Excavation of the Aica-Mules pilot tunnel for the Brenner base tunnel: information gained on water inflows in tunnels in granitic massifs

The construction of the Aica-Mules tunnel, completed in 2010, provides a relevant case history for improving the knowledge of hydrogeological issues related to the excavation of deep tunnels in granitic massifs. The Aica-Mules tunnel is a 10 km-long structure, forming part of the high-speed railway connection between Austria and Italy across the Alpine chain, located at an average depth of 500–1,000 m below the surface. Prior to and during the construction, intense hydrogeological monitoring was set up, allowing the collection of abundant data concerning: (1) the evolution of water inflows into the tunnel; (2) the chemistry and temperature of drained groundwater; and (3) the influence of tunnel drainage on springs. Based on detailed analysis of geological/hydrogeological data, this article provides an insight into the permeability distribution in granitic rocks affected by relevant brittle tectonic deformation, and the consequences of water inflow during excavation. The available time series from the principal water discharges in the tunnel have been used in order to test the reliability of some of the most commonly applied analytical methods for the forecast of water inflows into tunnels.     

A synthetic study of geophysics-based modelling of groundwater flow in catchments with a buried valley

Groundwater models simulating flow in buried valleys interacting with regional aquifers are often based on hydrogeological models interpreted from dense geophysical datasets and scarce borehole data. For three simple synthetic cases, it is demonstrated that alternative methods of inversion of transient electro-magnetic (TEM) data can lead to very different interpretations of the hydrogeology inside and surrounding a buried valley. The alternative interpreted hydrogeological models are used in numerical modelling of groundwater flow to a pumping well. It is demonstrated that the alternative models result in quite different groundwater-model predictions of capture zone, recharge area, and groundwater age for the pumping well. It is briefly demonstrated that model calibration against hydraulic head data is not likely to improve the predictions or to identify the structural error of the interpreted hydrogeological models. It is therefore concluded that when TEM-based resistivity models are interpreted to construct the hydrogeological framework of a groundwater model, it must be done cautiously with support from deep borehole information. Too much reliance on geophysical mapping can lead to seriously wrong hydrogeological models and correspondingly wrong groundwater-model predictions.     

盾构隧道环向开挖面破坏机制及剪胀效应研究

采用刚性滑块构建两种圆形隧道失稳环向开挖面破坏模式,利用编制的非线性规划程序求解隧道失稳环向开挖面支护力系数σ_T /c（σ_T为均布支护荷载,c为有效黏聚力）最优上限解及地层破坏模式,揭示地层参数对隧道稳定性的影响,提出简单实用的极限支护力简化公式。研究结果表明：不排水条件下,当隧道埋深比H/D（H为埋深,D为隧道直径）和重度系数γD/c（γ 为重度）较小时,破坏区域主要集中在隧道中上部,随着H/D和γD/c增大,滑移线起始位置沿着隧道轮廓逐渐向隧道底部扩展,破坏区域向水平方向扩展。排水条件下,地层破坏模式主要有3种。当内摩擦角ϕ 和γD/c较大时,随着剪胀系数的减小,极限支护力和地层破坏范围变化较大,甚至可能引起破坏模式的改变。针对不同深度提出的极限支护力简化公式可快速获得隧道环向开挖面极限支护力。     

Radiomagnetotelluric mapping, groundwater numerical modelling and 18-Oxygen isotopic data as combined tools to determine the hydrogeological system of a landslide prone area

Three methods were combined to determine the groundwater recharge and transfer processes of a landslide prone area. First, the radiomagnetotelluric method was used to investigate the distribution of electrical resistivity (ρ) of the subsurface and build a three-dimensional model of permeability (k), through an experimental relation between ρ and k. Second, this structural model of permeability and additional climatologic data were used to fix boundary and recharge conditions to perform a three-dimensional and transient numerical simulation of the groundwater flow. Finally 18-Oxygen time series observed at the main springs were used to validate the model. This association of methods led to an improved characterization of the groundwater flow system at local scale and a better understanding of the role of this system on the landslide phenomenon. This structured approach is thought to be useful to design specific remediation strategies to drain the unstable mass.     

