Interpretation of single-well tracer tests using fractional-flow dimensions. Part 1: Theory and mathematical models

Generalized equations using fractional-flow dimensions were derived to estimate the Darcy and seepage velocities obtained from the point-dilution and the single-well injection-withdrawal field tests conducted in fractured-rock aquifers. Seepage velocities can only be estimated from single-well tests if the hydraulic conductivity and the hydraulic gradient are known a priori. However, if a radial-convergent test is also performed between two boreholes, the kinematic porosity can be estimated and be used to estimate the seepage velocity from the single-well test results. To apply the generalized equations, the flow dimension and the extent of the flow region must be known. Therefore, the generalized radial flow (GRF) model of Barker (1988; a generalized radial flow model for hydraulic tests in fractured rock. Water Resour Res 24(10):1796–1804) is used to estimate the flow dimension because of its wide range of applications. A pumping test performed on the boreholes will yield an estimate of the fractional-flow dimension by applying the GRF model. Electronic Publication     

Characterization of hydrogeologic properties for a multi-layered alluvial aquifer using hydraulic and tracer tests and electrical resistivity survey

A multi-layered aquifer, typical of riverbank alluvial deposits in Korea, was studied to determine the hydrologic properties. The geologic logging showed that the subsurface of the study site was comprised of four distinctive hydrogeologic units: silt, sand, highly weathered and fresh bedrock layers. The electrical resistivity survey supplied information on lateral extension of hydrogeologic strata only partially identified by a limited number of the geologic loggings. The laboratory column tracer test for the recovered core of the sand layer resulted in a hydraulic conductivity of 5.00×10⁻² cm/s. The slug tests performed in the weathered rock layer yielded hydraulic conductivities of 4.32–7.72×10⁻⁴ cm/s. Hydraulic conductivities for the sand layer calculated from the breakthrough curves of bromide ranged between 2.08×10⁻³ and 2.44×10⁻² cm/s with a geometric mean of 6.89×10⁻³ cm/s, which is 7 times smaller than that from the laboratory column experiment. The trend of increasing hydraulic conductivity with an increase in tracer travel length is likely a result of the increased likelihood of encountering a high conductivity zone as more of the aquifer is tested. The combined hydrogeologic site characterization using hydraulic tests, tracer tests, and column test with geologic loggings and geophysical survey greatly enhanced the understanding of the hydrologic properties of the multi-layered alluvial aquifer.     

Complementary use of tracer and pumping tests to characterize a heterogeneous channelized aquifer system in New Zealand

The combined use of pumping and tracer test data enabled the derivation of equivalent average hydraulic conductivities (K_avg) for each test in a heterogeneous channelized alluvial aquifer, whereas K values of the preferential flow paths were two orders of magnitude higher. Greater and earlier drawdown was generally observed along preferential flow lines in a pumping test, within an array of 21 wells. The study aim was to characterize hydraulic properties of a channelized aquifer system in New Zealand by combining tracer and pumping test data. Estimates were able to be made of the percentage of highly permeable channels within the profile (～1.2%), effective porosity that reflected the maximum fraction of highly permeable channels within the aquifer (?_eff–pc ～0.0038), and flows through highly permeable channels (～98%) and the sandy gravel matrix material (～2%). Using ?_eff–pc, a tracer test K_avg value (～93 m/day) was estimated that was equivalent to pumping test values (～100 m/day), but two orders of magnitude smaller than K calculated solely from transport through permeable channels (K_pc ～8,400 m/day). Derived K values of permeable and matrix material were similar to values derived from grain size distribution using the Kozeny-Carman equation.     

Inference of the structure of karst conduits using quantitative tracer tests and geological information: example of the Swiss Jura

Karst aquifers are known for being particularly heterogeneous with highly transmissive conduits embedded in low permeability volumes of rock matrix. Artificial tracer experiments have been carried out in a complex karst aquifer of the folded Jura Mountains in Switzerland with the aim of deciphering the conduit organisation. It is shown that tracer experiments with multiple injection points under different flow conditions can lead to useful information on the conduits’ structure. This information has been combined with data from structural geology, spring hydrology, and speleological observations. A conceptual model of the conduit network shows that a detailed inference of the conduit organisation can be reached: geology controls conduit location and orientation; spring hydrology, including temporary springs, constrains conduit elevations and relative hydraulic heads in the aquifer subsystems; and tracer tests identify major flow paths and outlets of the system and dilution caused by non-traced tributaries, as well as the presence of secondary flow routes. This understanding of the Aubonne aquifer structure has important implications for the future management of the groundwater resource. Similar approaches coupling geological information, spring hydrology, and multi-tracer tests under various flow conditions may help to characterise the structure of the conduit network in karst aquifers.     

