• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.405-419
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• 2002

Fracture roughness of rock specimens is observed by a new confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM; Olympus OLS1100). The wave length of laser is 488 nm, and the laser scanning is managed by a light polarization method using two galvano-meter scanner mirrors. The function of laser reflection auto-focusing enables us to measure line data fast and precisely. The system improves resolution in the light axis (namely z) direction because of the confocal optics. Using the CLSM, it is Possible to measure a specimen of the size up to $10{\;}{\times}{\;}10{\;}cm$ which is fixed on a specially designed stage. A sampling is managed in a spacing $2.5{\;}\mu\textrm{m}$ along x and y directions. The highest measurement resolution of z direction is $10{\;}\mu\textrm{m}$, which is more accurate than other methods. Core specimens of coarse and fine grained granite are provided. Fractures are artificially maneuvered by a Brazilian test method. Measurements are performed along three scan lines on each fracture surface. The measured data are represented as 2-D and 3-D digital images showing detailed features of roughness. Line profiles of the coarse granites represent more frequent change of undulation than those of the fine granite. Spectral analyses by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) are performed to characterize the roughness data quantitatively and to identify influential frequency of roughness. The FFT results suggest that a specimen loaded by large and low frequency energy tends to have high values of undulation change and large wave length of fracture roughness.