Seepage Water Research Articles

Analyzing flood characteristics and establishing a monitoring network for the red river area of Hanoi

Flooding is a phenomenon in which river water rises during the rainy season (in the North of Viet Nam from June to September every year), causing flooding in some alluvial grounds outside the Red River dyke in the Hanoi area. This phenomenon occurs frequently with different scales in area and depth of flooding, which depends on the hydro-meteorological conditions of the entire region of Red river and the ability of flow regulation structures and flood drainage on river. The impacts of flooding due to rising river levels not only cause instability in daily life in residential areas but also change river dynamics and cause increased water pressures and seepage pressures on the dikes. Currently, flooding can be largely controlled by regulating the flow of rivers through hydroelectric dams in upstream areas. However, establishing a flood monitoring network and creating a database to assess the impact of flooding is necessary to minimize damage and improve the efficiency of exploitation and use of the Red River. This article focuses on research on flood risk assessment and the basis for establishing a flood monitoring network on the Red River in the Hanoi area to serve sustainable exploitation of the territory.

Effects of Dipping and Folded Structure on Gas Production from Hydrate-Bearing Sediments

Summary Due to a dipping and folded structure, hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS) have obvious fluctuation characteristics, and the internal temperature and pressure of HBS are unevenly distributed. Subsequently, gas and water production of natural gas hydrate (NGH) is affected. When using a numerical simulation method to predict effectively the productivity of HBS, it is necessary to establish a conceptual model that considers the formation fluctuation. However, few reported studies accurately describe the fluctuation characteristics of HBS in numerical simulation models. Therefore, the spatial evolution of gas production, water production, and seepage parameters of each model was compared by establishing the initial temperature and pressure model of each representative model pair, using the TOUGH + HYDRATE (T + H) code for a long-time simulation; the production process of gas and water and spatial evolution of seepage parameters of each model were compared; and then the spatial evolution of gas production, water production, and seepage parameters of the different dipping/folded HBS was obtained. The spatial evolution of water production and seepage parameters for different dipping/folded HBS is obtained. (a) The dipping and folded structure had an obvious influence on the spatial distribution of the initial temperature and pressure of HBS. (b) The limits of heat supply and seepage capacity of the fluctuating HBS gave lower gas production than in horizontal HBS. There should be more emphasis on heat supply conditions and the formation of secondary hydrates. (c) The additional pore water in fluctuating HBS is not conducive to the discharge of methane. Consequently, the development of improved water blocking measures is significant for the future large-scale production of NGH.

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles and nanocomposites using Echinochloa pyramidalis (Antelope grass) plant parts and the application of the nanocomposite for the removal of PAHs from bitumen seepage water

Aqueous extracts of the leaf, stem and root of Echinochloa pyramidalis have been used as a reducing agent to synthesize silver nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV, FTIR, SEM, TEM and XRD. The nanoparticles showed absorption spectra in the visible region and crystallite sizes of 14, 2.70 and 4.9 nm for the leaf, stem and root-based nanoparticles while the respective particle sizes were 15.3, 12.6 and 10.3 nm respectively. The FTIR spectra of the nanoparticles indicated evidence of changes in the functional groups that indicated an interaction between the nanoparticles and the phytochemicals in the respective plant parts. Micrographs obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveal some protruding internal structures. The synthesized nanoparticles were also used as precursors to synthesize nanocomposites by combining them with the leaf, stem and root of the Echinochloa pyramidalis of the plant. The nanoparticles and the corresponding nanocomposites showed pore sizes that define mesoporous dimension, functional groups that were comparable to those in the parent nanoparticles, and modified surface morphology. However, BET surface area to volume ratios were relatively higher for the composites than the nanoparticles while the reverse trend was observed for pore diameter and pore volume. The composites were found to be excellent adsorbents for the removal of some PAHs from bitumen seepage water and recorded an average minimum removal efficiency of 90% and a maximum of almost 100%.

