Geological and Civil Engineering Implications of the San Andreas Fault
This presentation delves into the geological complexities of the San Andreas Fault, a major strike-slip fault that has significant implications for civil engineering. We explore the varied geological history of the fault, its geologic formations like the Franciscan Complex and Salinian block, and the types of movements that occur along it. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake is highlighted, along with the associated engineering challenges and solutions for mitigating earthquake risks. Understanding these aspects is crucial for designing resilient structures in an earthquake-prone region.
Geological and Civil Engineering Implications of the San Andreas Fault
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Presentation Transcript
Geology for Engineers The San Andreas Fault: The Geological and Civil Engineering Implications
History • The San Andreas is a collection of faults • The geological history of the area is varied • West side Granitic Basement, part of a volcanic arc • East side Franciscan Complex rocks
History • East Side –Franciscan Complex • Intensely sheared and broken • Ophiolite bodies • Cold intrusive masses of Serpentinite • West Side - Salinian block • Granitic and Metamorphic rock • Theorised to have been transported from Sierra Nevada • Possibly transported 2500Km from Central America
Fault Type • Strike – Slip Fault • Responsible for Transportation • San Andreas right lateral • Rupture nearly vertical • Thrust Fault • Found in LA area • One plate rises above another • When breaching the surface create “Thrust Mountains”
Associated Problems • Strike – Slip Fault • Differential Movement of Surface • Sudden Slip • Earthquakes • Thrust Faults • Surface Movement • Earthquakes (underground)
Earthquakes and Civil Engineering • Ground Shaking • Richter Scale • Principle Cause of earthquake damage • Ground Failure • Faults • Induced Landslides • Settlement • Liquefaction
San Francisco Earthquake 1906 • 7.8 on the Richter Scale • 300 miles of Fault Slipped up to 21ft • 80% of City destroyed • Made worse as bay area is made from soft mud, sand and gravel
Ground Shaking • Predicted Cost of a San Andreas Earthquake • Engineering Solutions • Retrofitting • Dampers – Slosh Tanks, Shock Absorbers • Reinforcement – Shear Trusses • Freeways
Ground Failure • Avoiding Faults • Dont Build directly on fault • Landslides • Can cause massive damage • Not a big issue on S.A. Fault • Settlement • Dependant on Subgrade • Soil Stabilisation
Reducing the Effects of Liquefaction • What is Liquefaction? • Susceptible Soils • Avoidance • Compaction • Vibroflotation • Drainage • Resistant Structures • Shallow Foundations • Deep Foundations
Conclusion • Existing geological profile and tendencies will remain • Movement of the slip-strike plates will continue • The build up of stresses within such faults means another big earthquake likely • Greater understanding of earthquake dynamics • Major Structures all designed to withstand major earthquakes
Thank you for listening Any Questions?