Scaling of geological discontinuity normal load-deformation response usingfractal geometry

The mechanical behaviour of discontinuities in rock, such as joints, is kno wn to be size-dependent. It is also suspected that the behaviour of larger size features, such as faults, is also size-dependent. This size dependence has serious implications for performing numerical response simulations of geological media. In this paper, we develop a new mathematical theory for s caling of one particular discontinuity property, namely the interface norma l stiffness. To accomplish this, we idealize an interface to have fractal g eometry, and we develop analytical relations which show that the interface normal stiffness, which is commonly thought to be a size-independent proper ty, is in fact a size-dependent property and has fractal characteristics th at may be exploited to develop a fundamental theory for scaling. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.