In-Situ experiment on human dynamic response and perceived ECG changes under blasting vibration

Controlling blasting vibrations is crucial in complex and sensitive environments. The primary goal is to minimize disturbance to surrounding residents. To quantify the impact on the human body, an in-situ blasting response test was conducted with real human subjects. A synchronous measurement system integrating digital image correlation (DIC) and electrocardiogram (ECG) was employed. This system analyzed the dynamic surface response characteristics of the human body under varying blasting vibration intensities. A segmented peak particle velocity (PPV) prediction model was developed, accounting for height effects. The model divides the body into two segments: below the waist and above the waist. Considering the risks of in-situ tests, a follow-up laboratory shake table test was performed. A comparative analysis based on proposed heart rate variability (HRV) metrics was conducted. This comparison aimed to validate the feasibility of using shake tables to simulate blasting vibrations for human perception studies. Results indicate that the vertical vibration velocity of the human body is significantly higher than the horizontal velocity. The vertical direction is the dominant vibration direction. In the vertical direction, vibration velocity attenuates below the waist but amplifies above the waist. Compared to ground surface velocity, the attenuation rate in the lower body region ranges from 55.7% to 65.9%. Conversely, vibration velocity in the upper body amplifies by a factor of 1.25 to 1.74. Horizontal vibration velocity shows an attenuation trend from the feet to the head, with an attenuation rate of 52.6% to 60%. The error in HRV metrics obtained from in-situ and shake table tests is less than 10%. This confirms the feasibility of using shake tables to study human perception under simulated blasting vibrations. The research outcomes provide a methodological foundation for quantifying human vibrational responses and studying perceived ECG changes due to blasting vibrations.