Minimum Principal Stress Research Articles

True triaxial stresses mobilizing dilatant fracturing and engineering failure of hard rocks

Rock dilation represents a nonlinear deformation and volume change, which can be quantified by the dilation angle, and plays a crucial role in the failure analysis of underground engineering. Traditionally, triaxial models describe the dilation angle as a function of confining stress and plastic shear strain. However, this study has uncovered a new mechanism governing true triaxial compressive fracturing, where dilatant fracturing is naturally mobilized by true triaxial stresses and significantly influenced by intermediate principal stress. The dilation angle has been observed to rapidly increase to a peak and then gradually decrease to a small value with increasing plastic shear strain. Additionally, as the minimum and intermediate principal stresses increase, the rate of change and peak value of the dilation angle decrease. Conversely, these features are reversed when the intermediate principal stress approaches or exceeds the uniaxial compressive strength of hard rocks. In light of these discoveries, based on previous research, a novel rock dilation angle (RDA) model is proposed to describe rock dilation behavior under true triaxial compression, where true triaxial stresses mobilize the dilation angle. The findings and proposed model demonstrate the true triaxial stress-dependent dilatancy behaviors in hard rocks, which are of significant importance for failure analysis in deep rock engineering.

Construction practice of water conveyance tunnel among complex geotechnical conditions: a case study

The construction practice of water conveyance tunnels often encounters various complex geotechnical engineering conditions, which bring huge challenges to the design and construction of water conveyance tunnels. Based on the theory of rock elastic–plastic mechanics and finite element analysis technology, this article carried out investigations of engineering geological features, geological formations and hydrological conditions establishes a calculation model for the 3# water conveyance tunnel of the Fenhe River Diversion Project, and analyzes the variation law of surrounding rock stress and displacement during TBM excavation of the tunnel. The results indicate that the dominant direction of the rock mass principal stress measured by the hydraulic fracturing method is NE84°, and the maximum horizontal principal stress, minimum horizontal principal stress, and vertical stress decrease sequentially, analyzing the characteristics of shield TBM construction technology, it is applied to the construction of water transfer tunnels. The numerical simulation of TBM construction using FLAC3D software shows that as the excavation surface advances, the subsidence value of the tunnel roof first slowly increases, then rapidly increases, and then tends to stabilize. The horizontal displacement of the surrounding rock is increasing. The maximum principal stress of the surrounding rock gradually increases. The final surrounding rock stress is 35 MPa. The TBM shield machine with mud water balance driven by indirectly controlled frequency conversion motor is selected for TBM construction of the tunnel. The study offers statistical information to support tunneling technology for water conveyance in the geotechnical engineering practice.

The non-plane initiation and propagation mechanism of multiple hydraulic fractures in tight reservoirs considering stress shadow effects

Multi-cluster fracturing in horizontal wells is an important stimulation technology for unconventional tight reservoirs. The interference among multiple simultaneously growing hydraulic fractures results in a non-uniform fluid distribution into fractures and non-planar fracture geometries. In this paper, the competition mechanism between perforations under the stress shadow, the formation mechanism of complex non-plane fractures near the wellbore, and the initiation and propagation mechanism of multiple hydraulic fractures are investigated by using the 3D lattice method. Also, the effects of fracture geometry, fracture spacing and rock mechanics parameters on the stress interaction among fractures are analyzed by the dislocation theory. The results showed the complexity of fracture initiation near the wellbore and the low efficiency of the perforation initiation in the case of spiral perforation, due to a strong interaction between perforations. However, these initial micro-cracks will eventually coalesce to be a macroscopical fracture which perpendicular to the direction of minimum principal stress. The study indicated that stress interaction and fracture propagation is significantly affected by inclined well orientation. The hydraulic fracture is more likely to deflect and propagate non-uniformly with the increasing width of hydraulic fracture, the decreasing spacing between perforation clusters and the increasing rock modulus. When the horizontal principal stress difference is small, it is obvious to cause a large deflection angle and sometimes furcation of fractures. This study can provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for hydraulic fracturing design in tight reservoirs.

