Understanding dynamic friction of rock fractures

Abstract

This report examines the dynamics of a fault fracture slip due to changes in loading on the fault. The report investigates the spectrum of fault slip modes, from the observed stick-slip mechanics, as well as through understanding of the well-established rate-and-state-dependent friction laws. The report will be based on a series of mechanical stick-slip fault sliding experiments. The experiments will be conducted on a polycarbonate fault interface, to measure changes in shear stress, shear displacement, absolute energy, and to also study the different spectrum of fault slip modes with evolution in dynamic friction.

The experiment aims to simulate the process whereby anthropogenic activities such as subterranean excavations, which could disrupt the stress equilibrium of rock faults and fractures, hence, resulting in fault slips and other related geohazards

The attained results from the experiment documented evolutions of stick-slip and sliding behaviours due to changes in loading and stiffness of a fault. The observations could be used as indicators to load-induced fault instability in the future and could lower the risk of excavation-induced geohazards.