Full Description

Special Publication 92

** Limited print copies available **

This volume introduces the principles and procedures involved in the description and analysis of fracture surface topographies. It contains a wide range of case studies from core and field samples, as well as from experimentally produced fractures, which illustrate the application of fractography to fracture studies.
Fractography is a powerful tool that has been largely neglected by those who deal with fracture characterization. A greater understanding of the subject is essential to the development of oil and gas fields, particularly deep and marginal fields. In addition, incorporating fractographic data into models of rock masses, such as the permeability of hydrocarbon reservoirs and the stability of tunnels or underground nuclear waste repositories, will undoubtedly enhance their feasibility.

The book also presents new methods of quantitative measurement of fracture topography, and outlines areas needing further research and development.

The volume will be of interest to a broad range of researchers and professionals in fracture mechanics, as well as structural, engineering and petroleum geology, material sciences and mining engineering.