عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Fracture networks exert a profound influence on the mechanical and hydraulic properties of rock masses, yet their analysis is often constrained by limited field access or complex geometries. In this study, we employ graph theory and topological analysis to characterize the two-dimensional fracture network of the Hassan Robat granite mass in the central Sanandaj-Sirjan Metamorphic Zone, Iran. This region has experienced multiple deformation phases since Permian, resulting in an intricate system of faults and dikes. Using satellite imagery and GIS-based digitization, over 1,400 nodes and 1,600 branches were extracted and analyzed across 1,027 sampling areas. Topological parameters—including node degree, branch connectivity, and fracture intensity—were computed and spatially mapped to assess network structure and connectivity.
The results reveal that faults form highly connected, integrated networks dominated by C–C branches, whereas dikes appear more isolated with lower node degrees and connectivity. This distinction allows for effective classification of fracture types without requiring detailed field surveys. The average node degree ( = 2.31) and connections per line (CL = 2.73) indicate a semi-connected system, with localized regions exceeding percolation thresholds along active fault corridors. Moreover, topological metrics proved instrumental in identifying structurally intact zones optimal for dimensional stone extraction, offering a rapid, quantitative method for evaluating rock mass quality.
This study demonstrates the utility of topological analysis in structural geology, providing a transferable framework for assessing fracture networks in complex geological settings with implications for mining and hydrogeology.
کلیدواژهها English
