Lugeon Value Research Articles

Assessing foundation characteristics at the war dam site, lake tana basin, Ethiopia: A geophysical and geotechnical perspective

An integrated geophysical and geotechnical study evaluated the foundation conditions at the War dam site in northwest Ethiopia. This investigation included the classification of rock quality, shallow seismic refraction, and magnetic approaches. The dam's location comprises quaternary soil deposits and rhyolite rock units that have undergone varied weathering and fracturing. The shallow seismic refraction method distinguishes three layers of p-wave velocities that are less than 1.5 km per second with a depth range of 2–6 m, 1.5–2.5 km per second at a depth range of 15–20 m, and 2.5–3.5 km per second ranging from 20 to 40 m, respectively. Magnetic data were used to identify lineaments, and the RQD value acquired from boreholes ranged from extremely poor to excellent. Lineaments were recognized using the tilt angle approach. The results of the permeability tests demonstrated that the rock mass that serves as the dam's foundation had characteristics that are resistant to low permeability. The maximum and minimum lugeon values obtained from the testing were 9Lu and 0.81Lu, respectively. There are weak zones at and below the surface of the dam site, according to the overall findings acquired from seismic refraction, magnetic, and discontinuity surveying. These results were obtained from monitoring the dam site. These significant structures are directed towards a SW-NE, NE-SW, NNW-SSE, and SSW-NNE orientation. The study assessed the geological suitability of a proposed dam site using seismic refraction and magnetic survey methods. Significant geological variations were observed, particularly in the right abutment and valley floor, indicating the need for targeted grouting. The findings suggest that while the site is generally suitable for dam construction, specific areas require further ground improvement to ensure stability.

Assessment of engineering geology and grouting applications in Yalnızardıç Dam Site (Antalya, Türkiye)

The Yalnızardıç roller compacted concrete (RCC) dam, constructed in 2015, is located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, intended for electric power production. It is approximately 303 m long and 92 m in height. In this paper, it is aimed to determine the performance of the grouting method, conducted to control the water seepage and improve the foundation of the Yalnızardıç dam. The engineering properties of the site were introduced by geological mapping, drilling, and laboratory tests. The seepage of the foundation was determined by the in-situ Lugeon test method, also referred to as a water pressure test, which is estimate the mean hydraulic conductivity of rock mass. As a result of the tests, high-permeable and permeable zones were determined in the dam axis area. To make a barrier layer for these permeable zones, grout curtains were built in the left abutment, thalweg and right abutment with two lines of grouting holes which is proposed according to the Lugeon test and rock quality designation (RQD) results. Consolidation grouts were built to increase the density of the soil which makes the strength of the dam's foundation. After the groutings, check boreholes were drilled and water pressure tests were performed to control the seepage along the foundation and dam site. The results indicated that average Lugeon (LU) values reduced, and the values were within the recommended limit. The process shows considerable accuracy in evaluating grouting efficiency.

Evaluation of Dam Foundation's Grouting Efficiency Based on Lugeon Values

Evaluation of Dam Foundation's Grouting Efficiency Based on Lugeon Values

Lugeon test: new insights into calculated hydraulic conductivity

While the Lugeon test was initially designed to aid in determining the grouting needs of dam foundations in fractured rock, its outcomes have been utilized by geotechnical engineers and hydrogeologists to estimate the hydraulic conductivity. Most of the practitioners use the long-established relation of 1 Lu ≈ 1 × 10 −7 m s −1 to calculate the hydraulic conductivity based on the determined Lugeon value. However, this relationship does not cover all the potential boundary conditions encountered in field conditions where the Lugeon test is applied, and the consequences on the estimated hydraulic conductivity are poorly understood. This paper aims to address this issue by revisiting existing mathematical formulations to calculate the hydraulic conductivity from the Lugeon test under the various boundary conditions. The paper also examines how the flow conditions and length of test intervals impact the recorded Lu and hydraulic conductivity values. It was found that the long-stablished relationship of 1 Lu ≈ 1 × 10 −7 m s −1 and the equation presented in the commonly used reference of the Code of Practice for Site Investigation (BS 5930:1999 + A2:2010) only present one of the potential boundary conditions for the Lugeon test.

