Changes in rock salt permeability due to nearby excavation : Stormont, J C; Howard C L; Daemen J J K Rock Mechanics as a Multidisciplinary Science: Proc 32nd US Symposium, Norman, 10–12 July 1991P899–907. Publ Rotterdam: A A Balkema, 1991

Abstract

Changes in brine and gas permeability of rock salt as a result of nearby excavation (mine-by) have been measured from the underground workings of the WIPP facility. Prior to the mine-by, the formation responds as a porous medium with a very low brine permeability, a significant pore (brine) pressure and no measurable gas permeability. The mine-by excavation creates a dilated, partially saturated zone in the immediate vicinity of the excavation with an increased permeability to brine and a measurable permeability to gas. The changes in hydrologic properties are discussed in the context of pore structure changes.