Experimental Study on Gas–Water Seepage in High-Rank Coal and Its Research Significance

Experimental Study on Gas–Water Seepage in High-Rank Coal and Its Research Significance

Experimental study on the synergic effects of surfactants and nanoparticles on the seepage of water injected into coal seams

To study the synergic effects of surfactants and nanoparticles on the seepage of water injected into coal seams, we prepared three chip models with complex cracks using glass etching technology based on the real conformation of cracks in coal mass and set up a visual experimental platform for microscopic seepage. Based on these models, we carried out a series of seepage experiments on gas expelling with different solutions and investigated the effects of surfactants, nanoparticles, and flow velocities on seepage characteristics. The results showed that all tested anionic, non-ionic, and cationic surfactant solutions could reduce flow resistance, showing a downward trend with the rise of the mass fractions of these surfactants. The combination of nanoparticles with these surfactant solutions further reduced flow resistance, showing the best drag reduction effects with hydrophobic nanoparticles at all tested flow velocities. Moreover, all three tested surfactants could displace gas and reduce gas residue in the crack networks. The higher the mass fraction of the surfactant solution is, the more significant the gas displacement effect. Furthermore, the gas displacement effect of the surfactant solution is positively proportional to the flow velocity. The higher the flow velocity is, the more significant the gas displacement effect.

Analysis of building failure associated with water seepage into gypsiferous soils in an arid area located in the northwestern town of Ouled Djellal (Algeria)

The present article aims to investigate the root causes of building failures that are associated with water seepage into gypsiferous soils in the arid region of the northwestern town of Ouled Djellal in Algeria. For this, a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, including in-situ measurements and laboratory analysis, was implemented to understand the failure mechanisms in the buildings. The study revealed that water infiltration affects the stability of the gypsiferious soil beneath the buildings foundations and triggers differential settlement, thus contributing to building failures. This research offers valuable insights through a case study and provides practical recommendations for construction practices aimed at reducing the risks of building failures due to water seepage in gypsiferous soils. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of understanding soil behavior, implementing effective water management strategies, and using appropriate foundation designs in arid regions.

Optimizing Grouting Techniques for Controlling Water Seepage, Using Rain Optimization Technique

Optimizing Grouting Techniques for Controlling Water Seepage, Using Rain Optimization Technique

Distinct diversity patterns and assembly mechanisms of prokaryotic microbial sub-community in the water column of deep-sea cold seeps

Methane leakage from deep-sea cold seeps has a major impact on marine ecosystems. Microbes sequester methane in the water column of cold seeps and can be divided into abundant and rare groups. Both abundant and rare groups play an important role in cold seep ecosystems, and the environmental heterogeneity in cold seeps may enhance conversion between taxa with different abundances. Yet, the environmental stratification and assembly mechanisms of these microbial sub-communities remain unclear. We investigated the diversities and assembly mechanisms in microbial sub-communities with distinct abundance in the deep-sea cold seep water column, from 400 m to 1400 m. We found that bacterial β-diversity, as measured by Sørensen dissimilarities, exhibited a significant species turnover pattern that was influenced by several environmental factors including depth, temperature, SiO32−, and salinity. In contrast, archaeal β-diversity showed a relatively high percentage of nestedness pattern, which was driven by the levels of soluble reactive phosphate and SiO32−. During the abundance dependency test, abundant taxa of both bacteria and archaea showed a significant species turnover, while the rare taxa possessed a higher percentage of nestedness. Stochastic processes were prominent in shaping the prokaryotic community, but deterministic processes were more pronounced for the abundant taxa than rare ones. Furthermore, the metagenomics results revealed that the abundances of methane oxidation, sulfur oxidation, and nitrogen fixation-related genes and related microbial groups were significantly higher in the bottom water. Our results implied that the carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen cycles were potentially strongly coupled in the bottom water. Overall, the results obtained in this study highlight taxonomic and abundance-dependent microbial community diversity patterns and assembly mechanisms in the water column of cold seeps, which will help understand the impacts of fluid seepage from the sea floor on the microbial community in the water column and further provide guidance for the management of cold seep ecosystem under future environmental pressures.

