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Determining the permeability of fractured rocks based on joint mapping
Faming Zhang1, Zhifang Zhou, Yongqing Huang
1Geology Department of Hohai University, No.1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, Jiangshu Province, China. famzhang@tom.com
Ground Water
|August 21, 2004
Summary
Estimating anisotropic permeability tensors in fractured rocks is crucial for understanding groundwater flow. This study introduces new methods using joint analysis and Monte Carlo simulations to accurately determine these tensors, aligning with field data.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Hydrogeology
- Rock Mechanics
Background:
- Fractured rock masses contain discontinuities that are primary groundwater flow paths.
- Conventional field measurements often limit accurate estimation of anisotropic permeability tensors in jointed rock masses.
- Determining permeability tensors for fractured rocks is vital for rock mass hydraulics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate methods for estimating anisotropic permeability tensors in fractured rock masses.
- To address the limitations of conventional field measurements in characterizing jointed rock hydraulics.
- To provide a more accurate approach for analyzing groundwater flow in fractured geological formations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of joint parameters using probabilistic and statistical tools.
- Three-dimensional mapping of jointed rock masses.
- Application of Monte Carlo methods and a novel searching percolation trace method to determine permeability tensor values based on single joint hydraulic characteristics.
Main Results:
- The study successfully determined the principal values of the permeability tensor for jointed rock masses.
- The developed methods, including the searching percolation trace method, provide reliable estimations.
- Results obtained from the proposed methods show strong agreement with field hydrogeological surveys and measurements.
Conclusions:
- The developed methods offer a robust approach for estimating anisotropic permeability tensors in fractured rocks.
- Accurate determination of permeability tensors is essential for effective groundwater management and engineering in fractured rock environments.
- The findings support the use of probabilistic and simulation-based techniques for characterizing complex rock mass hydraulics.
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