The formation and properties of fault zones in brittle rock

John M. Kemeny, Jane C.S. Long

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Seismic and radar tomography of the SCV underground test area in Stripa, Sweden have detected two major sets of fracture zones. Slickenside striations in these zones indicate that they have undergone shear deformation. Utilizing a database consisting of 3100 logged fractures from borehole core and 900 fractures mapped on the walls of underground drifts, the character of these fracture zones have been analyzed. This data along with numerical modelling suggest that the higher fluid conductivities in the zones compared with the surrounding rock may be due to a combination of higher fracture densities, and stresses in the zones that promote dilatancy in fractures with certain orientations. This would also result in anisotropic flow in the zones, with the primary flow direction in the direction of the dilatant fractures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication30th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, USRMS 1989
Editors Khair
PublisherAmerican Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
Pages115-122
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9061918715, 9789061918714
StatePublished - 1989
Externally publishedYes
Event30th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, USRMS 1989 - Morgantown, United States
Duration: Jun 19 1989Jun 22 1989

Publication series

Name30th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, USRMS 1989

Other

Other30th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, USRMS 1989
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMorgantown
Period6/19/896/22/89

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geophysics
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geology

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