Tectonic stresses impact on rock mass structure and properties

Abstract

Introduction. By the example of the local structures formed by the rock of terrigenous red bed, the present work illustrates the impact made by tectonic fracturing on their properties development. Rock microstructure and strength changes were the results of tectonic stresses during the rock mass formation. The detected zones of increased fracturing are clearly correlated with both the indices of crystal lattice deformation and rock strength properties. Research aim is to assess the impact made by the local structures formation on rock properties and the development of various tectonic stresses. The methodology included rock sampling, fracture survey within the local structure, condition of the mineralogical composition of the samples, determination of the samples strength by uniaxial compression, the rock-forming mineral crystal lattice study using X-ray diffraction analysis, and subsequent analysis and comparison of the obtained materials. Results. A study area fracturing map was compiled and the information on the crystal lattice structure and rock strength was obtained. Correlation between crystal lattice deformations, strength properties of selected samples, and rock fracturing in the rock mass under study was performed. Conclusions. The presented research results explain a wide range of values of strength properties by crystals microstructure imperfection, which, in turn, is closely related to the rock mass destruction.