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http://dx.doi.org/10.9719/EEG.2019.52.1.81

Effects of Fracture Tensor Component and First Invariant on Block Hydraulic Characteristics of the 2-D Discrete Fracture Network Systems  

Um, Jeong-Gi (Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Pukyong National University)
Publication Information
Economic and Environmental Geology / v.52, no.1, 2019 , pp. 81-90 More about this Journal
Abstract
In this study, the effects of fracture tensor component and first invariant on block hydraulic behaviors are evaluated in the 2-D DFN(discrete fracture network) systems. A series of regression analysis is performed between connected fracture tensor components and block hydraulic conductivities estimated at every $30^{\circ}$ hydraulic gradient directions for a total of 36 DFN systems having various joint density and size distribution. The directional block hydraulic conductivity seems to have strong relation with the fracture tensor component estimated in direction perpendicular to it. It is found that an equivalent continuum approach could be acceptable for the 2-D DFN systems under condition that the first invariant of fracture tensor is more than 2.0~2.5. The first invariant of fracture tensor seems highly correlated with average block hydraulic conductivity and can be used to evaluate hydraulic characteristics of the 2-D DFN systems. Also, a possibility of upscaling using the first invariant of fracture tensor for the DFN system is addressed through this study.
Keywords
discontinuity; fracture tensor; discrete fracture network; fractured rock mass; block hydraulic conductivity;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 2  (Citation Analysis)
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