A semi-theoretical method for determining the permeability tensor of fractured rock masses in three-dimensional space

Abstract

The permeability tensor is a critical parameter for analyzing the hydraulic behavior of anisotropic permeability in fractured rock masses. However, determining this tensor for three-dimensional (3D) fractured rock masses has proven to be challenging and resource-intensive. Both field tests, requiring numerous costly in situ tests, and numerical experiments, hindered by complex discrete fracture networks with a high fracture density, present difficulties in obtaining accurate results. In response, this study proposes a semi-theoretical method for determining the permeability tensor of 3D fractured rock masses, significantly reducing labor and economic costs. The proposed method focuses on establishing the theoretical relationship of directional permeabilities in a 3D space, with emphasis on the properties of the permeability tensor and the influence of fractures' geometry on the flow rate. To facilitate the construction of the method, anisotropic ellipse and ellipsoid are introduced, providing a description of permeability anisotropy. With this innovative approach, engineers can calculate the permeability tensor even when only one value of permeability is available along any flow direction. The utilization of the anisotropic ellipse and ellipsoid concepts helps simplify the determination process. Through numerical experiments, the method is validated and its accuracy demonstrated, making it a valuable tool for analyzing the hydraulic behavior of 3D fractured rock masses.