Numerical Study on the Influence of Fault Structure on the Geostress Field

Lei Zhu, Tao Huang, Haifeng Li, Zelin Zhou and Xin Liao ()
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Lei Zhu: China 19th Metallurgical Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610031, China
Tao Huang: Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China
Haifeng Li: China 19th Metallurgical Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610031, China
Zelin Zhou: China 19th Metallurgical Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610031, China
Xin Liao: Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-17

Abstract: A geostress field continuously evolves with long-term tectonic activity. A fault, as a general product of tectonic movements, has a great influence on the geostress field in the vicinity. To analyze the geostress field characteristics and influencing factors near the fault fracture zone in high-altitude areas, this study takes the Dianda-Piru fault on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau as its research object. Based on the geological conditions and in situ stress measurement data in the study area, a refined numerical model was established using numerical simulation to invert the geostress field in the vicinity of the fault fracture zone, and a quantitative analysis of the factors influencing the geostress distribution was carried out. The results show that the overall relationship between large horizontal principal stress σ H , vertical stress σ v, and small horizontal principal stress σ h is σ H > σ v > σ h , and the surrounding rock stress is dominated by horizontal stress. Geostress is released within the fault fracture zone to a certain extent, and there is a certain degree of stress concentration within the intact rock mass on the upper plate of the fault. The elastic modulus has a greater influence on the geostress field near the fracture structure area than Poisson’s ratio, and the range of the stress-weakening zone increases with the decrease in the elastic modulus. The maximum principal stress inside the fault increases with the increase in the angle between the fault strike and regional principal stress, while the deflection angle of the surrounding principal stress direction decreases with the increase in this angle. The study of the distribution law of geostress fields with developed fracture structures can provide theoretical guidance for the sustainable development of engineering construction in tectonically active areas.

Keywords: fault structure; geostress field; geostress inversion; numerical simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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