Rock aperture image acquisition and processing based on Mehanics moment, Steger theory and Fractal analysis

Abstract

In the realm of rock engineering, the distribution of apertures plays a crucial role in predicting the stability of dams, slopes, and others, and it affects the energy transportation in rock mass. In this study, the rock slice samples were obtained using a fluorescent dyesoluble in field. They were examined under a microscope with ultraviolet light, yielding rock aperture image resolutions up to 3.9 μm/pixel. For image binarization, a novel image segmentation technique, grounded in mechanics moments, is investigated to extract the aperture networks from each slice image. For aperture extraction, an algorithm based on Steger's theory is put forth for irregularly-shaped apertures. For aperture analyses, various aperture parameters are assessed and scrutinized, employing 1D Fractal analysis. It is new that the 1D Fractal analysis is utilized for the entire aperture network instead of a single line-like aperture within an image. Ultimately, each aperture is measured and analyzed through continuous aperture images. Experimental results demonstrate that this innovative approach provides the comprehensive aperture information by processing multiple images and is suitable for other analogous applications.