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Research Paper | Civil Engineering | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 1487 - 1497 | India
Analyzing Cracks and Damages in Residences Affected by Blasting Activities for the Construction of the 126 km Rishikesh Karnaprayag Rail Line Project in Rudraprayag District
Abstract: The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line Project is one of India's most significant railway infrastructure developments, designed to enhance connectivity within the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. The project involves the construction of numerous underground tunnels through complex geological formations, where drilling and controlled blasting are the primary excavation techniques. Although controlled blasting is widely recognized as an efficient and economical method for tunnel excavation, concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on nearby residential buildings. During the construction period, residents of several villages in Rudraprayag District reported the appearance of cracks and structural distress in their houses, attributing these damages to repeated blasting activities. The present study was therefore undertaken to scientifically investigate the relationship between blasting operations and structural damage in residential buildings located near tunnel excavation zones. The primary objectives of the study were to assess the structural integrity of affected residences, analyze the nature and severity of observed cracks, examine the influence of blast-induced ground vibrations and geological conditions on structural damage, and propose suitable mitigation measures for minimizing adverse impacts during future tunnel construction. The study adopted a quantitative engineering research approach based on field investigations, structural inspections, crack mapping, geological observations, vibration assessment, and statistical analysis. Primary data were collected through detailed surveys of residential buildings situated along the railway alignment, while secondary information was obtained from published literature, technical reports, Indian Standards, and project-related documents. The findings reveal that blast-induced vibrations contribute to structural distress, particularly in buildings located close to tunnel excavation sites. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) was identified as the most significant vibration parameter influencing crack development, while the severity of damage generally decreased with increasing distance from the blasting source. However, the investigation also established that blasting was not the sole factor responsible for observed structural damage. Geological discontinuities, weathered and fractured rock formations, active fault systems, groundwater conditions, slope instability, construction quality, foundation characteristics, and pre-existing defects were found to play equally important roles in determining the structural response of residential buildings. Older masonry structures lacking seismic reinforcement were observed to be more vulnerable to vibration-induced cracking than modern reinforced cement concrete buildings. Statistical analysis supported the existence of significant relationships between blasting activities, Peak Particle Velocity, distance from the blast source, geological conditions, structural characteristics, and crack severity. The study concludes that scientific engineering investigations are essential before attributing building damage solely to blasting activities. Continuous vibration monitoring, optimized blast design, detailed pre-construction structural documentation, and periodic structural inspections are recommended for minimizing structural risks during tunnel construction in the Himalayan region. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on blast-induced structural behaviour under complex Himalayan geological conditions and provides practical recommendations for engineers, construction agencies, policymakers, and infrastructure planners. The findings will assist in improving blasting practices, strengthening structural safety assessment procedures, reducing conflicts between project authorities and local communities, and promoting sustainable infrastructure development while safeguarding residential structures in environmentally sensitive mountainous regions.
Keywords: Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line Project, Tunnel Blasting, Peak Particle Velocity (PPV), Structural Damage, Residential Buildings, Crack Assessment, Himalayan Geology, Ground Vibrations, Tunnel Excavation, Rudraprayag District
How to Cite?: Arvind Satvaria, Sanjay Sharma, "Analyzing Cracks and Damages in Residences Affected by Blasting Activities for the Construction of the 126 km Rishikesh Karnaprayag Rail Line Project in Rudraprayag District", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1487-1497, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26717110935, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26717110935