Interpretation of fracture spacing and intensity

Abstract

A class of fracture intensity measures in one, two, and three dimensions has been defined that allows for the definition of fracture frequency without requiring reference to specific sets or orientations. Measure P 32 (fracture area per unit volume) was found to be the most useful measure for fracture intensity in three dimensions. Relationships between intensity measures are described based on solutions from the field of stochastic geometry. The use of these measures significantly improves the consistency of discrete fracture analysis and modelling for mechanical and hydrologic applications.