Lahiri, Sivaji and Roy, Ankur (2026) Extending node-based topological measures of fracture network connectivity using spatial heterogeneity. Journal of Structural Geology, 205.

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Abstract

Fracture connectivity (CL) is typically defined by the relative proportions of ‘cross-cutting (X), abutting (Y), and isolated nodes (I) without accounting for their spatial distribution. To overcome this limitation, we propose a complementary parameter, S-connectivity (Sc), which integrates both node abundance and spatial distribution. Spatial distribution of nodes is captured using the statistical measure lacunarity. Sc is defined as the product of CL and a weighting factor (κ), where κ is derived from the normalized lacunarity of the combined ‘X’ and ‘Y’ nodes (termed ‘XY’-nodes). We evaluated Sc using synthetic fracture maps with identical CL values but different node distributions and the assumption that all fractures are open. Sc successfully distinguished between these maps. Numerical flow simulations further show that Sc correlates positively with equivalent permeability, offering a slight improvement in accuracy compared to using CL alone. Analysis of natural fracture patterns from a fault damage zone confirmed the consistent positive relationship between Sc and the simulated equivalent permeability. Overall, S-Connectivity offers a spatially informed and physically meaningful extension of node-based connectivity measures, enabling improved discrimination of connected fracture networks relevant to flow modeling and engineering analyses.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Non Coal Ventilation, Fire Gallery and Metallurgy
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Mr. B. R. Panduranga
Date Deposited:	15 Mar 2026 04:49
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2026 04:49
URI:	https://cimfr.csircentral.net/id/eprint/2955

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