Investigating the self-healing performance of cracked undersea constructions

The undersea construction has undergone long-term exposure to erosive high-pressure seawater. Hence, it has become urgent to meet long-term requirements for seepage resistance and corrosion resistance. The objective of this study was to delve into the feasibility of remedying capillary cracks narrower than 0.3 mm in concrete constructions by using self-healing properties of concrete within a marine environment. Through the test of pressurized water seepage, micro-examinations, and numerical simulations of low water-to-binder ratio concrete subjected to simulated marine conditions, this study investigated the impacts of initial crack width, hydrostatic pressure, and curing age on water permeability, crack width, splitting tensile strength, and free chloride content in cracked concrete. The findings revealed that the concrete exhibiting capillary cracks with a width of under 0.3 mm indicated excellent self-healing performance. Notably, the results indicated the decrease in the water permeability, the gradual decline in surface crack width, and a slight recovery of the splitting tensile strength. However, the chloride ion transport was less evident compared to seepage as fracture closure decreased. The healing indexes of cracked concrete were enhanced with the decrease in the initial crack width, the shortening of curing period, and the decline in hydrostatic pressure. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the seepage velocity negatively impacted concrete healing, while continuous hydration during the early stages of concrete formation positively affected the healing process. These results provided valuable insights for devising maintenance strategies for concrete structures exposed to seawater environments.

Flexible barrier and flow-driven woody debris: an experimental investigation of their interaction

Flexible barriers have been recently proposed as a promising alternative for trapping woody debris driven by the flow in torrents and rivers before they reach elements at risks. Small-scale experiments in similitude with the real-scale have been conducted in view of addressing the interaction between the flow and the barrier. A particular attention was paid to the identification of the parameters with influence on the loading experienced by the barrier, varying the woody debris mixtures characteristics, water discharge, flume inclination and woody debris supply mode. This investigation emphasised the intricacy of the relation between the barrier loading and the characteristics of the trapped logs and of the logs accumulation. The barrier loading revealed inversely proportional to the woody debris accumulation permittivity, which quantifies its capacity to let the water seep through. Permittivity depended on the way the accumulation built up and on the evolution of its characteristics with increasing discharge and trapped logs volume. Finally, the loading exerted by the flow on the barrier was derived from the barrier elongation, revealing that it could be modelled as a hydrostatic load with a reduction factor of 0.5.

Unravelling calcite-to-aragonite evolution from a subsurface fluid - Formation pathway, interfacial reactions and nucleation effects

Calcite-aragonite alternations are documented in sedimentary deposits worldwide, but their formation is still poorly understood and individual CaCO3 precipitation pathways are rarely confirmed experimentally. Therefore, (sub)recent CaCO3 sinter formation in a historic subsurface adit at Erzberg (Austria) was used as a natural laboratory to monitor and assess the calcite-to-aragonite evolution pathway and intergrowth mechanism in terms of solid-liquid-atmosphere dynamics and their relevance for solid-liquid interface reactions and nucleation effects. Our results indicate an initial homogeneous nucleation of low-Mg calcite (LMC: ∼3 ± 1 mol% MgCO3), induced by CO2 degassing from the percolating geogenic fluid, which is originated from seepage of local meteoric water and incongruent dissolution of Mg-Ca-Fe-bearing minerals from the host rock. Progressive LMC growth leads to an increase in the aqueous molar ratio of Mg/Ca, causing a Mg/Ca zonation pattern with transitions to high-Mg calcite (HMC: up to 7 mol% MgCO3). At a critical Mg concentration, the available Mg calcite crystal surfaces are acting as a nucleation site for heterogenous aragonite formation. In this way, fast growing acicular aragonite crystals are initiated, which impede further calcite growth. The calcite-to-aragonite transition is thus controlled by the reaction kinetics and mechanisms of Mg-calcite formation and the chemical evolution of the precipitating solution at the nano- to micro-spatial scale, creating Mg-enriched HMC surface sites for aragonite to be nucleated and preferentially grown. In the present case, the dynamics of the formation of calcite-aragonite sequences are triggered by distinct local environmental changes, in particular seasonal variations in seepage fluid flow behavior and progress in CO2 degassing. These considerations are relevant for a better understanding of proxy signal development and preservation in calcareous sedimentary sequences forming under highly dynamic environmental conditions.

