Numerical investigation of progressive damage and associated seismicity on a laboratory fault

Understanding rock shear failure behavior is crucial to gain insights into slip-related geohazards such as avalanches, landslides, and earthquakes. However, descriptions of the progressive damage on surface are still incomplete or ambiguous. In this study, we use hybrid finite-discrete element method (FDEM) simulate a experiment obtain detailed comprehension induced associated seismic activity. We built laboratory fault model from high resolution scans micro-CT imaging. Our results show that under quasi-static loading, experiences local dynamic activities. found activity related stress concentration interlocking asperities. This (i) causes at region contact could reach compressive strength, (ii) produces tensile up strength in adjacent area. Thus, different mechanisms patterns including crushing sub-vertical fracturing observed rough surface. Asperity creates rapid slips resulting significant perturbations alter overall condition may trigger slip critically stressed spatial distribution damaged asperities highly heterogeneous; regions with intense asperity interactions formed gouge material, while others exhibit minimal no damage. These emphasize important role roughness controlling activities faults.