Characterization of Joint Surface and Asperity Deformation During

The morphology of the joint interface is described using geostatistical parameters such as the sill, range and slope of the initiaI part of the variogram. The methodology is also used to identify the scale effect and to determine the appropriate cutoff length of the sample which is representative for a direct shear test. The anisotropy characteristics of the interface are described using the sill and slope of the initial portion of the variogram. The result is used to assess the flowpath for a hypothetical fluid injection test. The surface compliance of the interface subjected to shear is determined using the mean difference of the interface. The rate of deformation of the interface is represented in two-dimensions using polar coordinates. The practical implication of the rate of collapse of the loop on the stability of the translation motion is given. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.