Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-hc48f Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T05:14:30.087Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Mechanics of Jointing in Rocks

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

Neville J. Price
Affiliation:
9 Ashton Gardens, Hounslow, Middlesex.

Abstract

The current theories dealing with the mechanics of joint development are discussed critically. An analysis of the stress conditions which can exist in competent rocks in the crust is presented. The conclusion is reached that “Master” and “Regional” Joints can be, generically, either “tensional” or “shear” structures. They are, however, post-tectonic phenomena which develop as a result of uplift. Joints form a part of “movement pictures” because their orientation is determined by residual stresses. Reasons are given which indicate that the mechanism described is generally applicable to joint development in folded sediments, igneous rocks, and also to incompetent material.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1959

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Anderson, E. M., 1951. The Dynamics of Faulting. Edinburgh.Google Scholar
Balk, R., 1937. Structural Behaviour of Igneous Rocks. Mem. Geol. Soc. Amer., No. 5.Google Scholar
De Sitter, L. U., 1956. Structural Geology, London.Google Scholar
Griggs, D., 1939. Creep of Rocks. Journ. Geol., 47, p. 225.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gutenberg, B., 1941. Changes in sea level, post-glacial uplift, and mobility of the earth's interior. Bull. Geol. Soc. Amer., lii, 721.Google Scholar
Handin, J., andHager, R., 1957. Experimental Deformation of Sedimentary Rocks. Bull. Amer. Assoc. Petr. Geol., 41, p. 1.Google Scholar
Hubbert, M. K., 1951. Mechanical Basis for certain familiar Geologic Structures. Bull. Geol. Soc. Amer., lxii, 355.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hubbert, M. K., andWillis, G., 1957. Mechanics of Hydraulic Fracturing Publication 15, Shell Oil Co. Tech. Services Division.Google Scholar
Inglis, C. E., 1913. Stresses in a Plate due to the Presence of Cracks and Sharp Corners. Trans. Inst. Naval Arch., lv, 219.Google Scholar
Kendall, P. F., andBriggs, H., 1933. The formation of rock joints and the cleat in coal. Proc. Roy. Soc. Edin., liii, 193.Google Scholar
Phillips, D. W., 1948. Tectonics of Mining. Sheffield Univ. Min. Mag.Google Scholar
Price, N. J., 1958. A study of rock properties in conditions of Triaxial Stress. Mechanical Properties of Non-Metallic Brittle Materials, London.Google Scholar
Scheidegger, A. E., 1957. Rheology of the earth; the basic problem of Geodynamics. Canadian Journal Physics, xxxv, 383.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Turner, F. J., 1948. Mineralogical and Structural Evolution of the Meta-morphic Rocks. Geol. Soc. Amer. Mem., 30.Google Scholar
van Waterschoot van der Gracht, W. A. J. M., Jongmans, W. J., andTesch, P., 1942. Mideleelingen van de Geologische Stichting. SerieC-1–2, No. 1. Maastricht.Google Scholar
Wilson, G., 1952. The influence of rock structure on coast-line and cliff development. Proc. Geol. Assoc. Lond., lxiii, 49.Google Scholar