Cubic law with aperture-length correlation: implications for network scale fluid flow

Previous studies have computed and modeled fluid flow through fractured rock with the parallel plate approach where the volumetric flow per unit width normal to the direction of flow is proportional to the cubed aperture between the plates, referred to as the traditional cubic law. When combined with the square root relationship of displacement to length scaling of opening-mode fractures, total flow rates through natural opening-mode fractures are found to be proportional to apertures to the fifth power. This new relationship was explored by examining a suite of flow simulations through fracture networks using the discrete fracture network model (DFN). Flow was modeled through fracture networks with the same spatial distribution of fractures for both correlated and uncorrelated fracture length-to-aperture relationships. Results indicate that flow rates are significantly higher for correlated DFNs. Furthermore, the length-to-aperture relations lead to power-law distributions of network hydraulic conductivity which greatly influence equivalent permeability tensor values. These results confirm the importance of the correlated square root relationship of displacement to length scaling for total flow through natural opening-mode fractures and, hence, emphasize the role of these correlations for flow modeling.     

The use of discrete fracture networks for modelling coupled geomechanical and hydrological behaviour of fractured rocks

We present a discussion of the state-of-the-art on the use of discrete fracture networks (DFNs) for modelling geometrical characteristics, geomechanical evolution and hydromechanical (HM) behaviour of natural fracture networks in rock. The DFN models considered include those based on geological mapping, stochastic generation and geomechanical simulation. Different types of continuum, discontinuum and hybrid geomechanical models that integrate DFN information are summarised. Numerical studies aiming at investigating geomechanical effects on fluid flow in DFNs are reviewed. The paper finally provides recommendations for advancing the modelling of coupled HM processes in fractured rocks through more physically-based DFN generation and geomechanical simulation.     

岩体裂隙网络等效渗透系数方向性的数值计算

采用渗流力学理论并结合Monte Carlo方法描述岩体裂隙的随机分布,研究渗流模型的尺寸效应并确定表征单元体积（REV）,得到了3种开口度分布形式的等效渗透系数椭圆曲线,建立了等效渗透系数方向性的判别标准。离散裂隙网络（DFN）模型假定流体只在岩体裂隙内部流动,而不通过岩体本身渗流。基于二维离散元程序UDEC并进行二次开发,建立DFN模型,通过改变流体的流动方向,得到不同流动方向下岩体裂隙网络的等效渗透系数,并分析不同的开口度分布形式对岩体裂隙网络等效渗透系数方向性的影响。计算结果表明,表征单元体积存在的条件是等效渗透系数保持稳定且渗透椭圆比较光滑。等效渗透系数的方向性受开口度分布形式的影响很大：当开口度-长度关联分布时,等效渗透系数各向异性;当开口度对数正态分布时,等效渗透系数各向同性;当开口度恒定分布时,等效渗透系数的特性介于二者之间。变化系数（CV）是否大于5%是判定岩体裂隙网络渗透系数是否具有方向性的判别标准。     

剪胀对复杂裂隙岩体渗透性影响的离散元分析

裂隙岩体流固耦合问题是目前国内外研究热点之一,采用离散元软件UDEC对裂隙岩体发生节理剪胀的渗透性变化规律进行了模拟分析。基于现场调查的裂隙信息统计生成裂隙网络岩体模型。 通过固定垂直应力、不断增加应力比RS(RS=水平应力/垂直应力)使岩体出现剪胀,采用库伦滑移节理模式对岩体在剪胀过程中的渗透性变化情况进行模拟。结果发现:当应力比较小(RS3.1)时,节理水力隙宽、流速、渗透系数等参数都随着应力比的增加表现出明显的降低; 而当岩体出现剪胀现象之后(应力比大于3.1),发生剪切滑移和剪胀现象的节理控制着裂隙岩体的总体渗流行为,与不考虑节理剪胀的计算结果相比,岩体渗透能力出现了显著增长。这一结果表明,剪胀对裂隙岩体渗透性的影响是显著而不可忽视的。     

Permeability tensor and representative elementary volume of fractured rock masses

