A model of fault propagation in rocks under compression
Abstract
In the literature, faults are often treated as shear cracks. However, laboratory and field observations, as well as theoretical reasoning suggest that shear cracks do not grow in their own planes. The proposed model assumes that the fault propagates by successive connections of wing cracks sufficiently grown due to the stress concentration at the fault front. This mechanism makes the fault “thick” and, hence, restricts the stress concentration. It is shown that while this stress concentration is sufficient for connecting wing cracks, it is not enough to produce tensile out-of-plane growth. The criterion of fault propagation has been derived for a particular case of low lateral pressure. The authors’ names are listed alphabetically.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Geotechnical and Geomechanical Engineering
Hydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir Analysis
earthquake and tectonic studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Rock Mechanics
- Publisher
- CRC Press
- Pages
- 731–738
- Publication date
- 18 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter