Hydromechanical coupling and basin tectonic compression

Abstract

This paper deals with the numerical modelling with the LAGAMINE finite element code of the large strain elastoplastic deformation of a basin taking into account the hydromechanical coupling. One describes the rock mechanics model, the flow model, and the coupling between them. Volume finite element are proposed as well as interface one. The second ones are devoted to the modelling of faults, including the water flow through the fault. Finally the code is applied to a basin compression induced by sedimentation. It is shown that depending on the fault hydromechanical properties, a fault can be activated or not.