利用滨海地下水潮汐效应估计含水层参数:以北海半岛为例

通过分析滨海含水层中观测孔的水位动态资料,确定含水层的水力性质和某些参数,或推测含水层在海底的延伸长度和露头处是否存在覆盖层,是水文地质学家一直很感兴趣的问题之一。文中充分分析了广西北海半岛滨海地区水文地质条件,将研究区第一个承压含水层系统概化为具有上覆弱透水层越流和含水层海底露头覆盖层的垂向三层结构的不稳定流模型。应用该模型的解析解对广西北海半岛滨海含水层系统的观测数据进行了分析,拟合效果很好,并利用最小平方罚函数法估算了研究区含水层的参数。     

Method of leakage study at the karst dam site. A case study: Khersan 3 Dam,Iran

The excellent topographic condition of the limestone canyons for dam construction may be rejected if they are karstified. Karst features cause the reservoir not to be impermeable enough to permit the water to fill it and leakage occurs and often increases with time. Moreover, karst features may involve the stability of the dam itself. A few operated dam sites at the Zagros Zone encountered a leakage problem. Furthermore, more than 30 dams are presently under study for construction in the Zagros Zone. Karst conditions and leakage potential were investigated at an under-study site (Khersan 3 Dam) for assessing the general methodology for the study of leakage potentials. Conventional methods for studying karst features, geological mapping, geomorphology and extensive borings were applied before the dam was constructed. These methods are not efficient enough to precisely reveal the karst structure, especially hidden and paleokarst, nor the hydrological behaviour of the karst structure in different settings of groundwater flow. Based on the present case study and previous applied approaches by other authors, this paper introduces a methodology by means of karst structure and functioning approaches at local and regional scales that cover the conventional methods and overcome their shortages. The proposed methodology should be applied before construction of a dam and should include three steps (a) recognition of geological and hydrogeological settings, (b) delineation and functioning of the karst system related to the future reservoir, and (c) assessment of the leakage potentials. Following this methodology, the most probable leakage zone(s) and path(s) at the dam site can be highlighted.     

A study of geogrid-reinforced ballast using laboratory pull-out tests and discrete element modelling

This paper presents an evaluation of the behaviour of geogrid-reinforced railway ballast. Experimental large box pull-out tests were conducted to examine the key parameters influencing the interaction between ballast and the geogrid. The experimental results demonstrated that the triaxial geogrid outperforms the biaxial geogrid and the geogrid aperture size is more influential than rib profile and junction profile. The discrete element method (DEM) has then been used to model the interaction between ballast and geogrid by simulating large box pull-out tests and comparing with experimental results. The DEM simulation results have been shown to provide good predictions of the pull-out resistance and reveal the distribution of contact forces in the geogrid-reinforced ballast system. Therefore, the calibrated geogrid model and the use of clumps to model ballast particles hold much promise for investigating the interaction between geogrids and ballast and therefore optimising performance.     

Effective porosity and specific yield of a sedimentary rock determined by a field tracing test using tritium as a tracer

Effective porosity value was analyzed from the tritium concentration of sampled groundwater using a three-dimensional groundwater-flow and advection-dispersion code based on the finite element method. The effective porosity value was about 10%. Porosity values measured from core samples were 7–15%. The groundwater flow velocity estimated from the tritium concentrations was about 1 × 10^–5 cm s^–1. Therefore, during the low groundwater flow velocity condition, effective porosity and porosity values were the same. At the same test site, a 0.48% effective porosity value, determined by another tracer test injecting Br^– solution into the aquifer during groundwater level change, was smaller than the porosity value when the flow velocity was 1.8×10^–2 cm s^–1. Thus the effective porosity value is concluded to be due to groundwater flow velocity. The specific yield value was calculated to be 0.6% by the total volume of tunnel seepage water and the total volume of the rock unsaturated during tunnel construction. However, as pore water continued to be drained after the groundwater level change was completed, the specific yield value became larger than 0.6%. Thus specific yield value is concluded to be due to drainage time.     