Integrated Geophysical and Geotechnical Approaches for Evaluating Dam Seepage in Lesser Himalayan Region of Pakistan

Dam leakage is a major problem in earth-filled reservoir dams. The present research is aimed at detecting the seepage zones in an earth-filled reservoir dam in the vicinity of Sarobi village, North Waziristan, Pakistan. The objective was achieved by integrating geological, geotechnical, and geophysical datasets. Geological survey was carried out in the area to identify the surface exposures. Geotechnical data involved was used to estimation of permeability and Lugeon values to identify network of joints/fractures whereas electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique (utilizing Wenner-Schlumberger configuration) was applied for the identification of the leakage zones. Geological data revealed highly deformed alluvium towards the right abutment underlain by compressed shale and highly fractured limestone beds. Geotechnical data indicated high permeability, Lugeon values, and concentration of sand and gravel towards the right abutment whereas low permeability, Lugeon values, and higher concentration of silt and clay were observed towards the left abutment. ERT data identified a conductive zone embedded between impermeable lithologies having resistivity between 10 and 60 Ω·m. This conductive zone was observed in parallel profiles acquired in upstream, dam crest, and downstream parts of the dam. The integration of all the datasets revealed a network of joints that are interconnected and provide a path for water at the upstream side to pass through right abutment of dam and leak towards the downstream.

Curtain Grouting Effectivity Analysis On Foundation Rocks In Blocks 37 – 40 In The Body Of Randugunting Dam, Blora Regency, Central Java

Blora Regency is a barren area in Indonesia and has drought disaster potential, to address those problems Indonesian Governments launched Randugunting Dam’s construction program. The research area was located at Block 37 – 40, Radugunting Dam, Japah District, Blora Region. Dam as a water retention building should have foundation rocks that are resistant towards seepage potential, therefore curtain grouting was conducted to seal geological fractures on the foundation rocks. The purpose of these research was to understand the seepage potential on foundation rocks, foundation rocks curtain grouting requirement, and curtain grouting effectiveness. Research method used were water pressure test (WPT) data analysis, in the form of water flow discharge data processed through calculation to produces Lugeon value (Lu). The Lugeon value (Lu) would be further analyzed to determine the curtain grouting effectiveness value. The result of the analysis shows that around 18.15% of the research area have seepage potential that was shown by medium (3 < Lu < 10) – high (Lu > 10) Lugeoun (Lu) value. After the curtain grouitng was conducted, it effectiveness value on Block 37 was 88.34% (good), on Block 38 was 81.43% (good), on Block 39 was 70,62% (good), and on Block 40 was 79.41% (good).

Prediction of Grouting Method for Decreasing the Lugeon Value of Dam Foundation

This research aims to predict the grouting method to decrease the Lugeon value on the dam foundation. The methodology consisting of grouting is evaluated by comparing the first permeability (permeability before grouting) and secondary permeability (permeability after grouting). Grouting is critical in improving the dam foundation and reducing the permeability in Lugeon values. Because of the concealment and uncertainty of dam foundation grouting, the accurate evaluation of the quality of grouting construction has become a major concern. The effectiveness of the grouting method for decreasing Lugeon values in the dam foundation has not been certainly revealed. The foundation of the dam with weathered lapilli tuff and gravelly sand is a typical porous weathered rock. The grouting was performed as a down-stage, in which the grout hole is drilled in stages using a pneumatic packer. The improvement of the dam foundation by grouting is evaluated by comparing the first permeability (permeability before grouting) and secondary permeability (permeability after grouting) by using Lugeon values with a water pressure test. This test employed 534 data, which included the first permeability, depth, grout take, and secondary permeability. This paper focuses on modeling to predict the secondary permeability. The result is developing the secondary permeability that considers the relation between the parameters, which can affect and represent the characteristics of grouting quality in the non-linear regression equation that is SP = FP – f(GT) in the depth conditions of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 m. R-squared is the coefficient of determination. The R-squared value for depths of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 m is 87.52%, 83.18%, 72.29%, 60.20%, 42.25%, and 30.03%. Thus, the results are applicable to assess the quality of curtain grouting.

EVALUASI PERBAIKAN PONDASI KONDUIT DENGAN METODE GROUTING

The Tugu Dam is one of the National Strategic Projects located in Trenggalek, East Java. Dam construction is an old practice, so history of dam shows great innovations in engineering. The innovations are not only for foundation design, but for foundation failure repairing. In the conduit of the Tugu dam, there is displacement as far as 20 mm - 60 mm. The alternative foundation failure repairing is grouting. The purpose of this study is to identify problems in the foundation failure of Conduit Tugu Dam and to evaluate the effectiveness of grouting based on the lugeon value and displacement value in the simulation by software. The results of the investigation that obtained a colovial layer as deep as 15-28 (m) in the displacement. The Lugeon Value area by testing the water pressure is 3,54 – 104,13. After the grouting work is done and the water pressure test is carried out, the Lugeon value on the Check Hole is 1,01 – 4,95 so that the grouting effectiveness is 75% (good category). The results using sigma/w show that displacement without using grout is -0,394 (m) alternative 1 is -0,027 (m), alternative 2 is -0,051(m), alternative 3 is -0,034 (m) and alternative 4 is -0,026 (m).

