Fractal analysis of damage evolution of rock

It is well known that rock is a natural material containing inherent microd efects and its mechanical properties strongly relate to the presence of mic ro-pores and micro-cracks in the material. The damage in rock is believed t o be mainly due to initiation and development of micro-defects with irregul arity and fractal characteristics. In this paper the damage evolution proce ss in rock is examined and the relationship between the damage variable and the fractal dimension is established based on the fractal geometry method.