Two-dimensional finite element analysis of gravitational and lateral-driven deformation in sedimentary basins

• Published in: International journal for numerical and analytical methods in geomechanics Vol. 38; no. 7; pp. 725 - 746
• Main Authors: Maghous, S., Brüch, A., Bernaud, D., Dormieux, L., Braun, A. L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2014; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Basins; Buildings. Public works; Computer simulation; Constitutive relationships; Exact sciences and technology; finite element approach; Finite element method; finite poroplasticity; Geotechnics; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; mechanical compaction; Phases; sedimentary basin; Sediments; Soil mechanics. Rocks mechanics; Strength of materials (elasticity, plasticity, buckling, etc.); Structural analysis. Stresses; tectonics; Deformation; Rock mechanics; Sedimentary rock; sedimentary basin; Theoretical study; Two dimensional model; Compaction; Modeling; Tectonics; finite poroplasticity; finite element approach; mechanical compaction; Finite element method; Discretization; Poroelasticity; Pore pressure; Porosity
• ISSN: 0363-9061; 1096-9853
• DOI: 10.1002/nag.2232

SUMMARY The paper deals with the modeling of some aspects, such as the formulation of constitutive equations for sediment material or finite element approach for basin analysis, related to mechanical compaction in sedimentary basins. In addition to compaction due to gravity forces and pore‐pressure dissipation, particular emphasis is given to the study of deformation induced by tectonic sequences. The numerical model relies upon the implementation of a comprehensive constitutive model for the sediment material formulated within the framework of finite poroplasticity. The theoretical model accounts for both hydromechanical and elasticity–plasticity coupling due to the effects of irreversible large strains. From the numerical viewpoint, a finite element procedure specifically devised for dealing with sedimentary basins as open systems allows to simulate within a two‐dimensional setting the process of sediment accretion or erosion. Several basin simulations are presented. The main objective is to analyze the behavior of a sedimentary basin during the different phases of its life cycle: accretion phase, pore‐pressure dissipation phase and compressive/extensional tectonic motions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.