Mechanics of Oblique Convergent Strike-slip Faulting - A Comparison Results of Sandbox and Finite Element Modeling

One of the problems in understanding deformation in the earth crust involves simulating structural development in the sedimentary basin. This can be achieved using analogue Modeling. Sandbox modeling is one of the types of analogue modeling in geological sciences in which the main purpose is simulating deformation style and structural evolution of the sedimentary basin. Two main scopes of this investigation mostly concentrate on developing physical/analogue geologic models using sandbox and conducting numerical modeling of Finite Element Method (FEM) as comparison approach. Variation in basement structures, thickness and rheology variation of the sedimentary package will control both structural pattern and geometry of the deformed sedimentary basin. Different deformational setting generates specific morphology in which their development and changing is marked by initiation of new structures. The relative speed of moving wall doesn’t have control in generating different structural styles. FEM using Geo-3D computer program has been verified to closely match analytical elastic solution and it have been successfully implemented to simulate sandbox experiment. The current program could be further developed to represent non-linear material behavior adopting a certain failure criteria and be able to simulate prescribed displacement.