Curtain Grouting To Reduce Seepage Foundation Access Road To The Top Of The Dam At Tugu Dam

The construction of a complementary access road to the top of the dam is to the left of the Tugu dam pedestal. Based on geological studies, it is feared that there is a potential for seepage that passes through the left pedestal through joints, fractures, and fault areas/rock layers below the foundation surface. To anticipate this, the allowable seepage requirement is the lugeon value (Lu) < 3. This study aims to determine the geological conditions and the amount of seepage before and after foundation repairs are carried out using the grouting method. The type of this research is field research, qualitative descriptive because this research tries to collect lugeon population and cement material absorbed into the rock from water pressure test and grouting injection work by grouping each type of hole, pilot hole, primary hole, secondary hole, tertiary hole, and check hole. The study results by taking rock cores found that the constituent rocks were volcanic breccia units and colluvial rocks. Furthermore, a water pressure test before grouting with a water passing value of (k) = 6.62E-05 to 4.73E-04 cm/sec or with a lugeon value (Lu) of 5.07 to 36.21. After repairing the foundation using rim curtain grouting, the seepage that occurs decreases with a water passing value (k) = 1.96E-05 to 3.03E-05 cm/sec or lugeon (Lu) 1.50 to 2.32, so the requirements the target value of Lu < 3 was achieved with the effectiveness in the good category.

Studi Geologi Bawah Permukaan Menggunakan Core Logging Dan Water Pressure Test: Studi Kasus Bendungan Lolak Bolaang Mongondow

North Sulawesi has one large dam located in Pindol Village, Lolak District. The research objective was to determine the lithology of the bedrock of dam foundation, rock class, and subsurface permeability of the dam. The method used in this research is core logging analysis and water pressure test. The bedrock foundations of the dam consist of andesite units, shale units, sandstone units which are included in the Sedimentary Facies Tinombo Formation and Volcanic Tinombo Formation. The formations are included in the Eocene to Early Oligocene Eocene and deposited in the deep marine environment. The foundation rock class is predominantly CM class (rather soft and fairly weathered rock), the rock quality of design is poor-medium characterized by the presence of broken cores and easily crushed in some parts. Lolak Dam has 6 permeability zones, namely very high, high, medium, moderate, low, and very low permeability with an average lugeon value of 4.43 liters/minute. The standard of lugeon value for the dam foundation is Lu3, so it is necessary to repair the drill points on the pilot hole which has a lugeon value of 3 (low, moderate, medium, high, and very high permeability zones) to increase the capacity foundation rock.

Investigating Seepage Paths at Golfaraj Earthen Dam, Northwest Iran.

An investigation of seepage was conducted at Golfaraj Reservoir Dam with a particular emphasis on determining the seepage areas based on regional and site-specific hydrogeological studies. The primary goal of the investigation was to develop strategies intended to minimize dam and reservoir seepage. Leakage from the reservoir is a serious problem and of considerable concern to the local populace. Substantial reduction of seepage from Golfaraj Reservoir Dam is the ultimate goal of the investigations conducted. Golfaraj Reservoir Dam, located in East Azerbaijan province, northwest Iran, was built to provide water for agricultural and industrial needs in Golfaraj plain and neighboring lands. The Golfaraj Reservoir was constructed through the Miocene Upper Red Formation, which consists of sequences of sandstone, mudstone, conglomerate, and gypsiferous marl. Following reservoir filling, seepage of water into adjacent formations was found to occur at an estimated rate of 70 L/s. After reservoir impoundment groundwater levels in Shahmar village, 2 km downstream and just north of the dam axis, rose and land surfaces became abnormally wet. Lugeon values in some boreholes drilled around Golfaraj Dam before and after dam construction were high enough to indicate that the dam base has sufficient permeability to allow water to escape by underflow. Twenty-four Casagrande piezometers installed around the dam axis at four sectors provided additional information on seepage pathways through the dam body and underneath or through the cutoff wall. Water-level variations in the Casagrande piezometers confirmed the seepage routes. Study results showed that reservoir water likely seeps through the reservoir bottom and beneath and through the cutoff wall. The west side of the dam and near the reservoir reflected water-level rises in accordance with the rise in reservoir-water level. Seepage in this area is probably due to its proximity to Golfaraj Reservoir. Hydrogeochemical analyses further suggest that the water source of Shahmar Drain, ~ 1800 m north of Golfaraj Dam cannot be from the east or west embankments of the dam because the electrical conductivity in Shahmar Drain water approximates the electrical conductivity of Golfaraj Reservoir water and is lower than the electrical conductivity of groundwater in some of boreholes. Potential future seepage mitigation measures will focus on methods to seal the reservoir floor and cutoff wall sections I2-I2 and I3-I3, although some efforts may be directed at the west side of the dam. Such measures could take the form of installation of a geomembrane barrier over the west side of the dam, concrete cutoff walls downstream of the dam, and pumping wells to intercept seepage.

