rock, slit of variable width, end zones of plastic deformations, tectonic and gravitational forces, contact stresses.

. The problem of compression of an isotropic rock medium with a slit of variable width is considered. The slit has end plastic zones. It is assumed that the interaction of slit surfaces under tectonic and gravitational forces in a rock mass can lead to the formation of contact zones. The case of the occurrence of several contact areas of the slit faces is considered. It is assumed that the cohesion of the faces occurs on some part of the contact area, and slippage is possible on the rest. Finding unknown parameters characterizing the partial closure of the slit is reduced to solving a system of singular integral equations. The contact stresses, sizes of contact areas and end zones of plastic deformations are determined.

Mirsalimov, Vagif Mirakhmedovich, Dr. Sci. Phys. & Math., Professor, Department of Mechanics, Azerbaijan Technical University, Baku, Azerbaijan.