Question

When are the normal stresses formed?

(a) Maximum stress is horizontal

(b) Maximum stress is vertical

(c) Maximum stress is inclined at certain angle other than right angle

(d) Intermediate stress is vertical

I had been asked this question during an interview for a job.

This question is from Recognition of Faulting topic in section Faults and Faulting of Engineering Geology

Answer 1

The correct option is (b) Maximum stress is vertical

To explain I would say: In highly oversimplified situation, the type of fault likely to form is related to stress field operating in a given area. Thus, talking in terms of the three principal stresses, normal faults would form when, the maximum stress is vertical.