Modification of the BQ system based on the Lugeon value and RQD: a case study from the Maerdang hydropower station, China

Current rock mass quality classification methods include the rock mass rating (RMR), the Q system, the geological strength index (GSI) and the basic quality (BQ) system. Among these methods, the BQ system has been adopted as the standard for engineering classification of rock mass in China. The base value of the BQ system is determined by the intactness index of the rock mass (Kv) and the uniaxial compressive strength of intact rocks (UCS). However, it is not always possible to calculate Kv in engineering processes, thus making it difficult to classify a rock mass. In this study, the relationship among the Kv, the rock quality designation (RQD), and the Lugeon value (ω) is established using Maerdang hydropower station, China, as a case study. Results from this study enable the proposal of a modified BQ system based on UCS, RQD, and the Lugeon value. By comparing evaluation results obtained using the original BQ system with this proposed system, very similar results were obtained for rock mass at the Maerdang hydropower station. The addition of more engineering examples over time will enable further verification of the proposed modified BQ system.

Integrated Geophysical and Packer Test for the Water Tightness Evaluation of Gullele Botanic Garden Dam Site, Northwest of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Gullele Botanic Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in Ethiopia, which is found northwest of Addis Ababa. For this garden, a dam was proposed to be constructed for irrigation and recreational purposes. The intended dam will have a height of 30 m and a dam axis length of around 180 m. The main objective of this work is to investigate and evaluate the engineering geological aspects of the proposed dam site based on detailed geological, geotechnical and geophysical investigations. The investigation conducted in the area includes, electrical resistivity imaging, VES, borehole drilling and single packer permeability test. Geologically the area is covered by the different volcanic rock such as ignimbrite, rhyolite, tuff, basalt, and residual soil; and geological structures such as joint, fracture, flow banding, and cooling joint. The dominant orientations of geological structures are N-S and E-W directions. Results from different investigations revealed that three geotechnical layers were identified. These are overburden (completely weathered ignimbrite and soil), highly to moderately weathered ignimbrite and moderately to slightly weathered ignimbrite rock mass. The rock mass permeability test from six boreholes has Lugeon values ranging from 0 to 9. The maximum Lugeon (permeability of the rock mass) values investigated at the left abutment and riverbed of the proposed dam site showed wash out and dilation behavior respectively. The permeability result indicates that possible seepage problem at left abutment, riverbed and reserviour of the proposed dam. Therefore, during the construction of the dam, those specific locations, which are identified as problematic areas, need effective ground improvement works and special monitoring.

Curtain grouting experiment in a dam foundation: case study with the main focus on the Lugeon and grout take tests

The Baihetan super-high arch dam is constructed under complicated geological conditions, including large-scale columnar jointed basalt (CJB) with closely spaced joints and multiple interlayer and intralayer shear belts at the lower part of dam base, which may increase a risk of seepage in adjacent dam foundations. Therefore, curtain grouting is used to reduce the permeability of dam foundations. Lugeon and grouting field tests and geological exploration were carried out to investigate curtain grouting characteristics of the dam foundation. The findings were as follows: (1) the permeability coefficient of the first type of CJB and breccia lava without unloading is 2 × 10−5 ~ 5 × 10−5 cm/s; that of the second type of CJB without unloading is 2.5 × 10−5 ~ 5 × 10−5 cm/s; and that of the unloaded third type of massive basalt is 1 × 10−5 ~ 3 × 10−5 cm/s. (2) The rock core shows that the slurry caused repeated splitting of the rock mass and widened the cracks of the rock mass, which resulted in plastic deformation of the rock mass. The P ~ Q curve of the five-point Lugeon test shows that the curve shape is turbulent and that the maximum Lugeon value appears at the highest pressure. (3) The phenomenon of low-permeability conditions with a large grout take can be frequently observed. The proportion of the hole stages with a water permeability less than 1 LU and grout take greater than 50 kg/m ranges from 12.5 to 37.5%. The proportion of holes with permeability greater than 10 Lu and grout take greater than 50 kg/m is 0 to 12.5%. The findings from this case study can provide a reference for engineering construction.

Geological and Geotechnical Characteristics of Ntem Formations: Insight of its Applications in the Memve’ele Dam Construction (Southern Cameroon)

This paper discusses the geological and geotechnical potentialities of Ntem formations from the Memve’ele dam construction. Stratigraphic formations on the dam site consist from top to bottom sand, silty sand, silty, silty clay, very to moderate weathered rocks with a thickness of about 0.5–3 m above a sound bed rock which are represented by Ntem formations. These rocks have main mineral associations represented by orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, quartz, plagioclase and garnet, display reaction textures, idiomorphic crystals, straight boundaries between crystals, the iron bearing amphibole, biotite and epidote, quartz ribbons and iron minerals (ilmenite and magnetite) are also present. All these permit to class them from granulite to amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions; therefore they are very hard and appear good for civil applications. The permeability has thickness from 0 to 13 m in the depth with Lugeon values higher than 15 UL. The RQD values are permitted to class these rocks as being moderated to good resistant. These character features which improve their geophysical properties (e.i. hard quality) have permitted that the dam and powerhouse foundations refitting on them. According to geophysical properties and rock mass rating, the rock mass is fair and good and is classified to class II and III. All these indicate that the rock mass is well compacted and sound with sparsely spaced discontinuities. The Ntem formations have uniaxial compressive strength under saturated condition generally higher than 40 Mpa, dry density or specific weight not less than 2.7 g/cm3, low porosity (average from 0.69 to 0.83%), low coefficient of water absorption (average from 0.012 to 0.04%), deformation modulus from 82.3 to 87.86 Gpa, Los Angeles and Micro Deval values are lower than 40% and 20% respectively, swelling risks are very limited with low values (1.07–1.11%) of sulphate, under 4.5% of cement and low values (0–0.07%) obtained during alkali-reaction test. All these have permitted that to obtain concrete aggregate and rip rap by crushing and processing these rocks from quarry during the dam, spillway, powerhouse and road constructions. These results confirm use of these formations during Memve’ele dam constructions.

Mechanized tunnelling in hydrothermally altered grounds: The effect of hydrothermal fluids on the rock behaviour in the central Iran

The Kerman tunnel is located in the southeast of Urmia-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA) in central Iran that is known as the Kerman Cenozoic Magmatic Arc (KCMA). This arc is one of the most important altered areas in Iran, which has caused significant physical and mechanical variations in characteristics of rocks. The relationship between the type of hydrothermal alteration and rock properties is considerably variable depending on several factors including the parent rock, PT-conditions, chemical composition, and fluid type, as well as the period of fluid-rock interaction. Studies showed that high-temperature fluids increase consolidation and strength by decreasing porosity and permeability of rocks in the area while the mechanism of alteration by low-temperature subsurface fluids is more complicated resulting in various properties. The most important effects are the decrease in density, strength, and elastic modulus. In Kerman tunnel, these variations in the rock properties led to unexpected behavior of rocks and hazards such as (1) water inrush in some parts of the tunnel where the RQD value is high, and Lugeon value is low, (2) wearing of disc cutters in low or non-abrasive lithologies, (3) intense and mainly unexpected variations in penetration rate, which show considerable influence of the alterations in the area. These are some unknown mechanisms during the tunnel boring in the area. In this study, it is tried to detect these mechanisms and determine the risks of mechanized tunnelling in hydrothermally altered grounds.

Case Study: In Situ Experimental Investigation on Overburden Consolidation Grouting for Columnar Jointed Basalt Dam Foundation

The dam foundation rock mass, at the Baihetan hydropower station on the Jinsha River, is mainly columnar jointed basalt, with faults and fissures developed. Considering adverse factors such as the unloading relaxation or the opening of the fissures due to excavation blasting, consolidation grouting is needed to improve the integrity of the dam foundation rock mass. According to the physical and mechanical properties of columnar jointed basalt and the continuity of construction, the effectiveness of overburden consolidation grouting is experimentally studied. The results show that this grouting technology can obviously improve the integrity and uniformity of a dam foundation rock mass and reduce the permeability of the rock mass. After grouting, the average increase in the wave velocity of the rock mass is 7.3%. The average improvement in the deformation modulus after grouting is 13.5%. After grouting, the permeability of 99% of the inspection holes in the Lugeon test section had Lugeon values of no more than 3 LU. This improvement is considerable and provides a case to engineering application.