Flow–solid coupling analysis of underground reinforced concrete forked pipe enclosing rock and structure

The stability of the surrounding rock for the construction excavation and the reinforcement of the lining structure during operation in the water-rich area is a difficult problem for the design of high-head underground turnout pipes. Firstly, according to the mechanism of excavation load release and surrounding rock damage evolution, the seepage effect of excavation in the construction of the forked caves is coupled to the surrounding rock stress damage, and an iterative method of numerical simulation of the coupled mutual feedback effect of excavation surrounding rock stress and seepage is proposed. Then, based on the cracking characteristics of the high internal water pressure reinforced concrete turnpike lining, a numerical analysis method of the coupling interaction between lining cracking and internal water seepage is proposed by coupling internal water seepage to stress damage in the lining by cracking the forked pipe structure. Applying the aforementioned method to a forked pipe project, the results show that: during the construction period, there is a significant increase in the damage zone, stress, and displacement of the rock around the cavern after considering the coupled iterations; during the operation period, with the increase in internal water pressure, the lining structure accelerates cracking due to the external infiltration of internal water; after the internal water is applied, the surrounding rock bears the main internal water pressure and the reinforcement bears only part of the circumferential force. The method provides theoretical support for the analysis and calculation of the reinforcement of similar underground high-pressure tunnels for rock support and lining structures and has certain theoretical and engineering significance.

Carbon quantum dots as a tracer of water seepage sources and pathways in grottoes

Water seepage is one of the main factors leading to the damage of grottoes. The sources and pathways of water seepage need to be identified to relieve it. Although the sources and pathways are investigated using geophysical exploration methods commonly, the results are unsatisfactory due to the limitation of resolution. The tracer method has been widely used to examine water seepage in the natural sciences and engineering. However, most tracers have an impact on grottoes, making this method inapplicable. This study was the first to use the carbon quantum dots as a tracer of water seepage in grottoes. The characteristics of the carbon quantum dots, which was synthesized by various biomass precursors through large-scale synthesis in the field, were analyzed to determine the optimal precursor. The structure, fluorescence intensity, and water solubility of the carbon quantum dots were evaluated. Laboratory tests were designed to examine the transport properties of the carbon quantum dots in rocks and cracks. The results showed that the carbon quantum dots synthesized by Ginkgo biloba were small and had uniform size, excellent fluorescence, good water solubility and transport ability. Furthermore, the carbon quantum dots were successfully used to tracing the source of water seepage at the chest of the Leshan Giant Buddha. The low cost of synthesis, wide precursors, easy and convenient synthesis methods, friendliness to grottoes, and excellent performance of the carbon quantum dots as a tracer suggest the efficacy of this method. These findings could lead to the widespread use of tracer method in studies of water seepage in grottoes.

Seepage identification of Sidoarjo mud embankment via 2D resistivity and self-potential methods

Assessment of embankment stability is one of the ways to discover the embankment condition. Several factors can affect the strength of the embankment body including seepage, leakage, deformation (vertical and horizontal), and overtopping. Hence, identification of seepage in the subsurface of the embankment is important to provide early information about the threat of embankment failures. Sidoarjo mud (LUSI) embankment has been collapsed several times since it built in 2006. Most of the failures are mainly caused by the existing water seepage in the subsurface of the embankment. To identify the seepage pathways of the embankment body, two non-destructive geo-electricity methods were applied in the LUSI embankment. Direct current resistivity (DCR) and self-potential (SP) methods were carried out to reconstruct subsurface conditions at lines P76-P79. Therefore, seepage interpretation was conducted to identify the presence of water flows through the embankment body. 2D tomography of resistivity data revealed the indication of water seepage in some measurement areas. This information was strengthened by the numerical interpretation of self-potential data, recognizing water seepage through the embankment body in each line.

