Spontaneous Rock Expansion

Bain, George W.

doi:10.1086/623906

Cited by 18 publications

(9 citation statements)

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“…However, when lateral confining stresses are maintained upon loading and unloading, then compressive stresses are generated and extensional fractures can develop (Nichols, 1980). These laboratory experiments also confirm the role of compressive stresses in forming rock bursts or 'pop-ups', which are the rapid 'explosion' of rock at the surface or buckling, often occurring after mining operations that remove overburden or in terrain that has undergone natural erosion (Bain, 1931;Jacobi et al, 2007;Everitt, 2009). High ratios of shear horizontal to shear vertical stresses diminish with depth, as does the density of jointing.…”

Section: Rock Stress Redistributions and Jointingmentioning

confidence: 52%

“…With the possible exception of a glacial valley where the bedrock is composed of young (e.g. volcanic) material, the bedrock has high internal over-consolidation stresses (Bain, 1931;Farmin, 1937;Lo, 1978). Erosion causes the over-consolidated elastic rock mass to dilate and develop stress-release joints, often parallel to the erosion surface (Jahns, 1943;Bradley, 1963;Lo, 1978).…”

Section: Stress-releasementioning

confidence: 99%

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Paraglacial rock-slope stability

2012

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Section: Rock Stress Redistributions and Jointingmentioning

confidence: 52%

Section: Stress-releasementioning

confidence: 99%

Paraglacial rock-slope stability

2012

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“…1) and occur in many places (Branner, 1896;Cadman, 1970, and references therein;Twidale, 1982;Holzhausen, 1989;Hencher and others, 2011). Sheeting joints develop in many kinds of strong rocks, such as granite, gneiss, massive sandstone, mafic intrusive rocks, marble, and basalt (Matthes, 1930;Bain, 1931;Balk, 1937;Jahns, 1943;Holzhausen, 1977, and references therein;Faust, 1978). Owing to their striking form, widespread development, and utility in quarries, sheeting joints have attracted attention for more than two centuries (e.g., Pötzsch, 1803;Dale, 1923).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Progress in understanding sheeting joints over the past two centuries

Martel

2017

Journal of Structural Geology

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Sheeting joints share many geometric, textural, and kinematic features with other joints, but differ in that they are (a) discernibly curved, and (b) open near to and subparallel to the topographic surface. Where sheeting joints are geologically young, the surface-parallel compressive stresses are large, typically several MPa or greater. Sheeting joints are best developed beneath domes, ridges, and saddles. They also are reported, albeit rarely, beneath valleys or bowls. A mechanism that accounts for these associations has been sought for more than a century: the commonly subscribed explanation of erosion of overburden, by itself, is inadequate. Principles of fracture mechanics, together with the mechanical effects of a curved topographic surface experiencing a surface-parallel compression, provide a framework that accounts for the cardinal characteristics of sheeting joints. A compressive stress parallel to a convex topographic surface induces a tension perpendicular to the surface at shallow depths. In some cases, this combination alone can overcome the weight of overburden to open sheeting joints. Plausible distributions of water pressure in sheeting joints would help open and drive them beneath valleys, saddles, and bowls. Thermal stresses help sheeting joints develop very near the ground surface. Sheeting joints thus appear to reflect an intricate fracture process primarily involving the shape, slope, and scale of the topography; the regional horizontal stresses; the effect of gravity; and groundwater pressure. Understanding how sheeting joints evolve in three dimensions through time remains an outstanding challenge and would illuminate their effect on landscapes, slope stability, and fluid flow.

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“…Bain, 1931). Some surficial lamination can be detected but not in the density (not as numerous and closely spaced) as suggested by the fl aking associated with the 1999 Minnipa seismic event.…”

Section: Laminaementioning

confidence: 94%

On the origin of A-tents (pop-ups), sheet structures, and associated forms

Twidale

Bourne

2009

Progress in Physical Geography: Earth and Environment

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A-tents are also known as pop-ups and by several other local names. They consist of raised slabs or plates of various thicknesses and origins. Laminae are caused by weathering, and spall plates or slabs may be caused in part by freeze-thaw acting on water held in pre-existing partings which are, however, like the sheet fractures that defi ne the thicker sheet structures, probably of tectonic origin. A-tents are the result of the buckling of such laminae, plates and slabs. Again, tectonism in the form of compressive horizontal stress, appears the most likely and common causation, though decreases in lithostatic pressure consequent on unloading and, in particular cases, surfi cial expansion of plates caused by the intense heat of fi res, may also contribute to rock failure and rupture. All A-tents are of Holocene age and are, therefore, neotectonic forms. Some have developed in living memory, and some are known to be developing from blisters. There is some evidence of continued dislocation along sheet fractures and of the transformation of blisters or arches into A-tents under the infl uence of continued lateral compression. This review demonstrates, therefore, that A-tents, sheet structures, and associated forms share a common heritage.

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Spontaneous Rock Expansion

Cited by 18 publications

References 0 publications

Paraglacial rock-slope stability

Paraglacial rock-slope stability

Progress in understanding sheeting joints over the past two centuries

On the origin of A-tents (pop-ups), sheet structures, and associated forms

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