Tremors: Scientists Develop Method for Real-Time Tracking of Hazardous Underground Vibrations
Researchers from HSE MIEM and IPKON RAS have developed a new mathematical monitoring model that can identify the source of hazardous underground vibrations in real time. The technology could help reduce the risk of damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure located near quarries and mining sites. The paper has been published in Russian Mining Industry.
Underground vibrations occur in a variety of situations, including blasting operations and the movement of heavy mining equipment. These vibrations can travel hundreds of meters through the ground and, over time, damage buildings, roads, and other engineering structures. Low-frequency vibrations are particularly hazardous because they propagate much farther than higher-frequency waves and can resonate with buildings, causing cracks and structural damage even when the vibration intensity is relatively low.
Furthermore, several vibration sources may affect a building simultaneously. In addition to a nearby quarry or mine, vibrations can originate from local sources such as road and rail traffic, construction activities, or industrial machinery operating in the area. The researchers note that background noise and the presence of multiple vibration sources significantly complicate data interpretation. As a result, a key challenge for monitoring systems is to determine whether a detected vibration originates from a mining operation or from another source.
To identify such threats before cracks and structural deformations appear, engineers from the HSE Tikhonov Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics and the Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IPKON RAS) have developed a theoretical model for a new monitoring system based on a low-aperture seismic array. Today, mining companies typically rely on either sensor networks or individual monitoring stations to track ground vibrations. However, sensor networks are costly to deploy, while single stations cannot accurately identify the source of vibrations. As a result, both approaches have limitations when high-precision monitoring is required.
The newly developed monitoring system does not involve large amounts of equipment or complex calibration. It consists of a compact array of sensors placed at short distances from one another. The sensors simultaneously detect ground vibrations, while algorithms analyse the signals and determine the direction of the excitation source. As a result, the system can distinguish between an explosion in a quarry and vibrations caused by heavy machinery or local noise sources near residential buildings.
To test the technology, the researchers simulated seismic wave propagation and used an array of ten sensors. The results showed that, at distances greater than 10 metres, the error in determining signal parameters does not exceed 7%, while at distances over 50 metres it decreases to 4%. The system also maintains high accuracy even under conditions of strong background noise.
According to the scientists, the main goal of this development is not merely to register vibrations but to prevent their consequences. By receiving advance information about potentially dangerous fluctuations, specialists will be able to quickly adjust equipment operating modes, modify blasting operations, or install protective barriers before any damage occurs.
Sergey Nefedov
'Today, in many cases, steps are taken only after cracks or structural deformations have already appeared in buildings. We propose a different approach: first identify the source of the hazardous impact, assess the risk, and then take action. Our system makes it possible to obtain such information quickly and with high accuracy, even in situations where multiple vibration sources are present,' says Sergey Nefedov, co-author of the paper, Professor at HSE MIEM and Head of the Laboratory for Control and Monitoring at IPKON RAS.
Due to its compact size, the array can be installed directly near residential buildings, roads, or industrial facilities. This significantly reduces the costs of equipment installation, communication infrastructure, and maintenance. In addition, the technology does not require complex data-processing methods that are commonly used in classical seismology.
The developers believe that in the future, such systems could become part of intelligent environmental safety systems. Information from sensors would be automatically fed into digital control platforms capable of recommending adjustments to equipment operating modes, modifying blasting schedules, or installing protective structures to reduce the propagation of vibrations.
Maxim Ikrennikov
'The next step is the integration of monitoring systems into the management platforms of industrial facilities. In this case, vibration data will be used not only for observation but also for real-time decision-making. This approach will make mining safer for people, the environment, and urban infrastructure,' says study co-author Maxim Ikrennikov, a doctoral student at the HSE MIEM School of Electronic Engineering.
According to the scientists, the new technology will have applications beyond the mining industry. It can also be used at large construction sites, near highways, in tunnels, and at other facilities where monitoring underground vibrations is important for preventing potential damage in a timely manner.
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