• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.303-311
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• 2017

The correlation analysis between the results obtained from DFN flow model and equivalent continuum flow model were conducted on total of 72 DFN blocks having various fracture geometry and domain size. A strong linear relation seems to exist between the two approaches under condition that normalized relative error for continuum behavior (ER) is less than 0.2, and the results from both methods are found to almost identical. To explore the field applicability of equivalent continuum flow model in DFN media, a total of 48 numerical schemes related to inflow of underground circular openings were implemented under various DFN configurations. The equivalent continuum flow model in DFN media with a constant hydraulic aperture was evaluated as valid. However, as the anisotropy increases due to variation of the hydraulic aperture, the results are likely to be overestimated compare to the DFN flow model.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.17 no.3 s.68
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• pp.234-243
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• 2007

In this paper, it was aimed to enhance core processes required in establishing hydrogeological models constructed using borehole investigation results. Water Conducting Feature(WCF) information was extracted from borehole investigation, and HydroDFN model was constructed based on the WCF information. The HydroDFN model was sub-divided by cubic blocks, and equivalent permeability of each sub-divided block was calculated and compared with the results of hydraulic test at the borehole. Through these analysis processes, suggestion for identifying and prescribing WCF parameters in the construction of HydroDFN model was made.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.318-331
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• 2019

A three-dimensional(3D) equivalent continuum modeling was performed to analyze hydraulic behavior of rock mass considering discontinuities by using DFN model and smeared fracture model. DFN model was generated by FLAC3D and smeared fracture model was applied by using FISH functions, which is built-in functions in FLAC3D, for equivalent continuum model of fractured rock mass. Comparative analysis with 3DEC, which is for discontinuum analysis, was conducted to verify reliability of equivalent continuum analysis by using FLAC3D. Similar results of hydraulic analysis under the same conditions could be achieved. Equivalent continuum analysis of fractured rock mass by using DFN model was implemented to compare with existing analytical methods for inflow into the tunnel.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.464-477
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• 2022

DFN (discrete fracture network) models that take account of spatial variability and correlation between rock fractures have been demanded for analysis of fractured rock mass behavior for wide areas with high reliability, such as that of underground nuclear waste repositories. In this regard, this report describes the spatial distribution characteristics of fracture networks, and the DFN modeling methodologies that aim to represent such characteristics. DFN modeling methods have been proposed to represent the spatial variability of rock fractures by defining fracture domains (Darcel et al., 2013) and the spatial correlation among fractures by genetic modeling techniques that imitate fracture growth processes (Davy et al., 2013, Libby et al., 2019, Lavoine et al., 2020).These methods, however, require further research for their application to field surveys and for modeling in-situ rock fracture networks.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.156-166
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• 2001

A stochastic continuum(SC) modeling technique was developed to simulate the groundwater flow pathway in fractured rocks. This model was developed to overcome the disadvantageous points of discrete fracture network(DFN) modes which has the limitation of fracture numbers. Besides, SC model is able to perform probabilistic analysis and to simulate the conductive groundwater pathway as discrete fracture network model. The SC model was formulated based on the discrete fracture network(DFN) model. The spatial distribution of permeability in the stochastic continuum model was defined by the probability distribution and variogram functions defined from the permeabilities of subdivided smaller blocks of the DFN model. The analysis of groundwater travel time was performed to show the consistency between DFN and SC models by the numerical experiment. It was found that the stochastic continuum modes was an appropriate way to provide the probability density distribution of groundwater velocity which is required for the probabilistic safety assessment of a radioactive waste disposal facility.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.93-105
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• 2012

This paper compares the two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) approaches for the numerical determination of the equivalent mechanical properties of fractured rock masses. Both orthogonally-fractured model and discrete fracture networks (DFN) were used for the geometry and 2D models were cut in various directions from 3D model to compare their mechanical properties. Geological data were loosely based on the data available from Sellafield, UK. Analytical method based on compliance tensor transformation was used for investigation in orthogonally fractured rock and numerical experiments were conducted on fractured rock mass with DFN geometry. It is shown that 2D approach always overestimates the elastic modulus of fractured rock masses by a factor of up to around two because fractures are assumed to be perpendicular to the model plane in 2D problems. Poisson ratios tend to have larger values in 2D analysis while there is opposite trend in some sections. The study quantitatively demonstrates the limitation of the 2D approach that uses the simplified model from true 3D geometry.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 1996

The fracture transmissivity($T_f$) is the most important parameter of fracture in assessing groundwater flow in fractured rock masses by using the DFN(Discrete Fracture Network) modeling. $T_f$, the most sensitive parameter m DFN modeling, is dependent upon aperture, size and filling characteristics of each fracture set. In the field test, the accuracy of $T_f$ can be increased with Borehole Acoustic Scanning (Televiewer) and Fixed Interval Length(FIL) test in constant head. $T_f$ values measured from FIL test was modified and estimated by each fracture set on the basis of the Cubic Law and the information of aperture and filling characteristics obtained from Televiewer. The modified $T_f$ results in the increase of confidence and reliability of modeling results including the amount of tunnel inflow.And, this approach would reduce the uncertaintity of the assessment for groundwater flow in fractured rock masses using the DFN modeling.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.341-358
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• 2015

This study analyzes the relationship between parameters of the discontinuity in Discrete Fracture Network model such as fracture intensity, fracture orientation, fracture size, fracture shape etc. In this paper, FracMan code was used to model and analyze 3D DFN. A sensitivity analysis was performed in order to analyze the relationship between linear fracture intensity measure ($P_{10}$) and parameters of the discontinuity in $100m{\times}100m{\times}100m$ model area. As a result the sensitivity analysis showed that key parameters affecting fracture intensity are fracture orientation (Trend / Plunge). Conversion factor($C_{13}$) for $P_{10}$, to calculate volumetric fracture intensity measure ($P_{32}$), is derived in case of vertical well and horizontal well when trend is $10^{\circ}$, $30^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$, $120^{\circ}$, $150^{\circ}$, $180^{\circ}$ (7cases) and plunge is $5^{\circ}$, $15^{\circ}$, $30^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, $75^{\circ}$, $85^{\circ}$ (7cases). It is expected that this paper can be used effectively for modeling and understanding DFN model.

• Proceedings of the Korean Radioactive Waste Society Conference
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• 2009.06a
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• pp.192-193
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• 2009

• Proceedings of the Korean Radioactive Waste Society Conference
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• 2015.10a
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• pp.227-228
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• 2015