Studies on the estimation of Fault Shatter Zone by application of fractal geometry

This paper examined the fractal structure of rock mass fractures at outcrops of faults during the development of fault activity. Based on these examinations, this paper proposes a "Fractal Structure Model of the Fault Shatter Zone" which is established according to the relationship between the distance from the principal displacement plane and the fractal dimensions. This paper also proposes a method of predicting the distribution of the fault shatter zone ahead of a tunnel face as an application of fractal geometry in the field of tunnel construction.