压裂液在煤层中的运移模拟研究

为给山西省临县三交区块的地下水环境保护提供科学依据,运用地下水数值模拟技术对压裂液在煤层中的运移进行了预测。在分析研究区地质结构的基础上,建立了水文地质概念模型,将山西组3^#煤层概化为一个承压含水层,其上覆二叠系砂岩、泥岩作为隔水层,下伏的泥岩、砂岩互层作为隔水层,并确定了地下水系统的边界条件。运用地下水模型软件(Feflow)对研究区内的压裂液在煤层中的运移进行了模拟和预测,预测结果表明,压裂液在煤层中的的运移范围在煤层压裂影响范围以内,即压裂井周围300 m范围内。     

Groundwater head uncertainty analysis in unsteady-state water flow models using the interval and perturbation methods

In the numerical simulation of groundwater flow, uncertainties often affect the precision of the simulation results. Stochastic and statistical approaches such as the Monte Carlo method, the Neumann expansion method and the Taylor series expansion, are commonly employed to estimate uncertainty in the final output. Based on the first-order interval perturbation method, a combination of the interval and perturbation methods is proposed as a viable alternative and compared to the well-known equal interval continuous sampling method (EICSM). The approach was realized using the GFModel (an unsaturated-saturated groundwater flow simulation model) program. This study exemplifies scenarios of three distinct interval parameters, namely, the hydraulic conductivities of six equal parts of the aquifer, their boundary head conditions, and several hydrogeological parameters (e.g. specific storativity and extraction rate of wells). The results show that the relative errors of deviation of the groundwater head extremums (RDGE) in the late stage of simulation are controlled within approximately ±5% when the changing rate of the hydrogeological parameter is no more than 0.2. From the viewpoint of the groundwater head extremums, the relative errors can be controlled within ±1.5%. The relative errors of the groundwater head variation are within approximately ±5% when the changing rate is no more than 0.2. The proposed method of this study is applicable to unsteady-state confined water flow systems.

     

Evaluating groundwater resource of an urban alluvial area through the development of a numerical model

As established in the European Water Framework Directive, the development of groundwater numerical models is fundamental for adopting water management plans aimed at preserving the water resource and reducing environmental risks. In this paper, authors present a methodology for the estimation of groundwater resource of an alluvial valley, in an urban area characterized by a complex hydrostratigraphic setting and scarcity of hydrogeological data; the study area is the urban and sub-urban area of Rome (Italy). A previous, elaborated hydrostratigraphic model set the base for the development of 3D, steady state, sub-basin scale numerical model, implemented by the finite-difference code MODFLOW 2000^®; the water system components were derived by elaboration of available data. The alluvial aquifer of the Tiber River Valley, which runs in the middle of the City in a NNW–SE direction, has been analyzed in detail, since it is covered by a densely populated area hosting most of Rome’s historical heritage, and it is characterized by low quality geotechnical parameters. Results suggest that in areas with high hydrostratigraphic complexity and scarcity of hydrogeological data, a sub-basin scale, and steady-state numerical model can be very helpful to verify the conceptual model and reduce the uncertainty on the water budget components. The proposed steady-state model constitutes the base for future applications of transient state and local scale models, required for sustainable water management.     