Experimental research on pervious concrete performance with partial replacement of foundry sand nano and GGBS

Roads serve a crucial role in linking geographical areas and people around the world. Road system construction requires additional engineering expertise in the areas of material selection, weight carrying capability, duration, etc. Fortunately the majority of new roads suffer from seepage of water from the top to the bottom, which deteriorates the road's surface. We are creating and putting in pervious concrete to enable water to drain fast. Pervious concrete is a special type of high-porosity concrete utilised for concrete flatwork applications. The fine aggregate in typical pervious concrete is minimal to non-existent, and there is just enough cement paste to cover the coarse aggregate while preserving the interconnectivity of the voids. Concrete is treated with nanosilica to reduce the amount of carbonization duringproduction process. The explanation is that the concrete's microscopic flaws and UV damage to the polymer molecules are lessened by the nano-SiO2 particles. Then, GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast Furnace) is used to protect against both sulphate attack and chloride attack and to acquire strength over a longer period of time in production settings. The major goal of this concrete is to produce high-porosity concrete. This concrete allows rainwater to pass through as well as investigating the behaviour of nanosilica, GGBS and foundry sand substituted from various sources. As a result, by minimising runoff, groundwater levels could be improved. To examine the effect of nanosilica, GGBS, and foundry sand on the quality and performance of pervious concrete, compressive strength of concrete was done in the laboratory. Finding the right combination and proportion for constructing concrete with the right amount of strength while maintaining engineering performance and quality is the innovative aspect of our work. The findings of this study recommends the use of low volume pavements, slope stabilisation and pavement in residential roads, alleys and driveways.

Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry of Saline Groundwater Seepage Zones in Wadi Bani Malik Basin, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Impacts on Soil and Water Resources

The water seepage zone affects dryland salinity, soil sodicity, land degradation, waterlogging, and rainfall pollution. The priority in terms of the remediation measures was determining the cause of the seepages. Nine water and six soil samples were collected from the Al Tayseer area of the Wadi Bani Malik, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). The water samples were analyzed for major and toxic metals. For the soil samples, granulometric analysis and infiltration rate analysis were performed. The total dissolved solids (TDS) in water seepages ranged from 1880 to 54,499, whereas boron (B) and iron (Fe) values ranged from 1.9 to 38 mg/L and 0.02 and 0.47 mg/L, respectively. These concentrations were the same for the aquifer in Lake Al Misk, confirming that groundwater infiltration from the lake area was the main reason for the water seepage. The concentrations of silica (Si), aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were low, indicating that there was no contamination. The nitrate (NO32−) value ranged from 2.2 to 35 mg/L, indicating agricultural wastewater contribution. According to the granulometric examination, most sediment was sand, followed by gravel, with few fine-grain particles. The infiltration rate ranged from 85 to 864 cm/d, indicating significant leakage. The percentage of ferrugination, ferromagnesian, OH-bearing, and carbonate (CO₃2−) minerals is determined by the 4/2, 5/6, and 6/7 band ratios.