Use of Packer Test Results in Hydrogeological Characterization: A Comparison of Calculation Methods for a Representative Value

Packer test is one of the commonly applied methods in determination of hydraulic conductivity particularly in low permeability fractured rock mass. Originally, hydraulic conductivity is defined in Lugeon units which correspond to 1 litre per minute per meter of intake section less than 10 atmospheres of pressure. Since the test is applied under different pressures, which gives the opportunity to observe the hydraulic behaviour of the rock under different stresses. Calculations of hydraulic conductivity for each step of pressure usually give different value of hydraulic conductivity. Selection of a representative hydraulic conductivity value therefore becomes an issue. The arithmetic mean is the commonly accepted value, without justifying its representativeness. In this paper, about 75 packer tests conducted at 17 core wells at different depth with 3.5 m long test sections using double packer were evaluated. The tests are conducted at five pressures that run in three increasing and two decreasing pressures according to the recommendation of Houlsby. Hydraulic conductivity was calculated for every pressure step and evaluated to find a representative value using different methods. The representative values found by different methods is then compared. Results indicate that the arithmetic mean has good correlation with all the methods in particular it is nicely correlated with the modified Lugeon analysis for hydrogeological investigations with a correlation value of R 2 =0.91. Therefore, it is concluded that the uncertainty associated with the use of the simple arithmetic mean is within an acceptable range of error. Keywords: Hydrogeology; Lugeon Value; Packer test; Permeability.

Geological assessment for tunnel excavation under river with shallow overburden using surface site investigation data and electrical resistivity tomography

Tunnelling is a challenging task as many geotechnical uncertainties involved during construction, especially under a river crossing with shallow overburden. This study focussed on geological assessment for the New Austrian Tunneling Method excavation that crosses under Kerau River with shallow overburden. 3D filtered tunnel models using Boolean filter for rock mass weathering grade, rock quality designation, and Lugeon value are developed. Results predict that 53.3% of the tunnel excavation under the Kerau River crossing are highly weathered rocks (Grades III and IV), and 64.51% are in the moderately to highly fractured zone (0%–75% RQD) along the roof of the tunnel granitic bedrock. The Lugeon value models show that 71.64% of the excavating rocks possess a Lugeon value of 5–50 (6–60 × 10−5 cm/s), which denotes considerably high permeability. 2D electrical resistivity tomography is used to verify the permeability results from the Lugeon test.

Relating rock mass properties with Lugeon value using multiple regression and nonlinear tools in an underground mine site

The Lugeon test is one of the commonly applied field methods for measuring hydraulic conductivity of a rock mass. Understanding hydraulic conductivity is especially necessary when groundwater is present, as it has a direct effect on the construction operations and stability of a structure. Discontinuity orientation, spacing and discontinuous surface quality, and the presence and type of infill play essential roles in permeability of a rock mass. Commonly used rock quality designation (RQD) and discontinuity surface condition rating of the rock mass rating system (Dc) were chosen as predictive parameters. Additionally, depth is involved as a critical predictor and it is observed so. Three variables impacting the Lugeon value are not present in the literature. The importance of each predictor variable was found to be significant while depth contributed more. Simple regression work resulted in insufficient correlation for each single parameter, but indicated they have relevance to the Lugeon value. In addition to linear and nonlinear multiple regression studies, Box-Cox transformation multiple regression was employed and predictions were found to be statistically significant. Among the multiple regression models, a nonlinear model provided the highest prediction performance. Utilization of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) enabled researchers to predict the Lugeon value precisely, compared to the multiple regression works. Subtractive clustering was employed in order to successfully model the parameters by using ANFIS. The clustering task resulted in a fuzzy inference system structure with three rules. A manually introduced fuzzy inference system (FIS) structure with 27 rules exhibited low performance when it was compared to the structure generated by subtractive clustering. The findings can be used in the study area since a wide range of rock types, properties and depth were taken into account in the models. Groundwater flow and permeability in jointed rock mass have a complex mechanism with variable fracturing and discontinuity properties within a small area. For prediction work, it is concluded to be beneficial to add the depth parameter to the models for further studies.