3D Multi-scale Finite Element Analysis of the Present-day Crustal State of Stress and the Recent Kinematic Behaviour of the Northern and Central Upper Rhine Graben
3D Multi-scale Finite Element Analysis of the Present-day Crustal State of Stress and the Recent Kinematic Behaviour of the Northern and Central Upper Rhine Graben

Author: Thies Buchmann

Publisher: Logos Verlag Berlin GmbH

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 3832520252

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This thesis focuses on the contemporary stress state of a continental rift structure, the Upper Rhine Graben, and its present-day reactivation and kinematic behaviour. The graben is currently characterised by relatively slow tectonic deformation accompanied by low to medium seismicity and ongoing subsidence. In this context, the reactivation potential of pre-existing faults associated with the graben structure is one of the main goals of this thesis. Three dimensional finite element modelling is used for simulating the stress state of the study area. Based on the evaluation of the fault reactivation potential, a possible contribution of mechanical earth modelling to earthquake hazard assessment is also investigated. Another task of this thesis is the development of a method and work process for the construction of complex model geometries based on the different data types available. In order to establish a procedure that is independent of local computing and software facilities, the work-flow used is predominantly based on commercial software packages. A brief introduction is given on crustal stresses, their definition, determination and classification. Two approaches of shear failure reactivation evaluation, independent of the rheological parameter of fault surfaces, are discussed. In addition, a summary of the finite element method is given. This includes the influence of mesh quality and the implementation of contact problems as well as the ABAQUS implementation of the material models used (elasticity and elasto-plasticity). The thesis also refers to the approach of multi-scale modelling, nesting or sub-modelling using ABAQUS. The consequences of this approach on the boundary conditions and the model geometries are discussed.

Characterization, Prediction and Modelling of the Crustal Present-Day In-Situ Stresses
Characterization, Prediction and Modelling of the Crustal Present-Day In-Situ Stresses

Author: R. Goteti

Publisher: Geological Society of London

Published: 2024-08-01

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 1786206145

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Geomechanics has a marked impact on the safe and sustainable use of the subsurface. Along with an ongoing demand for hydrocarbon resources there is also a growing emphasis on sustainable subsurface exploitation and development, storage of carbon, hydrogen, energy and (radioactive) waste, as well as sustainable geothermal resource utilization. Such activities are accompanied by an ever-increasing need for higher resolution, fit-for-purpose solutions, workflows and approaches to constrain present-day subsurface stresses and minimize associated uncertainties. Building high fidelity geomechanical-numerical models provides critical input and understanding for diverse engineering designs and construction as well as geoscience applications. Such models greatly contribute towards uncertainty reduction, risk management and risk mitigation during the operational life of a given subsurface development and associated infrastructures (both on and below the surface). This Special Publication contains contributions detailing the latest efforts and perspectives in present-day in-situ stress characterization, prediction and modelling from the borehole to plate-tectonic scale. There is particular emphasis on the uncertainties that are often associated with data and models.

A Continent Revealed
A Continent Revealed

Author: D. J. Blundell

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1992-11-27

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 052142948X

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The scientific achievements of the European Geotraverse Committee (EGT) are presented in this unique study of the tectonic evolution of the continent of Europe and the first comprehensive cross section of the continental lithosphere.