地下含水层水资源赋存条件及其水化学特征—以贵州省安龙县幅为例

以贵州省安龙县1∶50 000水文地质图幅为例,采用含水层探采井的水质、水量监测数据,分析不同含水层水资源赋存特征及其与水化学的相关性。研究结果表明:（1）研究区含水层可分为纯碳酸盐岩管道含水层、非纯碳酸盐岩裂隙含水层、碎屑岩裂隙含水层、松散岩类孔隙含水层4种类型,各含水层中地下水水化学类型均以HCO-Ca?Mg型为主;（2）除非纯碳酸盐岩含水层探采井的降深与水体中Mg2+、HCO-3浓度呈现出显著的负相关性（R2=-0.77/-0.74）外,其余离子浓度与钻井单位涌水量、降深的相关性均不显著,相关系数(R2)均小于0.3;（3）非纯碳酸盐岩含水层和松散岩类含水层的总矿化度（TDS）、总硬度（TH）含量均比纯碳酸盐岩含水层低5 mg?L-1以上,TDS、TH的高值区均集中于纯碳酸盐岩含水层中,而低值区则分布于松散岩类含水层。      

Investigation of a shallow alluvial aquifer using geoelectrical methods: a case from Turkey

Near-surface geophysical methods are commonly used to solve a wide class of geological, engineering and environmental problems. In this study, a geoelectrical survey was performed to investigate an alluvial aquifer. The study area is located in the southwest of the Çubukluda? graben, situated in the south of ?zmir, Turkey. The geophysical studies included the electrical resistivity imaging and self-potential (SP) methods. The resistivity data were acquired along eight profiles in the northern part of the study area by a Wenner-Schlumberger electrode configuration and the data processing was achieved by a tomographic inversion technique. The SP data were collected by gradient technique along 16 profiles. Total field values were calculated for each profile by addition of the successive gradient values, then a total field SP map was obtained. The water-saturated zone in the northern part of the study area was clearly revealed by the electrical resistivity imaging and the SP survey yielded useful information on the subsurface fluid movement.     

Potential assessment of CO2 geological storage based on injection scenario simulation: A case study in eastern Junggar Basin

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is one of the effective means to deal with global warming, and saline aquifer storage is considered to be the most promising storage method. Junggar Basin, located in the northern part of Xinjiang and with a large distribution area of saline aquifer, is an effective carbon storage site. Based on well logging data and 2D seismic data, a 3D heterogeneous geological model of the Cretaceous Donggou Formation reservoir near D7 well was constructed, and dynamic simulations under two scenarios of single-well injection and multi-well injection were carried out to explore the storage potential and CO₂ storage mechanism of deep saline aquifer with real geological conditions in this study. The results show that within 100 km² of the saline aquifer of Donggou Formation in the vicinity of D7 well, the theoretical static CO₂ storage is 71.967 × 10⁶ tons (P50)^①, and the maximum dynamic CO₂ storage is 145.295 × 10⁶ tons (Case2). The heterogeneity of saline aquifer has a great influence on the spatial distribution of CO₂ in the reservoir. The multi-well injection scenario is conducive to the efficient utilization of reservoir space and safer for storage. Based on the results from theoretical static calculation and the dynamic simulation, the effective coefficient of CO₂ storage in deep saline aquifer in the eastern part of Xinjiang is recommended to be 4.9%. This study can be applied to the engineering practice of CO₂ sequestration in the deep saline aquifer in Xinjiang.     

