ABSTRACT
Fautling of normal faults is modelled by use of the distinct element method. Results from the numerical modelling in fault displacements and fault propagation are presented and compared with analytical solution and observation data. Based on parametric study in terms of fault geometry, material mechanics properties of the fault and the rock, the in-situ stress field and loading conditions, a simple empirical rule is proposed that describes the maximum shear displacement of a normal fault intersecting the earth surface.
