Some remarks on the dynamical conformity of rock joints

Abstract A recently developed computerized method for assessing the rock joint coefficients is discussed. The performances of formerly introduced relative similarity indicators, along with the correlation coefficient, are subjected to critical analysis. These relative numerical indicators are replaced by two absolute indicators whose properties better describe surface textures of rock joints. The first absolute indicator results from the Fourier Matrix and evaluates wavy shapes of surfaces. The second absolute indicator quantifies the heights of surface reliefs, and is defined as the root mean square height of the surface outline. The behavior of the newly introduced numerical indicators are investigated by means of the deterministic periodic surface reliefs. The practical application of the new indicators is presented and the convenient performances of both the indicators are documented.