Hill slope stability analysis using two and three dimensions analysis: A comparative study

Slope instability is very common phenomenon, especially in tectonically active hills of the lesser Himalaya. The deformed, weathered and fragile rocks of the lesser Himalaya are often vulnerable under natural or anthropogenic influences. There were several cases of slope failure along highway sections in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The study was carried out along a highway section of NH-109. The factor of safety (FoS) is commonly most acceptable parameter that analyses the health of slopes. The two dimensional (2D) numerical analysis techniques are commonly used to obtain the FoS. It is observed that many times FoS obtained from 2D analysis techniques do not qualify the actual conditions and are usually lower in value as compared to ground conditions. This, in turn, increases the cost of remedial measures used for protection of slopes. This paper presents a comparative study of 2D and 3D numerical analysis based on the finite difference method (FDM) using fast Langrangian analysis of continua (FLAC) codes. The study indicates that there is no appreciable difference between FoS values obtained from 2D and 3D analysis based on the selected slope conditions. The difference ranges from 0.02 to 0.07 for analysed cases in uniform rock mass. The study also exhibits some of the important analytical observations and effects of variables on resultant FoS.     

二维地震采集参数的选择——以潮水盆地HW勘查区为例

HW勘查区位于潮水盆地南部,地貌形态为山前冲洪积倾斜戈壁平原和低矮丘陵,表浅层坚硬、疏松的砂砾石层给该区煤层地震勘探有效探测带来极大困难,选择有效的采集参数是保障该区地震勘探效果的关键.参考邻区地震勘探经验,通过理论分析和试验,得出了针对不同地段采取不同井深、药量、井组合及井间距的激发参数,结合勘查区地质特点,选择多个检波器线性组合和高覆盖次数观测系统.所选择的采集参数经过精细施工,取得了较好的地震效果,为今后类似地区进行煤田地震勘探提供了有参考价值的经验和实例.     

Time lapse tracer and SP measurements to characterize the hydrodynamics of fractured granite aquifer: A case study

An attempt is made to identify and delineate the groundwater flow direction and rate in a fractured hard rock aquifer in Maheshwaram granite watershed in Andhra Pradesh using multiple tracers such as bromide, iodide and rhodamine-B under both natural and induced conditions. A main well in the center and three observation wells at 25 m in north-northwest, southeast and southwest directions respectively were constructed based on ²²²Rn anomalies and ⁴He measurements. Streaming potential survey was also carried out in the area before, during and after pumping test. The tracer tests indicated preferential groundwater flow in N-S direction. The groundwater flow velocity estimated based on arrival of tracer under natural and induced conditions are 0.52 m/d and 375 m/d respectively.     

Mise-a-la-masse method,tracer tests and cave detection analysis of underground-river karst-conduit distribution and structure: a case study of the Dafengdong conduits in Guizhou Province,China

In karst areas, groundwater movement is dominated by conduit flow; thus, understanding the distribution and structure of karst conduits has great significance for water research, groundwater protection and engineering construction. With the Dafengdong (Guizhou Province, China) underground river karst as an example, a mise-a-la-masse method, tracer tests and cave detection were conducted to study the distribution and structure of karst conduits. Combined with information on the geological and hydrogeological conditions, the geological factors that form karst conduits were determined. It can be concluded that: (1) Under the influence of faults, karst conduits usually develop towards or along faults; (2) multiple karst conduits form easily on both sides of tectonic fracture zones; (3) both lithology and geological structure affect the formation of blue holes, and when the directions of karst conduits change, blue holes easily form in weak parts of the structure; (4) at springs where two aquifers intersect, with strong chemical dissolution of the lower karst aquifer and mechanical collapse of the upper aquifer, blue holes also form easily; and (5) integrated mise-a-la-masse method, tracer tests and cave detection can accurately discern the distribution and structure of karst conduits. Geological factors can be used to preliminarily delineate the distribution and structure of karst conduits in similar areas based on hydrogeological conditions. Such methods hold great significance for groundwater extraction and protection and engineering construction in karst areas.

     

