Abstract

This paper uses two-dimensional Finite Element Method (FEM) numerical modeling to analyze the orientation of maximum horizontal tensional stress of the Barapukuria coal basin in Bangladesh. An elastic plane stress model incorporating elastic rock physical properties for the coal basin area was used consisting of 2916 elements with a network of 1540 nodes. The stress field at any point of the model is assumed to comprise gravitational and tectonic components. The tectonic component is assumed to act entirely in the horizontal plane in the far-field and at the model eastern boundary. Modeling results are presented in terms of four parameters, that is, orientation of maximum horizontal tensional stress  displacement vector, strain distribution, and maximum shear stress contour line within the model. Results show that the orientation of the maximum horizontal tensional stress axis is almost N45^oE, which coincides with the regional stress field as studied by Gown et al. (1992), varying from N31^oE to N73^oE.

Key words: Barapukuria coal basin, elastic rock properties, FE analysis, horizontal tensional stress trajectories, eastern boundary fault.