Rock Fracture Image Segmentation Algorithms

Since rock fracture is a key property for different rock engineering applications, rock fracture measurement is often carried out in classifying the rock mass. Most geo-mechanics models (e.g. finite element) are of the equivalent continuum type in which fractures are represented not individually, but by their influence on a large element of the rock mass. Elastic modulus, for example, is obtained either by large-scale testing of rock containing many joints, or, at less expense, by applying a reduction factor to the modulus obtained from small-scale tests on intact rock. Other models (e.g. those based on the key block concept) are capable of taking into account the position and mechanical characteristics of individual fracture. The shear strength of a fracture can be estimated from its roughness together with strength and thickness of filling materials, using a variety of empirical or semi-empirical methods. The techniques of image processing and segmentation can be applied as a power tool for obtaining more detailed information and analysis of rock fractures. In this chapter, we firstly to give an overview of the current status of the rock fracture processing research, then, give a brief description of visual rock fracture properties and classify the types of rock fractures, finally, we summarize the work we have done in last year.