A fractal analysis method to characterise rock joint morphology

Rock joints morphological characteristics strongly influence the shear strength dilatancy response of discontinuity. Morphological features rock are commonly identified with a roughness descriptor along standard 100 mm-length profile detected by instrumentation such as profilometers. This work extends method proposed for fractal analysis particle contours to describe joint profiles in terms quantitative descriptors their roughness. It is well-established that natural surfaces have nature, self similar over wide range scales. implies measured length outline function measurement scale: smaller scale, longer length. Based on interpretation profiles, relating identifying and its characteristic scale proposed. The first applied some artificial later real profiles.