Stress orientation evaluated from strain localisation analysis in Aigion fault

TL;DR

This study analyzes fault zone cores from the Aigion fault to evaluate stress orientations through strain localization, using elastoplastic modeling and field observations to infer principal stress directions.

Contribution

It introduces a method combining shear band analysis and elastoplastic modeling to determine local stress orientations in weak fault zones.

Findings

Shear bands form within the clayey core consistent with stress analysis.

Principal stress orientations are nearly parallel and perpendicular to the fault axis.

The approach links field observations with modeling to infer stress directions.

Abstract

Within the frame of the 'CRL' (Corinth Rift Laboratory project) (Cornet et al, 2004a) centered on the south western sector of the Gulf of Corinth (http://www.corinth-rift-lab.org), fault zone cores from the active Aigion fault have been collected continuously from depths between 708 m to 782 m. Inside this clayey core, a clear shearing surface with marked slip lines is visible on a plane that makes a 68 degree angle with respect to the core axis. This failure surface was not induced by the decompression process but is indeed a slip plane as clear striation is observed at the interface. On the basis of an elastoplastic constitutive model calibrated on triaxial tests on the clayey gouge, it is shown that shear band formation inside the clayey core is possible. The solution for the orientation of the shear band is compared to the orientation of an existing slip surface inside the clayey gouge and this result is used to deduce the orientation of the principal stresses. It is shown that as commonly observed in weak fault zones, the orientation of the principal stresses is locally almost parallel and perpendicular to the fault axis.