Based on a simulation of three-dimensional fracture networks and a superposition principle of liquid dissipation energy for fractured rock masses, a model of the fracture permeability tensor is proposed. An elastic constitutive model of rock fractures, considering fracture closure and dilation during shearing, is also proposed, based on the dilation angle of the fracture. Algorithms of flow-path searching and calculation of the effective flow coefficients for fracture networks are presented, together with a discussion on the influence of geometric parameters of the fractures (trace length, spacing, aperture, orientation and the number of fracture sets) on magnitude, anisotropy of hydraulic permeability and the size of a representative elementary volume (REV). The anisotropy of hydraulic permeability of fractured rock masses is mainly affected by orientation and the number of fracture sets, and the REV size is mainly influenced by trace length, spacing and the number of fracture sets. The results of studies on REV size and the influence of in-situ stress on hydraulic conductivity of the rock mass on the slope of Jinping-I hydropower station, China, are presented using the developed models and methods. The simulation results agreed well with the results obtained from field water-pressure measurements, with an error of less than 10 %.     

岩体裂隙网络非稳定渗流分析与数值模拟

针对裂隙岩体的非稳定渗流问题,通过将Darcy定理扩展到包含干区的整个裂隙网络区域,并令潜在溢出边界条件为Signorini型互补边界条件,将湿区上的非稳定渗流问题转化为全域上的一个新的初边值问题。为降低试探函数选取的难度,建立与定义在整个裂隙网络区域上的偏微分方程（PDE）提法等价的抛物型变分不等式（PVI）提法,并给出裂隙网络非稳定渗流分析的有限元数值分析格式和迭代算法,与砂槽模型试验数据的对比分析,验证其有效性。最后,将文中发展的计算方法应用到含复杂裂隙网络的边坡非稳定渗流分析,计算结果很好地反映出边坡内部自由面随库水降落的变化规律,并能准确地描述裂隙网络内部渗流运动特征及流量分布的不均匀性。     

基于离散裂隙网络模型的节理岩体渗透张量及特性分析

节理岩体几何结构非常复杂,研究其渗流特性对于指导含水岩层稳定性分析具有重要价值。应用离散裂隙网络模型DFN方法,基于VC++6.0软件平台,建立了平面渗流分析方法,分析了节理岩体不同几何分布情况下的渗透率张量特征,通过定义渗流定向性系数对岩体渗流的定向性特征进行了定量分析。结果表明：单组节理岩体渗流具有明显的各向异性特征,渗流定向性随着节理角度变化显著;节理随着节理贯通性增加,节理渗透率呈现对数增加趋势;两组节理情况下,各向异性特征随着节理组间夹角变化;两组节理岩体渗流特征研究中,正交分布下,岩体仍存在各向异性,但渗流定向性系数较低;当节理倾角服从正态分布时,随着节理倾角标准差增大,渗透率增加;两组节理夹角不同时,节理渗透主方向倾角随着夹角增大而相应增大,基本沿两组节理夹角方向的角平分线方向。     

离散裂隙渗流方法与裂隙化渗透介质建模

流体渗流模拟的连续介质方法通常适用于多孔地质体，并不一定适用于裂隙岩体，由于裂隙分布及其特征与孔隙差异较大。若流体渗流主要受裂隙的控制，对于一定尺寸的裂隙岩体，多孔介质假设则较难刻划裂隙岩体的渗流特征。离散裂隙渗流方法不但可直接用于模拟裂隙岩体非均质性和各向异性等渗流特征，而且可用其确定所研究的裂隙岩体典型单元体及其水力传导（渗透）张量大小。主要讨论了以下问题：（1）饱和裂隙介质中一般的离散流体渗流模拟；（2）裂隙岩体中的REV（典型单元体）及其水力传导（渗透）张量的确定；（3）利用离散裂隙网络流体渗流模型研究裂隙方向几何参数对水力传导系数和REV的影响；（4）在二维和三维离散裂隙流体渗流模型中对区域大裂隙和局部小裂隙的处理方法。调查结果显示离散裂隙流体渗流数学模型可用来评价不同尺度上的裂隙岩体的水力特征，以及裂隙方向对裂隙化岩体的水力特征有着不可忽视的影响。同时，局部小裂隙、区域大裂隙应当区别对待，以便据其所起的作用及水力特征，建立裂隙化岩体相应的流体渗流模型。     

