Determination of 12 orthotropic elastic constants for rocks

The deformation properties of rocks ultimately become anisotropic depending on the orientations of mineral particles and sedimentary structures. Characterization of deformation anisotropy is important for accurate understanding of the deformation characteristics of structures constructed inside rocks (e.g., rock foundation and tunnel). The simplest anisotropic elastic model is transversely isotropic elasticity, and in recent years, many methods for rationally specifying this elastic constant have been proposed.