Rock Stress and Its Measurement
Rock Stress and Its Measurement

Author: B. Amadei

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 524

ISBN-13: 9401153469

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Rock masses are initially stressed in their current in situ state of stress and to a lesser natural state. Whether one is interested in the extent on the monitoring of stress change. formation of geological structures (folds, faults, The subject of paleostresses is only briefly intrusions, etc. ), the stability of artificial struc discussed. tures (tunnels, caverns, mines, surface excava The last 30 years have seen a major advance our knowledge and understanding of rock tions, etc. ), or the stability of boreholes, a in the in situ or virgin stress field, stress. A large body of data is now available on knowledge of along with other rock mass properties, is the state of stress in the near surface of the needed in order to predict the response of rock Earth's crust (upper 3-4km of the crust). masses to the disturbance associated with those Various theories have been proposed regarding structures. Stress in rock is usually described the origin of in situ stresses and how gravity, within the context of continuum mechanics. It is tectonics, erosion, lateral straining, rock fabric, defined at a point and is represented by a glaciation and deglaciation, topography, curva second-order Cartesian tensor with six compo ture of the Earth and other active geological nents. Because of its definition, rock stress is an features and processes contribute to the current enigmatic and fictitious quantity creating chal in situ stress field.

Stress Field of the Earth's Crust
Stress Field of the Earth's Crust

Author: Arno Zang

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2009-12-06

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13: 1402084447

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Stress Field of the Earth’s Crust is based on lecture notes prepared for a course offered to graduate students in the Earth sciences and engineering at University of Potsdam. In my opinion, it will undoubtedly also become a standard reference book on the desk of most scientists working with rocks, such as geophysicists, structural geologists, rock mechanics experts, as well as geotechnical and petroleum en- neers. That is because this book is concerned with what is probably the most pe- liar characteristic of rock – its initial stress condition. Rock is always under a natural state of stress, primarily a result of the gravitational and tectonic forces to which it is subjected. Crustal stresses can vary regionally and locally and can reach in places considerable magnitudes, leading to natural or man-made mechanical failure. P- existing stress distinguishes rock from most other materials and is at the core of the discipline of “Rock Mechanics”, which has been developed over the last century. Knowledge of rock stress is fundamental to understanding faulting mechanisms and earthquake triggering, to designing stable underground caverns and prod- tive oil fields, and to improving mining methods and geothermal energy extraction, among others. Several books have been written on the subject, but none has atte- ted to be as all-encompassing as the one by Zang and Stephansson.

Dynamics of Complex Intracontinental Basins
Dynamics of Complex Intracontinental Basins

Author: Ralf Littke

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2008-08-11

Total Pages: 528

ISBN-13: 3540850856

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Sedimentary basins host, among others, most of our energy and fresh-water resources: they can be regarded as large geo-reactors in which many physical and chemical processes interact. Their complexity can only be well understood in well-organized interdisciplinary co-operations. This book documents how researchers from different geo-scientific disciplines have jointly analysed the structural, thermal, and sedimentary evolution as well as fluid dynamics of a complex sedimentary basin system which has experienced a variety of activation and reactivation impulses as well as intense salt tectonics. In this book we have summarized our geological, geophysical and geochemical understanding of some of the most important processes affecting sedimentary basins in general and our view on the evolution of one of the largest, best explored and most complex continental sedimentary basins on Earth: The Central European Basin System.

Handbook of Terrestrial Heat-Flow Density Determination
Handbook of Terrestrial Heat-Flow Density Determination

Author: R. Haenel

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 491

ISBN-13: 9400928475

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There comes a time in the affairs of every organization when we have to sit down and take stock of where we are and where we want to go. When the International Heat Flow Committee (as it was first called), IHFC, was formed in 1963 at the San Francisco International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics with Francis Birch as its first Chairman, the principal purpose was to stimulate work in the basic aspects of geothermics, particularly the measurement of terrestrial heat-flow density (HFD) in what were then the 'geothermally underdeveloped' areas of the world. In this, the IHFC was remarkably successful. By the beginning of the second decade of our existence, interest in the economic aspects of geothermics was increasing at a rapid pace and the IHFC served as a conduit for all aspects of geothermics and, moreover, became the group responsi ble for collecting data on all types of HFD measurements. In all the tasks that are undertaken, the IHFC relies on the enthusiasm of its members and colleagues who devote much of their time to the important but unglamorous and personally unrewarding tasks that were asked of them, and we arc fortunate that our parent institutions are usually quite tolerant of the time spent by their employees on IHFC work.