淮北市地下水资源优化管理研究

通过对淮北市地质、水文地质条件的综合分析 ,建立了淮北市双含水层系统水文地质概念模型。引入准三维流数学模型进行地下水动态预报及建立地下水管理模型。用线性规划模型提出淮北市地下水资源的最佳管理方案。最后提出开展地下水回灌研究、建立岩溶含水层地下水库、限制发展耗水型工业及用法律和经济手段管理水资源开发等建议     

陈崇希教授的学术思想和成就综述

在地下水资源评价理论方面, 陈崇希教授分析了"平均布井法"不符合质量守衡原理的实质, 纠正了以"地下水补给量计算可持续开采量"的错误, 提出了基于"质量守衡"的地下水资源评价原则, 强调分析"补给的增加量与排泄的减少量"在评价地下水可持续开采量时的重要意义.在地下水动力学领域, 陈崇希教授纠正了稳定井流"影响半径"模型的错误, 恢复了Dupuit"圆岛模型"的原貌, 拓展了Theis公式和Hantush公式的应用条件, 改进了地下水非稳定井流理论, 完善了其中的某些基本概念.在水文地质模拟仿真技术方面, 陈崇希教授提出确定滨海承压含水层海底边界的理论和方法; 提出地下水混合井流的模型和模拟方法, 解决了混合抽水试验确定分层水文地质参数的难题; 提出岩溶管道-裂隙-孔隙三重介质的地下水线性-非线性流动的模型; 建立了考虑井管水流雷诺数对滤管入流量分布的水平井-含水层系统的地下水流模型; 完成了"渗流-管流耦合模型"的砂槽物理模拟, 并用数值方法仿真了地下水流的规律; 最近向观测孔水位形成的传统观念———常规观测孔中的水头降深反映该孔滤水管中各点的平均降深———提出质疑.陈崇希教授建立的"渗流-管流耦合模型"使传统的基于线汇/线源的井孔-含水系统模型提高到新的水平.陈崇希教授积极倡导"防止模拟失真, 提高仿真性", 强调精细地分析水文地质条件、合理地概化模型和采用正确的仿真技术的重要性.      

某铁路隧道涌水量预测与分析

为进行某铁路隧道的设计与施工,获取相关的水文地质参数,进行了3个钻孔的抽水试验,以获取相关的水文地质参数。运用地下水径流模数法、大气降雨入渗法和地下水动力学法对隧道涌水量进行了计算,计算结果显示：地下径流模数法的计算值偏小,降水入渗法的计算值适中,地下水动力学法的精度较高,但计算的涌水量值较大;三种方法比较,决定结果采用大值,即涌水量正常值取6150m^3/d,最大涌水量值取9770m^3/d。提出了采用双向自流排水,适当布设施工监控设备的工程建议。     

重庆东温泉山既有隧道疏排对岩溶水的影响

岩溶水径流路径非常复杂,而隧道疏排对岩溶水的影响更是一个长期复杂的过程。在长期观测数据以及实地调查研究的基础上,分析重庆东温泉山既有隧道疏排对岩溶水的影响,总结出水平流动带内隧道疏排岩溶水形成的降落漏斗一般可达到隧道标高附近,岩溶裂隙水带内隧道疏排岩溶水形成的降落漏斗仍保持在隧道上方一定高度,渗透性是隧道疏排对岩溶水影响的关键因素。      

Restoring groundwater levels after tunneling: a numerical simulation approach to tunnel sealing decision-making

Tunneling is often unpopular with local residents and environmentalists, and can cause aquifer damage. Tunnel sealing is sometimes used to avoid groundwater leakage into the tunnel, thereby mitigating the damage. Due to the high cost of sealing operations, a detailed hydrogeological investigation should be conducted as part of the tunneling project to determine the impact of sealing, and groundwater modeling is an accurate method that can aid decision-making. Groundwater-level drawdown induced by the construction of the Headrace water-conveyance tunnel in Sri Lanka dried up 456 wells. Due to resulting socio-environmental problems, tunnel sealing was decided as a remedy solution. However, due to the expectation of significant delays and high costs of sealing, and because the water pressure in the tunnel may prevent groundwater seepage into the tunnel during operation, there was another (counter) decision that the tunnel could remain unsealed. This paper describes groundwater modeling carried out using MODFLOW to determine which option—sealed or unsealed tunnel—is more effective in groundwater level recovery. The Horizontal Flow Barrier and River packages of MODFLOW were used to simulate sealed and unsealed tunnels, respectively. The simulation results showed that only through tunnel sealing can the groundwater level be raised to preexisting levels after 18 years throughout the study area. If the tunnel remains unsealed, about 1 million m³/year of water conveyed by the tunnel will seep into the aquifer, reducing the operational capacity of the tunnel as a transport scheme. In conclusion, partial tunnel sealing in high-impact sections is recommended.

