Distribution of peak ground vibration caused by mining induced seismic events in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland

The solutions presented permit the practical determination of the physical parameters of peak ground vibration, caused by strong mining tremors induced by mining, in the Polish part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). The parameters of peak ground horizontal velocity (PGVH) and peak ground horizontal acceleration (PGAH10) at any point of earth’s surface depend on seismic energy, epicentral distance and site effect. Distribution maps of PGVH and of PGAH10 parameters were charted for the period 2010-2019. Analysis of the results obtained indicates the occurrence of zones with increased values of these parameters. Based on the Mining Seismic Instrumental Intensity Scale (MSIIS-15), which is used to assess the degree of vibration intensity caused by seismic events induced by mining, and using the PGVH parameter, it was noted that the distribution map of this parameter includes zones where there vibration velocities of both 0.04 m/s and 0.06 m/s were exceeded. Vibrations with this level of PGVH correspond to intensities in the V and VI degree according to the MSIIS-2015 scale, which means that they can already cause slight structural damage to building objects and cause equipment to fall over. Moreover, the reason why the second parameter PGAH10 is less useful for the evaluation of the intensity of mining induced vibrations is explained. The PGAH10 vibration acceleration parameter, in turn, can be used to design construction of the objects in the seismic area of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, where the highest acceleration reached a value of 2.8 m/s2 in the period from 2010 to 2019.