Blast Absorber Feasibility Test - Short Range Measurements Aberdeen Test Center, MD

Abstract : Complaints about Army training noise, especially artillery noise, are increasing and are impacting soldier training opportunities. One suggested mitigation method is to use a gravel pad near the noise source to reduce blast noise. Measurements were conducted to assess this method by detonating C4 charges located over a 15- x 15- x 1.5-m-thick gravel pad or over undisturbed ground and recording the acoustic and seismic waveforms at various distances from the source. The measurements recorded by ERDC-CRREL personnel at propagation distances from 10 to 400 m are documented in this report. Additional reports documenting the longer distance measurements and analyzing the measurements are planned.