Dressler Consulting Engineers, Inc. 



Blasting / Vibration Support

BLASTING / VIBRATION SUPPORT

Dressler Consulting Engineers, Incorporated, has provided blasting and vibration consulting services throughout the Midwest as well as various locations within the United States for over 25 years. DCEI prides itself on our experience, safety record, and industry reputation for providing excellent consulting services within the blasting industry. Our clients include contractors, developers, property owners, municipalities, pipeline industry companies, etc. Our blasting and vibration consulting services include:







FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BLASTING

  1. What is a preblast inspection and why should I have it done? The preblast consists of inspecting the interior and exterior of your residence or structure for pre-existing conditions. These conditions are then photographed and a recorded description of the existing condition is made. By having the inspection performed, you will be aware of existing conditions in and around your residence/structure.
  2. What are pre-existing conditions? Pre-existing conditions consist of cracks in the sidewalk, concrete or asphalt driveway slab, cracks or holes in the walls, broken or cracked windows, sheetrock tape separation, nail pops, peeling stucco, etc.
  3. Why are these inspections done?  Local city and county ordinances require that structures within a certain distance from the blasting be given the opportunity for a preblast inspection.
  4. Will I have to pay to have my home inspected?  No, we are hired by the contractor to inspect your residence/structure.
  5. Does someone have to be there when the inspection is done?  Yes. It is our policy that there must be someone 18 years or older there when we do the inspection. You are also encouraged to accompany the inspector to note what existing conditions are recorded.
  6. I was talking to my next door neighbor and he stated that he did not receive a letter. Why?  Each city ordinance states that all structures within 300’ to 500’ from the blast be inspected. Even though you are within the radius requiring an inspection, your neighbor may be outside that range.
  7. Why is blasting necessary?  This area is comprised of shallow rock which hinders sewer construction for new development. Blasting is the most efficient way to fracture this rock, so that it can be excavated with heavy equipment. Blasting reduces construction costs, saves tax dollars, and shortens the project time.
  8. How can they blast so close to my home without damaging it? Aren’t there going to be rocks flying all over the place? Blasting has been extensively studied and researched by the U.S. Bureau of Mines (RI8507, 1980 and RI8896, 1984). The use of explosives is governed by federal, state and local regulations which govern the use of explosives and limit the amount of ground vibration and noise. The blasts are carefully monitored by seismograph(s) to ensure that the blasting stays within specified federal and city limits.
  9. How exactly are these blasts monitored and by whom? The contractor uses seismograph(s) to measure and record the amount of vibration and noise. City or county personnel are also in attendance to make sure that the blasts do not exceed limits set by their ordinance.
  10. Will I feel the blasting? Is it going to be loud? Will it shake my house?  Generally the blast will feel and sound like thunder. The vibration levels are lower and no more dangerous that those caused by the slamming of doors or children jumping or running through the house. People are more sensitive to blasting vibration than the building materials in your house.
  11. Will I need to do anything prior to this inspection? No, we just need to look at your floors, walls, ceilings, foundation, windows, etc.
  12. What happens if I believe I have damage after the blasting?  Contact us. We will notify the blasting contractor and their insurance company.
  13. Since you are doing the blasting, how do I know that you will be fair and impartial when you come back out to inspect my claims?  We are an independent third-party firm. Local ordinances require that the blasting contractor hire an independent third-party firm to perform these inspections. We have been performing these inspections for more than 25 years and have a good reputation with the various cities and counties.
  14. What if I don’t have an inspection done?  By not having the inspection done prior to blasting, you have negated the purpose of the preblast survey.

If you have any further questions about blasting in your area, please feel free to contact:

David W. Dressler
Director, Construction Engineering Services
(913) 341-5575


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