Development of a Two-Dimensional Fractal Model for Analyzing the Particle Size Distribution of Geomaterials

Abstract

On the basis of the one-dimensional fractal model, a two-dimensional fractal model is developed to investigate the particle size distribution (PSD) of heterogeneous geomaterials. Based on the simulation results for PSD curves of geomaterials, it is proved that the two-dimensional fractal model is superior to the one-dimensional fractal model. The PSD analyses indicate that two major mechanisms may govern the formation of the geomaterials and these characteristics can be captured by the two-dimensional fractal model. In this respect, the two-dimensional fractal model is better than the three-dimensional model. The two-dimensional fractal model is further adopted to investigate the relationship between the mechanical properties and PSD of geomaterials.