Stress estimation in a 3 km-deep geothermal borehole: A snapshot of stress state in Southern Cathaysia block, China

The present-day stress state at depth in Southern Cathaysia block remains poorly understood. We retrieved twelve high-quality granite core samples in a 3 km deep borehole of the Huangshadong geothermal field in South China and conducted core-based stress measurements using the anelastic strain recovery (ASR) method to estimate the full stress tensors. The measured stress data of hydraulic fracturing in an adjacent, 600 m-deep geothermal borehole was also collected. The results show that the maximum principal stress σ1 is sub-horizontal from 1566 m to 3008 m in depth. The maximum and minimum horizontal principal stresses, SH and Sh, and the vertical principal stress, Sv, generally follow SH > Sv ≈ Sh in their magnitudes, thus indicating a thrust/strike-slip faulting transitional stress regime in the study area. Our stress orientations by ASR method based on paleomagnetic analysis and the impression test of hydraulic fracturing further suggest that SH is approximately oriented N72° ± 5°W, and this is consistent with both the regional stress field and the observed motion pattern of the Tonghu strike-slip fault in the study area. Interestingly, we found that the difference between the magnitudes of SH and Sh is small, indicating a low level of shear stress in the shallow crust. Also, because of the presence of the lithological changes and fracture zones, there are some snapshots of localized heterogeneous stress states in the granite geothermal reservoir. The present stress state has an impact on the occurrence and exposure of hot springs in the Huangshadong geothermal field. We indicated that the fracture zones with weak stress accumulation are potential transport channels of hot water. The stress field of the Southern Cathaysia block is mainly constrained by the southeast push of the Tibetan Plateau and the northwest subduction of the Philippine Sea plate.

A quantitative description method for the mechanical behavior of soil-rock mixture as affected by water content

The mechanical properties of soil rock mixture (S-RM) are complex, especially the strength deterioration after encountering water, which readily leads to engineering instability. A series of large triaxial tests of S-RM with different water contents under various confining pressures were performed, the mechanical properties of S-RM were explored from a macroscopic perspective. The constitutive model of S-RM – an extended Duncan-Chang (DC) model considering water content – was developed. The results show that: (a) the stress-strain curves of S-RM are strain hardening type, the peak strength decreases non-linearly with the increase of water content, the higher the water content of sample, the more significant the bulging phenomenon and the more numerous and extensive the surface cracks; (b) the cohesion c and internal friction angle φ of S-RM both decrease approximately linearly with the increase of water content, and the secant modulus decreases significantly with the increase of water content, the reason of which can be attributed to the porosity and compression characteristics of S-RM; (c) the extended DC model can be used to describe the mechanical behavior of S-RM affected by water under triaxial test conditions. The material constant K, failure ratio Rf, c, and φ are all related to water content ω, while material constant n is independent, only ω, n, maximum principal stress σ1, and minimum principal stress σ3 are needed to determine the tangent modulus of the DC model of S-RM. The results can provide an experimental basis and mechanical understanding applicable to engineering practice in an S-RM formation.

An Experimental Investigation on the Foliation Strike-Angle Effect of Layered Hard Rock under Engineering Triaxial Stress Path.

