21. Geological Faults
Geological faults are critical fractures in the Earth's crust that play a significant role in earthquake dynamics. The chapter discusses the definition, causes, and classifications of faults, along with their geometrical and mechanical properties. It emphasizes the importance of understanding faults for effective civil engineering practices, especially regarding risk assessment and infrastructure planning in seismically active regions.
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What we have learnt
- Faults are fractures in the Earth's crust where movement has occurred due to tectonic forces.
- Earthquake risk is associated with active faults; understanding their behavior aids in civil engineering applications.
- Effective fault mapping and monitoring are essential for mitigating earthquake hazards and enhancing structural resilience.
Key Concepts
- -- Fault
- A fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.
- -- Normal Fault
- A type of dip-slip fault where the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall.
- -- Reverse Fault
- A fault where the hanging wall moves upward relative to the footwall, typically found in compressive settings.
- -- Thrust Fault
- A low-angle reverse fault that causes significant crustal shortening.
- -- Elastic Rebound Theory
- A theory explaining how stress accumulates in rocks until it exceeds strength, leading to fault rupture and energy release.
- -- Fault Hazard Assessment
- A process used by civil engineers to evaluate the risks associated with fault activity for effective planning and design.
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