An approach to 3D NURBS modeling of complex fault network considering its historic tectonics

Fault disposal is a research area that presents difficulties in 3D geological modeling and visualization. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach to reconstructing a complex fault network (CFN). Based on the non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) techniques, fault surface was constructed, reflecting the regulation of its spatial tendency, and correlative surfaces were enclosed to form a fault body model. Based on these models and considering their historic tectonics, a method was put forward to settle the 3D modeling problem when the intersection of two faults in CFN induced the change of their relative positions. First, according to the relationships of intersection obtained from geological interpretation, we introduced the topological sort to determine the order of fault body construction and rebuilt fault bodies in terms of the order; then, with the disposal method of two intersectant faults in 3D modeling and applying the Boolean operation, we investigated the characteristic of faults at the intersectant part. An example of its application in hydropower engineering project was proposed. Its results show that this modeling approach can increase the computing efficiency while less computer memory is required, and it can also factually and objectively reproduce the CFN in the engineering region, which establishes a theoretical basis for 3D modeling and analysis of complex engineering geology.

An approach to 3D NURBS modeling of complex fault network considering its historic tectonics

Fault disposal is a research area that presents difficulties in 3D geological modeling and visualization. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach to reconstructing a complex fault network (CFN). Based on the non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) techniques, fault surface was constructed, reflecting the regulation of its spatial tendency, and correlative surfaces were enclosed to form a fault body model. Based on these models and considering their historic tectonics, a method was put forward to settle the 3D modeling problem when the intersection of two faults in CFN induced the change of their relative positions. First, according to the relationships of intersection obtained from geological interpretation, we introduced the topological sort to determine the order of fault body construction and rebuilt fault bodies in terms of the order; then, with the disposal method of two intersectant faults in 3D modeling and applying the Boolean operation, we investigated the characteristic of faults at the intersectant part. An example of its application in hydropower engineering project was proposed. Its results show that this modeling approach can increase the computing efficiency while less computer memory is required, and it can also factually and objectively reproduce the CFN in the engineering region, which establishes a theoretical basis for 3D modeling and analysis of complex engineering geology.