Investigation of the structural damage caused by blasting activities in tunnels to surrounding buildings: The case of Gümüşhane belt highway

Tunnels are road transport structures that reduce traffic and expropriation problems, noise, possible damage to animals plants, provide safer, more comfortable, faster transportation for vehicles compared highways. However, some environmental problems occur during tunnel construction. These such as vibration, rock throwing, etc. caused by the blasting process used excavation on buildings people should be well investigated. In this study, two located close exit entrance of tunnels (T2 T3 tunnels) Gümüşhane belt were chosen investigate. Firstly, existing damages in first building, which is 7 m away from T2 exit, second 60 entrance, analyzed considering criteria geological ground condition land building materials construction those building. addition, negative effects evaluated calculating vibrations after with help various empirical formulas. Investigation site showed 1 was built masonry 2 reinforced concrete, deep cracks had formed bearing systems both buildings, spills occurred walls, fractures windows. Also, calculations formulas vibration rates 1st 2nd 385.68 mm/sec 6.91 mm/sec, respectively, these values above standard values. The data obtained through examination on-site approaches show it would dangerous resident buildings.