Effect of boundary friction on revere fault rupture propagation in centrifuge tests

Abstract

Centrifuge test plays a significant role in studying fault rupture propagation and fault-structure interaction. However, few previous studies have discussed the effect of boundary friction in centrifuge modeling of reverse faulting. This study reported four centrifuge tests to investigate the effect of boundary friction on rupture propagation of revere fault. The basic group of tests was modeled with a smooth sidewall and frictional bottom, while the observation group of tests was simulated with either a frictional sidewall or a smooth bottom. Rubber membrane and sandpaper were applied to make a frictional sidewall and bottom, respectively. The results indicate that the boundary friction affects the location of surface rupture and width of the shear band (major distortion zone). The side friction leads to a V-shaped or U-shaped surface rupture. The width of the shear band reduces with the increase of side friction. Less bottom friction results in a narrower fault zone and a broader shear band.