Geomechanical zonation using multivariate fractal modeling in Chadormalu iron mine, Central Iran

The present study was conducted to identify geomechanical zonation utilizing multivariate fractal approach. For this purpose, data of geomechanical borehole samples obtained from the Chadormalu iron mine located in the Central Iran were analyzed. Firstly, factor analysis was carried out based on the estimated geomechanical model, and the factors related to rock mass (F1) and structures and joints (F2) were separated. Then, these factors were classified by concentration-volume (C-V) fractal model. There were five populations for both of them based on the C-V log–log plots. Geomechanical zones were correlated with lithological units by logratio matrix. Highly and very highly strong zones of both factors were correlated with plutonic rocks, representing that these zones were associated with granitic rocks, located in deep and central parts of this open pit. Furthermore, weak zones of F1 were correlated with schists, but weak zones of F2 were associated with breccias and conglomerates. Weak zones were situated in marginal parts of the Chadormalu mine.