基于多变量统计分析和水化学特征的海水入侵特征研究——以青岛市崂山区为例

沿海地区地下水环境问题日益突出,进行地下水水化学特征及演化规律的研究,能够更有效地开展地下水环境的监测和保护。以青岛市崂山区地下水为研究对象,综合运用统计分析、主成分分析、Piper图解法、HFE-D图解法、Chadha’s矩形图法等方法,对研究区海水入侵特征与地下水化学特征演化进行分析,探究地下水水化学特征及演化规律,并进一步评价了海水入侵现状。结果表明,研究区地下水以Na+、Ca2+、Cl−、${\rm{SO}}_4^{2-}$为主要优势离子,地下水化学类型多为Cl·SO4-Na型和SO4·Cl-Ca·Mg型。地下水中Cl−浓度变化幅度较大,且其均值超出了有无海水入侵的分界值（250 mg·L−1）,地下水可能发生一定程度的海水入侵;青岛市崂山区地下水呈中性至弱碱性（pH均值=7.0~8.0）,是沿海地区长期的水文地球化学过程的影响;地下水化学变化主要受自然因素（岩石与水的相互作用）或人为因素（农业和家庭活动）的控制;采用反距离加权（IDW）方法,结合地理信息系统（GIS）,进行海水入侵位置的空间映射,研究结果表明崂山区海水入侵主要分布于江家土寨东−浦里社区北入侵段,王哥庄−港西−港东入侵段、仰口湾入侵段、登瀛村−栲栳岛入侵段。     

Controlled blasting in a limestone mine using electronic detonators: A case study

Except for very deep-seated deposits, open cast mining method has been recognized as the safest and most productive mode for mining minerals. Ever growing demand in minerals and coal has compelled the mine operators to increase the size of mine, which has resulted in an increasing trend towards large capacity open cast projects. Explosives and blasting techniques play a significant role in efficient opencast mining operations. There have been constant technological developments towards safer, faster, economical and more efficient blasting systems. Further, globally increased competitiveness has necessitated to carryout blasts in such a way that the desired degree of fragmentation is achieved in the primary blast, with minimum undesired side effects such as ground vibration, air blast/noise, flyrock, generation of oversize boulders, formation of toe, and over break or back break. Hence, the ultimate objective of the blasting engineer is to ensure that the blasts are carried out in an eco-friendly manner. This paper presents a case study of limestone mine where a controlled blasting was conducted near a green structure of wagon tippler (at 2 m) being constructed for foundation work of belt conveyor as the mine management wants to double the existing production. This paper deals with controlled blast design and its implementation using electronic detonators with signature hole technique.     

陆相页岩微观孔隙结构及分形特征——以徐家围子断陷沙河子组为例

为揭示陆相页岩微观孔隙结构特征,应用低温氮气吸附-解吸实验,结合扫描电镜分析、有机碳测定及X射线衍射等手段,分析页岩有机质和矿物组成,厘清孔隙结构和分形特征,并探究其影响因素。结果表明：沙河子组陆相页岩矿物组成以黏土矿物、石英和长石为主。储集空间类型主要为黏土矿物粒内孔、长石溶蚀孔和颗粒边缘孔,有机孔隙不发育。氮吸附曲线主要呈现为Ⅳ类吸附曲线,发育H2和H3两类迟滞回线,其中H3型比表面积较低,平均孔径较大,宏孔含量较高。页岩孔体积主要由介孔和宏孔贡献,比表面积主要由介孔贡献。孔径分布呈现双峰态,左峰约为2.7 nm,右峰分布在20~70 nm。页岩发育两段分形特征,分形维数显示H3型页岩孔隙结构非均质性及复杂性较弱。孔隙结构主要受矿物组成控制,与TOC无明显相关性,微孔含量与比表面积越高,宏孔含量与平均孔径越高,页岩孔隙结构越复杂,越不利于页岩气的运移及产出。陆相页岩因沉积环境控制下赋存的腐殖型有机质,从本质上影响了其孔隙空间、孔隙结构及页岩气富集特征,与海相页岩区别显著。     

Assessing grade domain of iron ore deposit using geostatistical modelling: A case study

Conventional methods of ore deposit estimates are time consuming, whereas geostatistical methods provide quick and reliable estimates with minimum variance. Geostatistical tools, semi-variograms and kriging, have been used for estimation of grades of an iron ore deposit in the present study. In order to model the deposit and estimate grade, 4537 samples collected from 93 boreholes were used in the study. 3-D data have been converted to 2-D for analyzing the variation of Fe within the boreholes. For each borehole, the weighted mean of Fe grade and its coefficient of variation (CV) are calculated and further analysis is carried out for these two variables. Semi-variogram model suggests that the deposit extends over a zone of influence up to 700 m. Grade maps of kriged estimates reveal that the iron ore deposit is distributed in three distinct zones.