Deep underground engineering encounters substantial layered hard rock formations, and the engineering triaxial stress path involves an increase in maximum principal stress, constant intermediate principal stress, and a decrease in minimum principal stress. However, previous research has focused on rock layer angles under conventional triaxial stress conditions, disregarding the influence of foliation strike angles in engineering triaxial stress scenarios. This study experimentally investigates the effects of foliation strike angles on layered hard rock under an engineering triaxial stress path. To account for the brittleness of layered hard rock, we propose a specific small sample-processing method tailored to the foliation strike angle. True triaxial loading tests are conducted on steep, thin slate samples with two different loading orientations, accompanied by acoustic emission monitoring. Results indicate that the strength under a traditional true triaxial compression condition is similar for specimens with 90° and 0° strike angles. Stress-strain curves show that larger deformations occur perpendicular to bedding planes, while surface fractures propagate exclusively along the bedding planes. Mechanical responses differ significantly between specimens subjected to the engineering triaxial stress path at 0° and 90° strike angles compared to conventional true triaxial loading tests, with a lower bearing capacity and differentiated intermediate and minimum principal strains in the 0° case. Conversely, the 90° case exhibits a higher bearing capacity, consistent deformation, and more acoustic emission events. Numerical simulations comparing plastic zone sizes during actual underground excavation support these conclusions. These findings highlight the effects of foliation strike angles, favoring the 90° strike-angle configuration for excavation activities and providing enhanced stability in the surrounding rock mass.

Present-day in-situ stress prediction in the Duvernay shale of Simonette Block, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

The Duvernay Formation of Simonette Block is rich in shale oil and gas resources. The present-day in-situ stress field is a crucial parameter during the exploration and development in this block, a better understanding of which can assist with drilling and completion engineering, fracturing stimulation, and well deployment. In this study, the present-day in-situ stress in the Duvernay shale is predicted and analyzed based on well calculations and geomechanical modeling. The findings indicate that, I, NE-SW-trending is the dominant S Hmax orientation. The S Hmax and S hmin are the maximum and minimum principal stress, indicating that the Duvernay shale of Simonette Block is under a strike-slip faulting stress regime. II, The present-day in-situ stress in the Duvernay shale is heterogeneously distributed, which is controlled by lithology difference, fault development, and distribution. High stress values in the upper shale member D layer are mainly in the northwestern and central parts of Simonette Block. III, The present-day differential stress in the Duvernay shale mainly ranges from 15 MPa to 30 MPa. Bedding-parallel fractures are relatively developed, aiding in the creation of complex fracture networks. The results are expected to offer geological references for further development of shale oil and gas in the Simonette Block.

Present-Day Tectonic Stress Evolution in Southern Yunnan Based on Focal Mechanisms.

Tectonic extrusion bypassing the eastern Himalayan syntaxis results in a significant increase in regional stress instability and the associated frequent occurrence of earthquakes in southern Yunnan, China. However, the stress field, and the relationship between the focal mechanism of earthquakes and stress evolution in southern Yunnan, remain enigmatic. In this paper, using a modified grid point test method, we calculated the focal mechanism of ML ≥ 2.5 earthquakes in southern Yunnan (22-25° N, 100-104° E) from January 2009 to June 2023. Utilizing the solutions of historical earthquake focal mechanisms, we obtained the present-day regional tectonic stress field in southern Yunnan via inversion. The results indicate complex and diverse seismic focal mechanisms, and the main types of earthquakes are strike-slip events, followed by normal fault and reverse fault events. The orientations of the maximum and minimum principal stress axes rotate in a clockwise direction from northeast to southwest. The internal stress orientation distribution of the rhombic Sichuan-Yunnan block in the study area is consistent, and the block boundary zone is the site where stress deflection occurs, and the regional tectonic stress field is influenced by the interaction among different blocks. The distribution of R-value in the Lamping-Simao block gradually increases from north to south, indicating that the compressive stress required for material transport becomes relatively small. Combined with the geological and tectonic background of the study area, our results suggest that the speed of block movement gradually decreases from north to south; the distribution of R-value in the South China block is significantly smaller than that of the interior of the Sichuan-Yunnan rhombus, and the proportion of compressive stresses is larger, indicating a stronger extrusion in this region, which may be related to the fact that the Sichuan-Yunnan rhombus is strongly resisted by the South China block in the east.

