Statistics of amplitude and spectrum of blasts propagated in the atmosphere

Abstract

This paper describes the measurement and analysis of over 11 000 blast recordings. These data are used to develop a statistical base for blast propagation and to establish one-third octave spectra for these blasts. These results can then be used to predict community blast noise levels. The blasts are divided into rather broad amplitude groupings and it is shown that received blast spectra are dependent only on grouping and not on absolute peak amplitude or distance (2–15 miles). One interesting result is that early in the morning and at far distances (normally over 5 miles) amplitudes are greatest upwind.