Abstract
A high-level radioactive waste repository requires a rock mass to have good retardation properties. However, because a fault zone can be a potential seepage conduit for nuclides, its influence on the hydraulic conductivity of that fault zone must be assessed. Key sets of fractures were found based on an assessment of the statistical characteristics of fracture orientations and the tectonic analysis of a representative north–east fault in the Jijicao rock block in the Beishan region of Gansu Province, China. The trace midpoint density of each set was calculated using ArcGIS, a geographic information system, and a model of the hydraulic conductivity in the fault zone was developed based on a water pressure test and calculations, such that the respect distance and margin for excavation of this fault could also be determined. The calculated results show that the fault core and host rock are less conductive when the damage zone is 10- to 100-fold more conductive due to its greater density of fractures. The density is stable at 100 m, while the key set is stable until 65 m, and the calculated hydraulic conductivity is stable until 25 m; these results are consistent with the results of water pressure analysis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
