MECHANISTIC MODES OF STRESS ACCUMULATION AND RELIEF IN ONTARIO ROCKS.

Abstract

This paper examines and proposes some physical mechanism affecting stress accumuation and relief. Stress accumulation is postulated to be a result of many processes, such as global motions (i. e. plate tectonics), erosion and continental glaciation, and isostatic movements. Some of the mechanisms of stress relief are regional geological motions (i. e. creep and isostatic uplift), ″rock squeeze″ , rockbursts, buckling failures and earthquakes. It is noted that some of these processes have a major impact on the performance of engineering structures.