Flow–stress coupled permeability tensor for fractured rock masses

In this paper a new analytical model is proposed to determine the permeability tensor for fractured rock masses based on the superposition principle of liquid dissipation energy. This model relies on the geometrical characteristics of rock fractures and the corresponding fracture network, and demonstrates the coupling effect between fluid flow and stress/deformation. This model empirically considers the effect of pre‐peak shear dilation and shear contraction on the hydraulic behavior of rock fractures and can be used to determine the applicability of the continuum approach to hydro‐mechanical coupling analysis. Results of numerical analysis presented in this paper show that the new model can effectively describe the permeability of fractured rock masses, and can be applied to the coupling analysis of seepage and stress fields. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Polyaxial stress-dependent permeability of a three-dimensional fractured rock layer

A study about the influence of polyaxial (true-triaxial) stresses on the permeability of a three-dimensional (3D) fractured rock layer is presented. The 3D fracture system is constructed by extruding a two-dimensional (2D) outcrop pattern of a limestone bed that exhibits a ladder structure consisting of a “through-going” joint set abutted by later-stage short fractures. Geomechanical behaviour of the 3D fractured rock in response to in-situ stresses is modelled by the finite-discrete element method, which can capture the deformation of matrix blocks, variation of stress fields, reactivation of pre-existing rough fractures and propagation of new cracks. A series of numerical simulations is designed to load the fractured rock using various polyaxial in-situ stresses and the stress-dependent flow properties are further calculated. The fractured layer tends to exhibit stronger flow localisation and higher equivalent permeability as the far-field stress ratio is increased and the stress field is rotated such that fractures are preferentially oriented for shearing. The shear dilation of pre-existing fractures has dominant effects on flow localisation in the system, while the propagation of new fractures has minor impacts. The role of the overburden stress suggests that the conventional 2D analysis that neglects the effect of the out-of-plane stress (perpendicular to the bedding interface) may provide indicative approximations but not fully capture the polyaxial stress-dependent fracture network behaviour. The results of this study have important implications for understanding the heterogeneous flow of geological fluids (e.g. groundwater, petroleum) in subsurface and upscaling permeability for large-scale assessments.     

裂隙岩体渗流特性物模试验研究进展

简要综述了国内外裂隙岩体单裂隙、水力耦合、非饱和及考虑填充物情况下的渗流特性物模试验研究成果,并做了相应的分析和讨论。分析表明：物模试验在研究裂隙岩体渗流特性方面具有不可替代的作用;需要进行更多的模拟实际岩体裂隙的试验;反映剪应力或三维应力影响的物模试验是一个需要加强的方向;真正意义上的非饱和渗流试验还很少;填充裂隙渗流的研究更具实际意义,也待于加强。分析结果为今后的裂隙岩体渗流特性物模试验研究提供了有益的方向     

裂隙岩体渗透系数确定方法研究

裂隙岩体渗透系数以及渗透主方向的确定对研究岩体渗透性大小及各向异性具有重要意义。高放废物地质处置库介质岩体的渗透性能将直接影响其使用安全性。本文运用离散裂隙网络模拟的方法对我国高放废物处置库甘肃北山预选区3#钻孔附近裂隙岩体进行了渗透性质分析。通过对3#钻孔171.5~178.0m段压水试验数据的反演,标定了离散裂隙网络渗流模型中的裂隙渗透参数(导水系数T)。利用标定的离散裂隙网络模型对场区裂隙岩体进行了渗流模拟,确定了该区域裂隙岩体的渗流表征单元体(REV)的尺寸大小以及渗透主值和主渗透方向。运用离散裂隙网络模型计算得出的渗透主值的几何均值与现场压水试验计算结果较接近,证明了计算结果的有效性。     

A shear‐dilation‐based model for evaluation of hydraulically stimulated naturally fractured reservoirs