Novel experimental technique to evaluate soil thermal conductivity in a transient state

novel experimental technique to evaluate soil thermal conductivity in a transient state

Regulation of oxidation degree for graphene oxide on hydration process and engineering properties of natural hydraulic lime pastes for grout strengthening of stone cultural relics

The stone cultural relics represented by grottoes carry precious historical and cultural information and are important representations of the mutual learning of civilizations. Fissures are the main threat to stone cultural relics. The development of grout strengthening materials for fissure repair is of great significance to restrain or delay other threats, such as instability, water seepage, and surface weathering. In this work, based on the improved Hummers’ method, graphene oxide (GO) with different oxidation degrees was prepared by adjusting the amount of added KMnO4, which was then added to natural hydraulic lime (NHL2) pastes to explore the effect of the GO oxidation degree on the hydration process and engineering properties of NHL2 pastes. The results indicated that the addition of GO significantly promoted the hydration rate of the NHL2 pastes and resulted in the formation of more regular and ordered flower-like hydration products and aggregates. Compared with the reference sample, the engineering properties of the modified NHL2 pastes, including the mechanical properties and the autogenous shrinkage behavior, were significantly improved. The simulated grouting experiment also indicated that NHL2 pastes had good groutability and interface combination statuses. In the hydration process of NHL2, GO provided nucleation sites. The hydration reactions were preferentially carried out on the GO sheets, and regular aggregates formed to fill the cracks and holes in the NHL2 pastes, which improved the mechanical properties of the strengthened material. This work provides an effective strategy for the grout strengthening of stone cultural relics fissures.

Углеводы в поверхностных водах Карелии и их связь с содержанием биогенных и органических веществ

The results of a long-term research of the content of carbohydrates in natural waters of Republic of Karelia (Russia) from 2011 to 2020 are summarized. In total, 34 water bodies (29 lakes and 5 rivers) were studied in different hydrological seasons. The presented sample of water bodies captures almost all types of surface waters in the humid zone in terms of trophicity and humus content. It was found that the carbohydrates concentration varies widely from 0.7 to 53.1 mg/L (average 3.3 mg/L) and its share of total organic matter averages 16%. It was revealed that the content and distribution of carbohydrates in surface waters depends both on natural (the level of trophicity and humus content in the reservoir) and anthropogenic factors (eutrophication, trout farms, industrial wastewater discharge, seepage waters of solid waste landfills, communal wastewater). In addition, all the studied water bodies were categorized into two groups according to the water pollution degree: contaminated and uncontaminated. It was revealed that the concentration of carbohydrates in contaminated water bodies of Karelia is on average 1.4 times higher than in uncontaminated ones. In addition, the content of carbohydrates increases together with such chemical parameters as 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD Cr), permanganate oxygen demand (COD Mn), chlorophyll a, mineral and total phosphorus (Pmin and Р total relatively) and ammonium (N-NH 4+). In particular, these relations are pronounced in contaminated water bodies, where the highest values of the correlation coefficient between the above parameters are noted. The content of carbohydrates in surface waters is a complex indicator of both organic and biogenic water pollution.

Experimental Study on Permeability Characteristics of Mudstone under High Temperature Overburden Condition

High-temperature treatment significantly impacts the permeability of mudstone. The permeability of mudstone after exposure to high temperatures is closely influenced by the temperature it experiences and the stress state it is subjected to. This study examines the change in macroscopic physico-mechanical properties of mudstone with temperature following high-temperature treatment. Additionally, we conducted experimental research on the gas and water seepage behavior of mudstone specimens from the top of the coal seam of Taiyuan Group–Shanxi Group in the Ordos Basin. The coal-rock mechanics-permeability test system TAWD-2000 was employed for this purpose. Subsequently, we analyzed the evolution of mudstone permeability after high-temperature treatment with consideration to temperature, axial pressure, and other influencing factors. The findings reveal that gas permeability of mudstone gradually increases with increasing temperature, while water permeability initially decreases and subsequently increases. Furthermore, both gas and water permeability of mudstone exhibit a trend of decreasing and then increasing with rising stress levels after undergoing the same high-temperature treatment. We constructed a quadratic mathematical model with a goodness of fit of 99.4% and 89.2% to describe the relationship between temperature–stress coupling and mudstone gas and water permeability. This model underscores the significance of temperature–stress coupling on mudstone permeability and provides valuable guidance for numerically calculating the gas–water transport law of peripheral rock in the underground coal gasification process and its practical application in engineering.