     

深埋隧道外水压力计算的解析-数值法

在高水头富水区，抗水压衬砌设计的关键在于外水压力的计算。深埋隧道排水时，沿轴线方向上流入隧道的水量来自于隧道掌子面的前方，当隧道施工足够长度后，可以认为已施工断面的地下水只从隧道两侧向断面内运动，此时可将三维问题处理为二维。对于深埋隧道，当其断面远小于水头时，可处理为一个点井；隧道全断面排水时，隧道断面线可处理为定流量边界。首先建立隧道排水的水文地质概念模型，采和经验解析法预测隧道的涌水量，然后将涌水量代入隧道围岩渗流的剖面二维模型，模拟隧道排水时围岩渗流场的分布，再采用作用系数的方法计算出隧道衬砌的外水压力。     

异常温压条件下水文地质参数实验室计算方法的研究

异常温压条件下的渗透系数和弹性储水系数是评价深层地下水资源量的关键水文地质参数。本文针对目前国内外在深层地下水资源评价研究中,沿用浅层地下水的非稳定井流试验求参数所造成的弊端,考虑到深层地下水因埋藏深度很大而形成的异常温压条件,提出了通过实验室测定岩样,水样的弹性模量、泊松比、孔隙度、渗透率、液体体积压缩系数、粘滞系数等,进而计算深层地下水所处的特定环境中的水文地质参数的方法。     

Hydrogeology and sustainable future groundwater abstraction from the Agua Verde aquifer in the Atacama Desert,northern Chile

The hyper-arid conditions prevailing in Agua Verde aquifer in northern Chile make this system the most important water source for nearby towns and mining industries. Due to the growing demand for water in this region, recharge is investigated along with the impact of intense pumping activity in this aquifer. A conceptual model of the hydrogeological system is developed and implemented into a two-dimensional groundwater-flow numerical model. To assess the impact of climate change and groundwater extraction, several scenarios are simulated considering variations in both aquifer recharge and withdrawals. The estimated average groundwater lateral recharge from Precordillera (pre-mountain range) is about 4,482 m³/day. The scenarios that consider an increase of water withdrawal show a non-sustainable groundwater consumption leading to an over-exploitation of the resource, because the outflows surpasses inflows, causing storage depletion. The greater the depletion, the larger the impact of recharge reduction caused by the considered future climate change. This result indicates that the combined effects of such factors may have a severe impact on groundwater availability as found in other groundwater-dependent regions located in arid environments. Furthermore, the scenarios that consider a reduction of the extraction flow rate show that it may be possible to partially alleviate the damage already caused to the aquifer by the continuous extractions since 1974, and it can partially counteract climate change impacts on future groundwater availability caused by a decrease in precipitation (and so in recharge), if the desalination plant in Taltal increases its capacity.     

Assessment of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>S emission hazards into tunnels: the Nosoud tunnel case study from Iran

The presence of a gassy ground condition is an important problem in tunneling. In this study, the effects of groundwater H₂S and CH₄ emissions are investigated and characterized together with the factors that created these conditions in Nosoud tunnel in Iran. Through the geological investigations, the presence of these gasses was not detected prior to the construction of the tunnel. Groundwater sampling indicated that about 1 L of H₂S is released per 100 L of the water inflow into the Nosoud tunnel under normal conditions. However, the volume of the released gas was varying with the changes in the groundwater discharge rate. Thus, estimation of groundwater inflow into the tunnel is necessary for predicting the volume of gas emission. Based on the experience of the Nosoud tunnel excavations, there are several geological and hydrogeological factors that must be considered as the indicators of gas emissions during tunneling. Considering the importance of ground water gas emission into the tunnels located in gassy conditions, the present work was conducted to predict the H₂S seepage before the excavation using geological and hydrogeological indicators.     

