Box fractal dimension and the first invariant of fracture tensor of fracture networks as measures of statistical homogeneity of jointed rock masses

Pinnaduwa H.S.W. Kulatilake, Reno Fiedler, Bibhuti B. Panda, Gang Pan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

A computer program was developed to estimate the fractal dimension (D), based on the box-counting technique. It was verified by estimating D of the triadic Koch curve for which the theoretical D is known. The influence of a number of input parameters of the box counting method on the estimated D was evaluated using the same Koch curve. Employed size range of the applied box networks was found to be the parameter which has the strongest influence on estimated D. The computer program was then applied to different block sizes sampled from three generated two dimensional joint patterns to estimate the box fractal dimension. Results indicated that the box fractal dimension can capture the combined influence of joint size distribution and joint density on the statistical homogeneity of rock masses. For the same block sizes sampled p from the three generated joint networks, the first invariant of fracture tensor (I\ ) was calculated. Results indicated the capability of I\ to capture the combined effect of joint size and joint density on the statistical homogeneity of rock masses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2nd North American Rock Mechanics Symposium, NARM 1996
Editors Hassani, Mitri, Aubertin
PublisherAmerican Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
Pages1779-1786
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)905410838X, 9789054108382
StatePublished - 1996
Event2nd North American Rock Mechanics Symposium, NARM 1996 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: Jun 19 1996Jun 21 1996

Publication series

Name2nd North American Rock Mechanics Symposium, NARM 1996

Other

Other2nd North American Rock Mechanics Symposium, NARM 1996
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period6/19/966/21/96

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geology
  • Geophysics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Box fractal dimension and the first invariant of fracture tensor of fracture networks as measures of statistical homogeneity of jointed rock masses'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this