Fractal and Fractional

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Applications of Fractal Analysis in Structural Geology

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Prof. Dr. Jing Ba

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Guest Editor

School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
Interests: fractals; rock physics; exploration geophysics; petroleum exploration and development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yuhang Guo

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Guest Editor

College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
Interests: fractals; rock physics; exploration geophysics; petroleum; well logging

Prof. Dr. Cong Luo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Geology Science and Engineering, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
Interests: fractals; exploration geophysics; seismic inversion; seismic forward modeling; rock physics modeling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fractal theory has revolutionized geological structure analysis by providing a robust framework for quantifying complex patterns across spatial scales. This interdisciplinary approach enables the systematic characterization of self-similar features in rock pore structures, fracture networks, tectonic deformations, and sedimentary architectures, from micron-scale rock fabrics to basin-scale structural systems. The integration of fractal geometry with advanced geospatial technologies offers promising capabilities for deciphering Earth's nonlinear processes.

Recent advancements in high-resolution remote sensing, 3D seismic interpretation, rock physics theories, and computational geomechanics have significantly enhanced the applications of fractals in geosciences. These developments have facilitated quantitative assessments of structural complexity, enabling the predictive modeling of fracture propagation, reservoir heterogeneity, and mineral deposit distributions using scale-invariant parameters.

This Special Issue aims to showcase innovative methodologies and cross-disciplinary applications of fractal analysis in structural geology. We welcome the submission of original research and reviews addressing topics such as (but not limited to) the following:

Fractal dimension applications in fault system characterization;
The multiscale modeling of fracture networks’ evolution;
Machine learning-enhanced fractal pattern recognition;
Reservoir quality prediction using fractal pore models;
Geo-hazard assessment through fractal terrain analysis;
Geo-stress field reconstruction using fractal kinematics;
Digital rock physics incorporating fractal petrofabrics;
Rock physics/seismic modeling or inversion;
The comparative fractal analysis of planetary surface features.

Prof. Dr. Jing Ba
Dr. Yuhang Guo
Prof. Dr. Cong Luo
Guest Editors

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Research

17 pages, 5183 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Scale Damage Evolution of Soil-Rock Mixtures Under Freeze–Thaw Cycles: Revealed by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Testing and Fractal Theory

by Junren Deng, Lei Wang, Guanglin Tian and Hongwei Deng

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(10), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9100624 - 25 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1012

Abstract

The response of the microscopic structure and macroscopic mechanical parameters of SRM under F–T cycles is a key factor affecting the safety and stability of engineering projects in cold regions. In this study, F–T tests, EIS, and uniaxial compression tests were conducted on SRM. The construct equivalent model of different conductive paths based on EIS was constructed. A peak strength prediction model was developed using characteristic parameters derived from the equivalent models, thereby revealing the mechanism by which F–T cycles influenced both microscopic structure and macroscopic strength. The results showed that with increasing cycles, both

R_{C P}

and

R_{C P P}

exhibited an exponential decreasing trend, whereas C_DSRP and D_f increased exponentially. Peak strength and peak secant modulus decreased exponentially, but peak strain increased exponentially. The expansion and interconnection of pores with different radii within

C P P

and

C P

caused smaller pores to evolve into larger ones while generating new pores, which led to a decline in

R_{C P P}

and

R_{C P}

. Moreover, this expansion enlarged the soil–rock contact area by connecting adjacent gas-phase pores and promoted the transformation of

C S R P P

into

D S R P P

, enhancing the parallel-plate capacitance effect and resulting in an increase in

C_{D S R P}

. Moreover, the interconnection increased the roughness of soil–soil and soil–rock contact surfaces, leading to a rising trend in

D_{f}

. The combined influence of

C_{D S R P}

and

D_{f}

yielded a strength prediction model with higher correlation than a single factor, providing more accurate predictions of UCS. However, the increases in

C_{D S R P}

and

D_{f}

induced by F–T cycles also contributed to microscopic structure damage and strength deterioration, reducing the load-bearing capacity and ultimately causing a decline in UCS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Fractal Analysis in Structural Geology)

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