The role of shear dilation as a mechanism of enhancing fluid flow permeability in naturally fractured reservoirs was mainly recognized in the context of hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal reservoir stimulation. Simplified models based on shear slippage only were developed and their applications to evaluate HDR geothermal reservoir stimulation were reported. Research attention is recently focused to adjust this stimulation mechanism for naturally fractured oil and gas reservoirs which reserve vast resources worldwide. This paper develops the overall framework and basic formulations of this stimulation model for oil and gas reservoirs. Major computational modules include: natural fracture simulation, response analysis of stimulated fractures, average permeability estimation for the stimulated reservoir and prediction of an average flow direction. Natural fractures are simulated stochastically by implementing ‘fractal dimension’ concept. Natural fracture propagation and shear displacements are formulated by following computationally efficient approximate approaches interrelating in situ stresses, natural fracture parameters and stimulation pressure developed by fluid injection inside fractures. The average permeability of the stimulated reservoir is formulated as a function of discretized gridblock permeabilities by applying cubic law of fluid flow. The average reservoir elongation, or the flow direction, is expressed as a function of reservoir aspect ratio induced by directional permeability contributions. The natural fracture simulation module is verified by comparing its results with observed microseismic clouds in actual naturally fractured reservoirs. Permeability enhancement and reservoir growth are characterized with respect to stimulation pressure, in situ stresses and natural fracture density applying the model to two example reservoirs. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

等效水力隙宽和水力梯度对岩体裂隙网络非线性渗流特性的影响

等效水力隙宽和水力梯度是影响岩体裂隙网络渗流特性的重要因素。制作裂隙网络试验模型,建立高精度渗流试验系统;求解纳维-斯托克斯方程,模拟流体在裂隙网络内的流动状态,研究等效水力隙宽和水力梯度对非线性渗流特性的影响。结果表明,当水力梯度较小时,等效渗透系数保持恒定的常数,流体流动属于达西流动区域,流量与压力具有线性关系,可采用立方定律计算流体流动;当水力梯度较大时,等效渗透系数随着水力梯度的增加而急剧减少,流体流动进入强惯性效应流动区域,流量与压力具有强烈的非线性关系,可采用Forchheimer方程计算流体流动。随着等效水力隙宽的增加,区别线性和非线性流动区域的临界水力梯度呈幂函数关系递减。当水力梯度小于临界水力梯度时,控制方程可选立方定律;当水力梯度大于临界水力梯度时,控制方程可选Forchheimer方程,其参数A和B可根据经验公式计算得到。其研究结果可为临界水力梯度的确定及流体流动控制方程的选取提供借鉴意义。     

裂隙岩体渗流概念模型研究

裂隙岩体中的渗流和传统的多孔介质渗流在机理上存在本质的差别,这种差别主要表现为裂隙岩体在各种尺度上存在的非均质性。模拟裂隙岩体渗流的主要困难在于描述这种非均质性。目前的概念模型,包括等效连续体模型、离散裂隙网络模型和混合模型使用了不同的技术来预测裂隙岩体中的渗流。这些模型基于不同的假设和概念框架,有着各自不同的优缺点。在实际应用时,应当根据研究域的具体特点和所要解决的问题的要求对其选择,此外,还讨论了单裂隙的概念模型。     

Combining a connected-component labeling algorithm with FILTERSIM to simulate continuous discrete fracture networks

Because modeling the flow of gas and oil in fractured media is increasingly important, multipoint geostatistics approaches, such as single normal equation simulation and FILTERSIM, have become a focus of research in the simulation of sedimentary faces. However, there are problems when these methods are applied to the simulation of discrete fracture networks (DFNs). The biggest problem is that the generated fractures are discontinuous, behaving as separated and isolated points. This paper proposes an improved approach we call CCL-FILTERSIM, which combines FILTERSIM with a run-based, connected-component labeling algorithm to generate more continuous fractures. This paper focuses on the continuity of the simulated fracture network and adopts the scan of the training image, classification of the patterns, and the sequential simulation proposed by FILTERSIM. The principle innovation of the CCL-FILTERSIM approach is the choice of data pattern. Only patterns that form better continuous object patterns are chosen. This is realized by a connected-component labeling algorithm that calculates the connected runs of selected patterns and chooses the pattern with the least runs. Some cases are presented to compare realizations from CCL-FILTERSIM and FILTERSIM, which show that CCL-FILTERSIM yields more continuous objects than FILTERSIM. The DFNs generated by this method provide better conditions for subsequent fluid flow research.     

