Noise and Airblast Conversion Calculator

About Noise and Airblast

This tool is built for mines and quarries that need quick, reliable checks on blast-induced noise and air-overpressure. It converts air-overpressure (Pa) to noise levels (dBL) with the standard acoustic equation:

dBL = 20 log ( P / P0

Keeps every result in line with DMRE and USBM compliance limits. Whether you’re signing off a shot design, compiling an environmental report, or fielding community queries, the calculator delivers the numbers you need—instantly and in plain text.

If you’re working to push noise and over-pressure even lower, explore Varistem® stemming plugs or contact our blasting engineers for tailored advice.

Varistem quarry energy retention full block frame at 0m6s

DMRE Airblast Limits for Protected Structures in South Africa

Airblast Limits (dB)

  • 120 dB — Public areas outside mine boundary (10 % exceedance)
  • 134 dB — No structural damage outside mine boundary
  • 164 dB — Windmills
  • 178 dB — Plaster cracks
  • 180 dB — Structural damage 

International USBM Airblast (Noise) Limits

USBM RI 8507 Safe Airblast (Noise) Limits

  • 120 dB – Threshold of pain for continuous sound
  • >130 dB – Resonant response of large surfaces (roofs, ceilings); complaints start
  • 134 dB – USBM recommended limit for human irritation
  • 150 dB – Some windows break
  • 170 dB – Most windows break
  • 180 dB – Structural damage
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