes in the city? Reach us at info@quakelogic.net