On the anatomy and structural control of a dyke swarm that fed caldera-forming ignimbrite eruptions

The evolution of eruptive vents related to calderas is not fully understood. We focus on a structural, rock-magnetic and geochemical investigation of a 314 Ma rhyolite dyke swarm associated with the late-orogenic Altenberg–Teplice Caldera, Bohemian Massif, eastern Variscan belt. The whole-rock major element, trace element and Nd–Pb isotope geochemistry along with the published U–Pb zircon geochronology link the extra-caldera dyke swarm with intra-caldera ignimbrites. The magnetic fabrics determined using the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility are interpreted to record a continuum from magma ascent to emplacement and eruption during sinistral shearing. The latter evidences an interplay with regional tectonics associated with the activity of crustal-scale shear zones. The sinistral kinematics and strike of the dyke swarm, the elongation of caldera intrusive units, and the kinematics of major caldera faults are consistent with the dextral Riedel shear system, where the dykes correspond to antithetic R’ or X shears. Such a kinematic configuration implies that the maximum and minimum principal stresses were oriented roughly north–south and east–west, respectively. The relation between the stress field and the caldera elongation and orientation is not typical. We suggest that a pre-existing mutually perpendicular set of cross-cutting structural lineaments largely controlled the magma chamber and caldera formation. Supplementary material : The whole-rock major, trace element and isotope geochemical tables, magnetic fabrics source data and details of methods are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6715893

Stress dynamics associated with the Nyasa / Malawi rift: Implication for the present-day East African Rift System dynamics

The Nyasa/Malawi rift (NMR), known for its poor magma and notable seismic activity, has sparked a debate regarding its stress kinematics. It is on one hand viewed as a transform fault, while on other hand as a rift structure characterized by normal faulting. In order to address this controversy, we conducted paleostress analysis that involved collecting fault slip data along the central to southern region of the rift. We integrated our findings with published kinematic data on focal mechanisms in the rift. Our results reveal that the central part of the rift experiences radial or sub-radial extension, while the southern half is subject to oblique NNE-SSW transtensive tectonic forces. The minimum horizontal principal stress axis aligns with an orientation of 020°. As we move further south, the extension direction changes by approximately 25°, resulting in a predominantly north-south opening with a minimum horizontal stress axis direction of 175° (Shmin = 175°). The degree of structural penetration and intensity of faulting indicate that the north-south opening is more significant and pronounced in the southern region compared to the northern region. Additionally, we observed that faults dipping to the east and trending NW-SE exhibit sinistral (left-lateral) movement, while faults dipping to the southwestern side display dextral (right-lateral) movement. This suggests that, regionally, the NMR primarily experiences a normal faulting regime, albeit with a significant strike-slip component, which accounts for the oblique kinematics observed. The tectonic regimes identified through our fault slip data encompass the crust and upper mantle, spanning a lithospheric scale.

Earthquake impact on the stress magnitude at the area of shear zones

Both tectonic activity and geological environment such as faulting and shearing in the rock mass influences the in-situ stress condition in the rock mass. The large-scale earthquakes cause both accumulation and sudden release of strain energy resulting the changes on the magnitude and direction of the in-situ stresses. This is the case in the Himalayan region, where the tectonic movement is active and periodic dynamic earthquakes are common. This manuscript assesses the influence of local shear faults on the in-situ stress condition along the pressure tunnel of Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project in Nepal. For this a 3D numerical modeling is carried out to assess potential changes in the magnitude of in-situ stresses, in particular the magnitude of minimum principal stress, due to dynamic loading (earthquake).

