Discrete Fracture Networks and Environmental Performance in Ornamental Rock Quarries

Abstract

This contribution investigates the role of fracture networks in controlling both operational efficiency and environmental performance in ornamental rock quarries. The study integrates structural geology, rock mechanics, and environmental assessment within a digital workflow based on high-resolution terrain models derived from aerial and terrestrial point cloud surveys. Multisource 3D datasets are processed to generate detailed Digital Elevation Models that capture the real geometry of quarry benches, highwalls, and extraction platforms. On this geometric framework, an automated procedure is applied to detect and characterise rock mass discontinuities directly on quarry surfaces. The resulting structural information allows the identification of dominant fracture sets, their orientations, spacings, and persistence, and their influence on block-size distribution and rock fabric. The derived fracture parameters are further used to support the construction of discrete fracture network models and to evaluate their implications for extraction strategies, quarry layout optimisation and slope stability. Beyond purely mechanical considerations, the study explores how rock mass structure influences key environmental indicators throughout the quarry life cycle. These include the generation of mining waste, recovery rates of marketable stone, industrial water consumption, energy demand, dust production and the associated carbon footprint per unit of product. Case studies from ornamental stone operations illustrate how integrating structural analysis with digital terrain modelling and environmental monitoring enables the definition of quarry-specific performance metrics. The results demonstrate that fracture-controlled quarry planning can significantly improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and support more sustainable closure and rehabilitation strategies [1], [2], [3].