Abstract
Available models for estimation of crustal stress consider the vertical stress component as weight of above laying rocks, while horizontal stress components are estimated as function of vertical component. Herein, it is assumed that horizontal stress is effect of strain formed at seismogenic depth and transferred to shallower depth of rock mass. Strain rate is different depending on thickness of the crust and is different in different locations. Using available data regarding the measured maximum horizontal stress and depth of Moho discontinuity trend between these is obtained. Trend shows that maximum horizontal stress is decreasing with the thickness of the Earth’s crust and vice versa. Finally, expression that defines maximum horizontal stress from Moho depth and deformation modulus of rock mass is provided.
Highlights
Crustal stress is one of dominant parameters that affect design of underground facilities such as tunnels, mines, radioactive waste storages, scientific laboratories etc
Albert Heim (Heim, 1878) postulated the first of theories regarding the state of stress in rock mass where he stated that at deeper part of the rock mass lithostatic stress is present, and that intensity of the vertical stress component is equal to the weight of above laying rocks( v = H = h = g z )
We obtain the expression for estimate of maximum horizontal stress using the depth of Moho discontinuity and deformation modulus of rock mass:
Summary
Crustal stress is one of dominant parameters that affect design of underground facilities such as tunnels, mines, radioactive waste storages, scientific laboratories etc. Estimation of stress directions is based on different focal mechanisms (Barth, Reinecker, & Heidbach, 2008) or from borehole measurement data This project provides great insight in stress orientation in many locations, having in mind that those directions are mostly determined from focal mechanisms of active faults extrapolation of those results on wider areas is under question mark. This comes from the knowledge that stress field around faults and major discontinuities is different than in other parts of rock mass. Using available data about stress measurements and Moho depths at those locations it is intended to provide relation between those parameters and to emphasize its importance for stress analysis prior design of major underground facilities
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