Gravitational stresses in anisotropic rock masses
This paper presents closed-form solutions for the stress field induced by gravity in anisotropic rock masses. These rocks are assumed to be laterally restrained and are modelled as a homogeneous, orthotropic or transversely isotropic, linearly elastic material. The analysis, constrained by the thermodynamic requirement that strain energy be positive definite, gives the following important result: inclusion of anisotropy broadens the range of permissible values of gravity-induced horizontal stresses. In fact, for some ranges of anisotropic rock properties, it is thermodynamically admissible for gravity-induced horizontal stresses to exceed the vertical stress component; this is not possible for the classical isotropic solution. Specific examples are presented to explore the nature of the gravity-induced stress field in anisotropic rocks and its dependence on the type, degree and orientation of anisotropy with respect to the horizontal ground surface. ?? 1987.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1987 |
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Title | Gravitational stresses in anisotropic rock masses |
DOI | 10.1016/0148-9062(87)91227-7 |
Authors | B. Amadei, W. Z. Savage, H.S. Swolfs |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts |
Index ID | 70014631 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |