Prof. Yossef Hatzor
 | Research Topics: Geological engineering and rock mechanics, Mechanical behavior of intact rock and rock discontinuities, Block theory and Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA), Stability of rock slopes and underground openings.
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Frictional instability
We study frictional instability during sliding across rough faults. Specifically, we explore the relationship between fault roughness and the tendency to develop unstable frictional sliding as expressed by stick-slip oscillations, as well as the influence of normal stress on the transition from stable to unstable sliding and the micromechanics of stick slip deformation with emphasis on dilation.
Tendency of fault to rupture in response to fluid injection
We explore the tendency of fault to rupture in response to fluid injection deep underground with emphasis on the role of fault surface roughness. The critical pore pressure required for induced seismicity is readily available from Coulomb-Mohr failure criterion and Terzaghi’s concept of effective stress. But when the fault is rough, dilatant motions may alter the level of pore pressure required to initiate slip.
