Geologic Fracture Mechanics

This lively introduction to geologic fracture mechanics provides a consistent treatment of all common geologic structural discontinuities. It explores the formation, growth and interpretation of fractures and deformation bands, from theoretical, field and lab-based perspectives, bridging the gap between a general textbook treatment and the more advanced research literature. It allows the reader to acquire basic tools to interpret discontinuity origins, geometries, patterns and implications using many of the leading and contemporary concepts known to specialists in the field. Problem sets are provided at the end of each chapter, and worked examples are included within each chapter to illustrate topics and enable self-study. With all common geologic structures including joints, hydrofractures, faults, stylolites and deformation bands being discussed from a fresh perspective, it will be a useful reference for advanced students, researchers and industry practitioners interested in structural geology, neotectonics, rock mechanics, planetary geology, and reservoir geomechanics.

Preface; 1. Introduction to geologic structural discontinuities; 2. Elastic rock rheology and stress concentration; 3. Stress, Mohr circles, and deformation at peak strength; 4. Cracks and anticracks; 5. Discontinuity patterns and their interpretation; 6. Faults; 7. Deformation bands; 8. Fracture mechanics: a tour of basic principles; 9. Beyond linear elastic fracture mechanics; Answers to selected exercises; Glossary; References; Index.

Richard A. Schultz is the owner and principal consultant of Orion Geomechanics, Texas. He is a geologist specializing in the geomechanics of faulted overburden and reservoir systems, and in underground natural gas storage. He was previously Senior Research Scientist at the University of Texas, Austin, Principal Geomechanicist with ConocoPhillips, and Foundation Professor of Geological Engineering and Geomechanics (now Emeritus) with the University of Nevada, Reno. He is a member of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, a licensed Professional Geologist in the State of Texas, and was an instructor of state oil and gas regulators with TopCorp.