Implementing Reversible Swelling into the Numerical Model of a Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell for Short Circuit Prediction

Mechanical simulation models have become crucial for understanding Li-ion battery failure and degradation mechanisms. However, existing safety assessment models lack the implementation of SOC-dependent thickness variations referred to as reversible swelling. Reversible swelling affects the applied preload force on a constrained pouch cell, potentially impacting its safety. To investigate this, a finite element RVE model was developed in LS-Dyna. Two swelling models, simplified homogenous expansion (HE) and locally resolved expansion (LE), were implemented along with a reference basis model (BM) without expansion. Six different stress- or strain-based short circuit criteria were calibrated with abuse test simulations at different SOCs and preload forces. Short circuit prognosis improved on average by 0.8% and 0.7% for the LE and HE model compared to the BM, with minimum principal stress being the most suitable criterion. The LE model exhibited a softer mechanical response than the HE model or BM, accounting for the pouch cell surface unevenness at small indentations. This study demonstrated the feasibility and usefulness of implementing an expansion model in a commercial FE solver for improved short circuit predictions. An expansion model is crucial for simulating aged battery cells with significant geometry changes strongly affecting the preload force of a constrained battery cell.

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF EXISTING RC BEAM-COLUMN JOINTS STRENGTHENED BY PRESS-JOINT WITH ADDITIONAL RC MEMBERS

Only a few specialized research studies and examples of seismic strengthening methods for beam-column joints in existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings exist. In a previous study, we proposed a seismic strengthening method that press-joints additional RC members around existing steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) beam-column joints. This study used finite element analysis to investigate the reinforcement effect of the proposed seismic strengthening method on existing RC beam-column joints. Initially, finite element analysis was conducted to imitate the assembled test in which the RC beam-column joint was fractured. The model analysis results agreed well with the test results. For this existing RC beam-column joint model, three types of models with reinforcement methods as parameters were analyzed. The first type model press-joints additional RC members only in the in-plane direction. The second type model press-joints additional RC members in the in-plane and orthogonal directions. The third type model press-joints additional RC members in the in-plane direction, and the additional RC members and existing part are joined by post-installed anchors in the orthogonal direction. According to results, cracks at the existing RC beam-column joints were confirmed to be reduced in the strengthened models. The model that press-joints additional RC members in the in-plane and orthogonal directions most significantly reduced the minimum principal stress in existing RC beam-column joints the most.

Scaling Microseismic Cloud Shape During Hydraulic Stimulation Using In Situ Stress and Permeability

AbstractForecasting microseismic cloud shape as a proxy of stimulated rock volume may improve the design of an energy extraction system. The microseismic cloud created during hydraulic stimulation of geothermal reservoirs is known empirically to extend in the general direction of the maximum principal stress. However, this empirical relationship is often inconsistent with reported results, and the cloud growth process remains poorly understood. This study investigates microseismic cloud growth using data obtained from a hydraulic stimulation project in Basel, Switzerland, and explores its correlation with measured in situ stress. We applied principal component analysis to a time series of microseismicity for macroscopic characterization of microseismic cloud growth in two‐ and three‐dimensional space. The microseismic cloud, in addition to extending in the general direction of maximum principal stress, expanded in the direction of intermediate principal stress. The orientation of the least microseismic cloud growth was stable and almost identical to the minimum principal stress direction. Further, microseismic cloud shape ratios showed good agreement when compared with in situ stress magnitude ratios. The permeability tensor estimated from microseismicity also provided a good correlation in terms of direction and magnitude with the microseismic cloud growth. We show that in situ stress plays a dominant role by controlling the permeability of each existing fracture in the reservoir fracture system. Consequently, microseismic cloud growth can be scaled by in situ stress as a first‐order approximation if there is sufficient variation in the orientation of existing faults.

Effect of gingival height of a titanium base on the biomechanical behavior of 2-piece custom implant abutments: A 3-dimensional nonlinear finite element study

Statement of problemTitanium base (TiBase) abutments to restore an implant-supported single crown are available in different gingival heights, but information on the biomechanical effects of the gingival heights is lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this nonlinear finite element analysis study was to evaluate the effects of TiBase gingival heights on the biomechanical behavior of custom zirconia (CustomZir) abutments and TiBase, including von Mises stress and maximum and minimum principal stress. Material and methodsTiBases with different gingival heights (0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm) with internal hexagon Morse taper connections were simulated in 3-dimensional models. The simulations (ANSYS Workbench 2020; ANSYS Inc) included the OsseoSpeed EV implant (Ø5.4 mm) (AstraTech; Dentsply Sirona), restoration, and surrounding bone in the mandibular first molar region. An occlusal force of 200 N was applied with a 2-mm horizontal offset toward the buccal side and a 30-degree inclination from the vertical axis. ResultsHigh-stress concentration was observed in the uppermost internal connection area on the buccal side and the antirotational part of the titanium abutment on the lingual side in all models. CustomZir abutments with a shorter gingival height exhibited larger concentrated areas of volume average stress von Mises stress and higher magnitude of maximum and minimum principal stress compared with a taller gingival height. ConclusionsA TiBase abutment with a taller gingival height reduced the fracture risk of a CustomZir abutment without increasing any mechanical risk.

Cracking property and brittleness evaluation of granite under high-temperature true triaxial compression in geothermal systems

Cracking property and brittleness are critically important to the drillability of injection and production wells of enhanced geothermal systems. This paper is devoted to evaluating the cracking property and brittleness of the Gonghe granite under high-temperature true triaxial compression conditions through a series of laboratory tests. Thermal–mechanical coupled true triaxial compression tests were conducted on Gonghe granite samples under four representative temperatures (20 °C, 120 °C, 180 °C, and 240 °C) and three different minimum (5, 10, and 30 MPa) and intermediate (40, 60, and 75 MPa) principal stresses that correspond to the in-situ conditions of Gonghe geothermal reservoir. The strength, deformation, and cracking characteristics of the Gonghe granite are quantitatively evaluated from macro- to micro-scales based on the experimental results. Meanwhile, a novel brittleness index evaluation method considering both energy and failure surface roughness is proposed to accurately assess the brittleness strength of the Gonghe granite. We found that the strength of Gonghe granite is reduced by more than 20% when the temperature increases from room temperature to 240 °C. Higher temperature contributes to a smoother fracture surface and reduced brittleness of the Gonghe granite under thermal–mechanical coupled true triaxial compression. Our findings provide new insights for brittleness evaluation of the Gonghe granite formation and assist in efficient wells drilling design of enhanced geothermal systems.

The effect of different abutment and restorative crown materials on stress distribution in single-unit implant-supported restorations: A 3D finite element stress analysis.

To evaluate the effect of restorative materials with or without resin content, modeled on zirconia and titanium abutment materials, on the stress distribution on the alveolar bone, implant, and prosthetic crowns with a 3D finite element stress analysis. Titanium and zirconia abutments were combined with three implant-supported crown materials (polymer infiltrated hybrid ceramic (PICN), lithium disilicate (LD), and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS)) to create six experimental groups. The 40×30×20mm alveolar bone, 3.75× 10mm implant, esthetic abutment, and maxillary first premolar crown bonded over the abutment were the components of the finite element models. On the lingual cusp of the crown, the 150 N occlusal loading was applied in the buccolingual direction at a 30° angle. Equivalent von Mises stress and maximum and minimum principal stresses were used for both the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the stress distribution of the created models. The von Mises stress in implant and abutment did not differ according to the crown materials. The use of a zirconia abutment resulted in higher von Mises stress values in the abutment but lower stress values in the implant. The highest stress values were obtained in ZLS (196.65MPa) and LD (194.05MPa) crowns. The use of titanium abutments, regardless of crown materials, resulted in higher von Mises stress values in restorative crowns than in zirconia abutments. The principal stress values in alveolar bone showed similar distribution and concentration in all models. Changes in crown material did not affect stress distribution in the implant and peripheral bone. However, the zirconia esthetic abutment resulted in a lower stress concentration on the implant.

