Role of heterogeneity in elastic properties and layer thickness in the jointing of layered sedimentary rocks

10Citations
Citations of this article
24Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

We investigate how overburden weight acts in conjunction with heterogeneity in elastic properties between sedimentary layers to induce the tensile stress necessary for regional jointing. Model results are supported by data from a new experimental design in which an aluminum loading frame sandwiches a tabular specimen of brittle material of varying thickness between two layers of rubber. Load is applied perpendicular to the layering. The aluminum load frame only permits the rubber layers to expand in one direction, leading to the formation of a system of parallel fractures in the brittle layer as the rubber extends uniaxially. The initiation of the first fractures is independent of the layer thickness. As fracture spacing decreases below the layer thickness, mechanical interaction between closely-spaced fractures limits the initiation of additional fractures. The onset of mechanical inhibition of additional fracture growth occurs at greater normalized fracture spacings in thinner layers. Copyright 2003 by the American Geophysical Union.

References Powered by Scopus

Progress in understanding jointing over the past century

954Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

An experimental study of the relationship between joint spacing and layer thickness

347Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Characteristics of joint propagation across layer interfaces in sedimentary rocks

206Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

A likely universal model of fracture scaling and its consequence for crustal hydromechanics

148Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Mechanical stratigraphic controls on fracture patterns within carbonates and implications for groundwater flow

124Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

A model of fracture nucleation, growth and arrest, and consequences for fracture density and scaling

98Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Renshaw, C. E., Myse, T. A., & Brown, S. R. (2003). Role of heterogeneity in elastic properties and layer thickness in the jointing of layered sedimentary rocks. Geophysical Research Letters, 30(24). https://doi.org/10.1029/2003GL018489

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 10

56%

Researcher 5

28%

Professor / Associate Prof. 3

17%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Earth and Planetary Sciences 18

90%

Physics and Astronomy 1

5%

Computer Science 1

5%

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free