Experimental and numerical investigation of groundwater head losses on and nearby short intersections between disc-shaped fractures

Discrete fracture models are used for investigating precise processes of groundwater flow in fractured rocks,while a disc-shaped parallel-plates model for a single fracture is more reasonable and efficient for computational treatments.The flow velocity has a large spatial differentiation which is more likely to produce non-linear flow and additional head losses on and nearby intersections in such shaped fractures,therefore it is necessary to understand and quantify them.In this study,both laboratory experiments and numerical simulations were performed to investigate the total head loss on and nearby the intersections as well as the local head loss exactly on the intersections,which were not usually paid sufficient attention or even ignored.The investigation results show that these two losses account for 29.17%-84.97%and 0-73.57%of the entire total head loss in a fracture,respectively.As a result,they should be necessarily considered for groundwater modeling in fractured rocks.Furthermore,both head losses become larger when aperture and flow rate increase and intersection length decreases.Particularly,the ratios of these two head losses to the entire total head loss in a fracture could be well statistically explained by power regression equations with variables of aperture,intersection length,and flow rates,both of which achieved high coefficients of determination.It could be feasible through this type of study to provide a way on how to adjust the groundwater head from those obtained by numerical simulations based on the traditional linear flow model.Finally,it is practicable and effective to implement the investigation approach combining laboratory experiments with numerical simulations for quantifying the head losses on and nearby the intersections between disc-shaped fractures.     

Factors controlling fluoride contents of groundwater in north-central and northwestern Sri Lanka

Chemical characterization has been made of groundwater bodies at 294 locations in four village districts in north-central and northwestern Sri Lanka, with special focus on fluorine contamination. High fluoride contents in groundwater are becoming a major problem in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, and dental fluorosis and renal failures are widespread. Field measurements of temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity were made during sampling. Chemical analyses of the water samples were later made using atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, and titration. Fluoride concentrations in the study area vary from 0.01 to 4.34 mg/l, and depend on pH and the concentrations of Na, Ca, and HCO₃ ⁻. Basement rocks including hornblende biotite gneiss, biotite gneiss, and granitic gneiss seem to have contributed to the anomalous concentrations of fluoride in the groundwater. Longer residence time in aquifers within fractured crystalline bedrocks may enhance fluoride levels in the groundwater in these areas. In addition, elevated fluoride concentrations in shallow groundwater in intensive agricultural areas appear to be related to the leaching of fluoride from soils due to successive irrigation.     

An empirical equation for tunnel inflow assessment: application to sedimentary rock masses

Groundwater inflow assessment is essential for the design of tunnel drainage systems, as well as for assessment of the environmental impact of the associated drainage. Analytical and empirical methods used in current engineering practice do not adequately account for the effect of the jointed-rock-mass anisotropy and heterogeneity. The impact of geo-structural anisotropy of fractured rocks on tunnel inflows is addressed and the limitations of analytical solutions assuming isotropic hydraulic conductivity are discussed. In particular, the study develops an empirical correction to the analytical formula frequently used to predict groundwater tunnel inflow. In order to obtain this, a discrete network flow modelling study was carried out. Numerical simulation results provided a dataset useful for the calibration of some empirical coefficient to correct the well-known Goodman’s equation. This correction accounts for geo-structural parameters of the rock masses such as joint orientation, aperture, spacing and persistence. The obtained empirical equation was then applied to a medium-depth open tunnel in Bergamo District, northern Italy. The results, compared with the monitoring data, showed that the traditional analytical equations give the highest overestimation where the hydraulic conductivity shows great anisotropy. On the other hand, the empirical relation allows a better estimation of the tunnel inflow.