A wellbore-fracture coupled fracturing model to simulate non-uniform fracture propagation under multiple clusters of fracturing

Multiple clusters of fracturing within one stage have been widely used in the unconventional reservoir production. However, the non-uniform fracture propagation under multiple clusters of fracturing has not yet fully been understood, due to the fluid flow in the wellbore being neglected in the fracturing model. In view of this, a wellbore-fracture coupled fracturing model was established to simulate fracture non-uniform propagation under multiple clusters of fracturing. In this model, the governing equation was firstly given based on the pressure continuity and flow conservation, to obtain the flow distribution in each fracture. Then, equations of fracture propagation, fracture height growth and stress shadow were combined to determine the fracture geometric parameters. Substituting fracture geometric parameters into the governing equation, the wellbore-fracture coupled fracturing model was finally solved. The proposed model was validated by a ABAQUS cohesive elements numerical by comparing the fracture parameters, respectively considering conditions of wellbore-fracture coupling and non-wellbore-fracture coupling, within a maximum deviation that did not exceed 6.14%. Using the proposed model, the parametric analyses were performed, including energy-related parameters and wellbore-related parameters. For energy-related parameters, with the increase of surface energy density of rock and the minimum principal stress, the fracture length and height decreased, while the fracture width increased to some extent. In addition, with the increase of pumping rate of fracturing fluid, the fracture length, height and width increased significantly. For wellbore-related parameters, with the decrease of diameter of perforation and perforation number as well as the increase of wellbore roughness coefficient and viscosity of fracturing fluid and cluster distance, the flow distribution in each fracture and the injection pressure became more uniform and the non-uniform propagation of each fracture was reduced, but fracture dimensions were simultaneously decreased.

Updating the seismotectonic setting for the Gulf of Aqaba

The Gulf of Aqaba is known for its high seismic activity in Egypt and the Middle East. An inversion technique was applied to 113 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 to 7.2 to distinct subsets of data based on tectonic regionalization to define the stress regime in the Gulf of Aqaba involving the Eilat basin, Aragonese basin, and Dakar basin. The stress inversion revealed two active stress patterns; an active strike-slip in the Eilat basin and a dominant extensional regime in the Dakar basin, whereas both strike-slip and extensional regimes coexist in the Aragonese basin. The stress pattern in the Eilat basin is consistent with the movement along the Dead Sea Transform Fault. In contrast, the extensional regime in the Dakar basin aligns with the extensional stress field throughout the northern Red Sea. The coexistence of two dominant types of stress regimes in the Aragonese basin is likely a result of the superposition of the two main neighbouring stress regimes: the strike-slip regime along the Gulf of Aqaba Dead Sea Transform Fault and the extensional stress state across the northern Red Sea. The orientations of the minimum principal stress in the three basins are almost similar, indicating ENE trending, nearly horizontal extension.

Simulation of the Damage and Failure Characteristics of Coal under True Triaxial Static–Dynamic Loads

The damage evolution rules for coal under true triaxial combined static–dynamic loads are important to understand and reveal the mechanism of rockburst in coal mines. The numerical simulation was carried out using FLAC3D to explore the coupling effect of static and dynamic stress, especially the influence of dynamic load parameters. The results show that the increase in dynamic load amplitude not only makes the plastic zone grow exponentially and shortens the damage development time, but also decreases the residual strength of the coal sample, which leads to a much more violent dynamic failure. The stress wave propagation can be more stable in the coal sample with the increase in dynamic load frequency and the development time of the plastic zone also shows synchronous fluctuating features, and when the frequency is like the intrinsic frequency of the coal sample, the dynamic load has a significant stimulation effect. The static and dynamic loads have different damage effects on the coal sample under the true triaxial stress path, the weight decreases in descending order, namely the minimum principal stress, the maximum principal, the amplitude of the dynamic load and, lastly, the dynamic stress frequency, according to the entropy weight method analysis.