岩体裂隙网络非线性渗流特性研究

基于人工交叉裂隙模型,通过室内透水试验,利用电荷耦合元件（CCD）照相机可视化技术,对流体在裂隙交叉点内的非线性流动特性进行研究。建立两种离散裂隙网络（DFN）模型,考虑两种边界条件,改变模型进口和出口之间的压力,直接求解Navier-Stokes（简称N-S）方程,对DFN的非线性渗流特性进行研究。结果表明,室内试验可以观测到与出口3相连的裂隙单元内发生了明显的非线性流动,且通过模型的流量Q和模型两端的压力P具有非线性关系。数值计算结果也表明,在水力梯度J较大时（比如J > 0.1）,通过DFN的Q和P具有非线性关系,而当J较小时（比如J < 10-4）,Q与P线性相关;根据文中的算例,建议利用局部立方定律求解DFN内每条裂隙的渗流特性的临界条件为J ≤10-4;裂隙表面粗糙会造成通过DFN渗流量的降低,但对相对流量误差的影响可忽略不计。     

三维交叉裂隙渗流传质特性数值模拟

对交叉裂隙渗流传质特性的定量描述是研究整个裂隙网络渗透传质特性的基础。为真实模拟水流及溶质在三维交叉裂隙中的运移过程,首先通过三维轮廓仪获取天然岩石裂隙表面的形貌数据,再应用三维重构技术生成相应的三维交叉裂隙模型,随后求解Navier-Stokes方程,假定溶质运移满足Fick定律,模拟水流和溶质在三维交叉裂隙中的运移过程。通过对比粗糙裂隙模型与平行平板模型的模拟结果发现：粗糙度对流体的分布及流动状态存在显著的影响;不同进、出口工况下的流体流动及溶质运移状态亦表明：裂隙交叉的几何形貌会显著地影响溶质混合行为。这些结果表明,目前被广泛采用的平行平板模型在评估岩体内特别是交叉口的物质运移特性时将导致较大的偏差,在将来的研究中有必要针对裂隙交叉口的几何特征建立修正的模型以提高评估的准确性。     

REV and its properties on fracture system and mechanical properties,and an orthotropic constitutive model for a jointed rock mass in a dam site in China

Fracture data available for one of the rock masses (limestone) in the dam site of Yujian River Reservoir were used to build and validate a stochastic 3-D fracture network model, and to perform a REV and equivalent continuum study in 3-D. A number of relations are developed in the paper between the rock mass mechanical parameters and fracture tensor components in 3-D. Based on the mechanical parameter values obtained in every 45° direction in 3-D, the principal parameter values, principal directions and tensors are developed for rock mass mechanical parameters to represent the REV block size properties. An incrementally linear elastic, orthotropic constitutive model is suggested to represent the equivalent continuum pre-failure mechanical behavior of the jointed rock mass by incorporating the effect of joint geometry network by the fracture tensor components.     

Hydro-geomechanical modelling of seal behaviour in overpressured basins using discontinuous deformation analysis

A coupled hydro-geomechanical modelling environment, developed to evaluate the coupled responses of fluid flow in deforming discontinuous media, is described. A staggered computational framework is presented, where the two simulations tools, HYDRO and DDA, communicate via the mapping of an equivalent porosity (and related permeabilities) from the rock system to the fluid phase and an inverse mapping of the pressure field. Several algorithmic and modelling issues are discussed, in particular the computational procedure to map the current geometry of the discontinuous rock blocks assembly into an equivalent porosity (and permeability) field. A generic, geometrically simple, overpressured reservoir/seal system is analysed for illustration. Further examples investigate discontinuous, fractured configurations in flexure causing a degree of spatial variability in the induced stresses. Model predictions show that the combination of hydraulic and mechanical loads causes a dilational opening of some pre-existing fractures and closure of others, with strong localisation of the modified flow pattern along wider fracture openings.