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Imaging slow failure in triaxially deformed Etna basalt using 3D acoustic-emission location and X-ray computed tomography

Benson, PM; Thompson, BD; Meredith, PG; Vinciguerra, S; Young, RP; (2007) Imaging slow failure in triaxially deformed Etna basalt using 3D acoustic-emission location and X-ray computed tomography. Geophysical Research Letters , 34 (3) , Article L03303. 10.1029/2006GL028721. Green open access

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Abstract

We have deformed basalt from Mount Etna (Italy) in triaxial compression tests under an effective confining pressure representative of conditions under a volcanic edifice (40 MPa), and at a constant strain rate of 5 similar to 10(-6) s(-1). Despite containing a high level of pre-existing microcrack damage, Etna basalt retains a high strength of 475 MPa. We have monitored the complete deformation cycle through contemporaneous measurements of axial strain, pore volume change, compressional wave velocity change and acoustic emission (AE) output. We have been able to follow the complete evolution of the throughgoing shear fault without recourse to any artificial means of slowing the deformation. Locations of AE events over time yields an estimate of the fault propagation velocity of between 2 and 4 mm. s(-1). We also find excellent agreement between AE locations and post-test images from X-ray microtomography scanning that delineates deformation zone architecture.

Type: Article
Title: Imaging slow failure in triaxially deformed Etna basalt using 3D acoustic-emission location and X-ray computed tomography
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1029/2006GL028721
Publisher version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2006GL028721
Language: English
Additional information: Copyright 2007 by the American Geophysical Union
Keywords: Static fault growth, Granite, Rock, Velocities, Cracking
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Earth Sciences
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/8723
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