A note on the frictional strength of laumontite from Cajon Pass, California

Journal Article · Thu Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1991 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/91GL00209· OSTI ID:5589460

Morrow, C A; Byerlee, J D ^[1]

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1. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA (USA)

Laumontite mineralization is pervasive in joints and shear zones encountered in the Cajon Pass drillhole in southern California. In order to determine whether a gouge composed of this hydrated mineral affects shear strength in a manner similar to low-strength, clay-rich fault gouges, frictional sliding experiments were performed under dry, saturated and high pore pressure conditions at effective pressures up to 450 MPa. Coefficients of friction ranged between 0.66 and 0.84, consistent with most crustal rocks and well above the values typical of clay-rich San Andreas fault gouges. Saturation state had no effect on strength or sliding stability. These results suggest that the presence of laumontite in shear zones at Cajon Pass will not affect the shear strength of the rock in a way that can account for the inferred low ambient shear stresses.

• OSTI ID: 5589460
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 18:2; ISSN 0094-8276; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
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FRICTION FACTOR
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
INORGANIC ION EXCHANGERS
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