On natural rock joint profile characterization using self-affine fractal approach

Self-affine properties of Barton’s ten standard profiles for the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) were analyzed using the theory of fractal geometry with the ultimate goal of relating the JRC values with the fractal properties of rock profiles. Four different methods were adopted in the study for calculation of fractal properties. The applicability of these methods was tested using the fractional Brownian motion functions with Hurst exponent (H) varying from 0.5 to 0.9. Against the common belief that a larger fractal dimension should correspond to a higher JRC value, all four methods consistently predict a decreasing trend of JRC values with increase in fractal dimension. This finding suggests that using…