Stress what is it, and how do we infer it from geologic

structures we observe and measure?

Stress is a force measured over a given area.

As geologists we dont get to see stress, - we infer it from strain.
Structural geology largely considers stress in terms of the
orientation of a particular stress state, and differences
between stresses acting in one direction vs another
It is very difficult to directly measure the magnitude of stress in
the Earth.

Reading:

Some of this material is derived from Chapter 4 in

Fossen, the rest is from lectures Ive developed.

We can start by considering stress applied

over a plane in two dimensions (which is
called plane strain), important because it
keeps movement contained within the
plane we are viewing.

Class question:
Why would we want to distinguish a normal stress from shear
stress? They are both just stresses, right?
Lets start with the orientation of a particular stress relative to a
plane.
How would a normal stress be oriented relative to the plane?
How would a shear stress be oriented relative to the plane?
How would deformation vary as normal and shear stresses
changed? Would flattening or shearing of rock occur under one
condition more than the other?

Rock climbers understand this

intuitively. When they climb slabs
of rock, how do they orient their
bodies? Parallel to the rock face,
or with their legs at a high angle to
the rock?
Experienced slab climbers keep
their backside out from the rock,
so their shoes are pushing against
the rock surface, maximizing
normal stress (and friction as well).
Inexperienced climbers hug the
rock, and increase the shear stress
between their shoes and the rock
surface (decreasing friction). At
which point they usually fall off..

Stemming in a chimney also

requires a good understanding
of the correct application of
normal stresses.

Heads up
You should know basic rules for angles in trigonometry eqns
Angles as they relate to sine, cosine and tangent
Also (very) basic algebra, ratios, substitution
No differential eqns, matrix algebra, quantum mechanics ;-0( (sorry)
But if you dont like using equations, use the graphical tools well
Introduce in the next lecture on Mohr Stress Diagrams (based on the
equations here).

You are NOT responsible for the derivation, just

remembering the equations

Lets consider normal and shear stresses

Here we are placing a force on a plane of
particular orientation, then resolving normal
and shear stresses on that plane. (sigma = stress)

Theta is defined as the angle between the maximum

stress and the plane the stresses are acting on

Lets first solve for the shear stresses acting

on a plane of known orientation

Equations well need

Lets first solve for the shear stresses acting on a

plane of known orientation

Lets first solve for the shear stresses acting on a

plane of known orientation

So now weve solved for shear stress

Now lets solve for normal stress acting on the plane

Now lets solve for normal stress acting on the plane

Now lets solve for normal stress acting on the plane

So now weve solved for normal stress

Here then are the equationss for both normal & shear stresses

Calculating maximum shear stress

For what value is the shear stress greatest?

/
4

For what value is the shear stress greatest? (45)

2 = 90

F
A

Class problem

Find the dip of the plane

such that shear stress, ss is
Minimized and normal
stress sn maximized.
Draw the plane on the
block figure.

Class Problem

Find the dip of the plane such that

shear stress is minimized and
normal stress is maximized.

Draw the plane on

a block figure.

The relationship between stresses and

1

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