Induced strains and defect continuum theory: Internal reorganization of load.

Induced strains play an important role in mining regions and water dam areas. We consider a mechanism of reorganization of the applied stress load by some changes in rock-body defect distribution caused by human activity. A defect content increases with increasing stress load and related deformations; hence, a relationship could appear between seismic risk and deformation level. Recent progress in the Asymmetric Continuum Theory permits to consider some internal reorganization of the applied load due to internal defect content and distribution; in this paper we consider an increase of internal defect densities due to mining works and the appearance of reorganized internal stress distribution. A generalization of the Peach-Koehler forces acting on the defects makes it possible to define formation of induced strains; a character of resulting strains may essentially differ from the applied load. In the case of an axial load, this approach helps to understand formation of shear or rotational micro-fractures, usually recognized as fragmentation and slip motions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]