In: Physics
Four core samples from a block of sandstone have been deformed in a triaxial deformation apparatus until they fail by faulting. The results are summarized in the tablebelow.
Confining pressure (MPa). Axial stress at failure (MPa) Fault angle (q,°)
50 220 58
100 340 56
150 460 57
200 575 54
1. Calculate for each experiment (a) the differential stress and mean stress in the sample when it failed, and (b) the normal and shear stresses on the failure plane at the time of failure.
2.Use the information from #1 to plot a Mohr diagram (sn vs. ss) that shows the state of stress when the rock failed in each of the four experiments (i.e., four circles on one diagram). NOTE: Owing to symmetry required by Newton’s Third Law, only theupper half of the diagram (ss > 0) needs to be plotted.