3D Mechanical modeling of faults planes based on stress fields: a case study of Saravan fault, SE Iran

Abstract

This research aims to understand the response of the faults planes subjected to the certain stress fields. When an active fault ruptures, its geometry depends to the responsible mechanism at geological time. Therefore, it is important to study the faults behavior based on stress fields. We try to provide a process of modeling the fault plane. We first gain stress field by MATLAB scripting based on field data and stress–strain analyses. In addition, we compare the morphology of analogue models with the study area to improve our model. We design mechanical models based on finite element methods in Ansys so that have more adaptation with stress field and surface deformations. Finally, 3D fault plane appears as a narrow part of solid block. Selecting Saravan fault in SE Iran is because of its significant curvature along its strike and its recent activity. The model represents a compression and bulking affecting to the study area. The 3D deformed fault plane as a part of hanging wall block shows an upward progressive tear zone at the south end of the main fault.