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Numerical modeling of stress-permeability coupling in rough fractures

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Abstract

A numerical model is described for coupled flow and mechanical deformation in fractured rock. The mechanical response of rock joints to changes in hydraulic pressure is strongly influenced by the geometric characteristics of the joint surfaces. The concept of this work is to combine straightforward finite element solutions with complex and realistic fracture surface geometry in order to reproduce the non-linear stress-deformation-permeability coupling that is commonly observed in fractures. Building on the numerous studies that have expanded the understanding of the key parameters needed to describe natural rough-walled fractures, new methods have been developed to generate a finite element mesh representing discrete fractures with realistic rough surface geometries embedded in a rock matrix. The finite element code GeoSys/Rockflow was then used to simulate the coupled effects of hydraulic stress, mechanical stress, and surface geometry on the evolving permeability of a single discrete fracture. The modeling concept was experimentally verified against examples from the literature. Modeling results were also compared to a simple interpenetration model.

Résumé

Un modèle numérique est utilisé pour étudier la déformation mécanique et l’écoulement couplé dans les roches fracturées. La réponse mécanique des joints dans la roche aux changements de la pression hydraulique est fortement influencée par les caractéristiques géométriques des surfaces du joint en question. Le concept derrière ce travail est la combinaison directe des solutions aux éléments finis avec des géométries de surface de fracture complexes et réalistes, de façon a reproduire le couple non linéaire tension - déformation - perméabilité qui est habituellement observé dans les fractures. Construites sur de nombreuses études qui ont étendu la compréhension des paramètres clés nécessaires à la description des fractures naturellement rugueuses, de nouvelles méthodes ont été développées pour générer un maillage aux éléments finis représentant des fractures discrètes avec des géométries de surface a la rugosité réaliste et parfaitement incluses dans la matrice rocheuse. Le code pour les éléments finis GeoSys/Rockflow a été utilisé pour simuler les effets couplés des tensions hydrauliques, tensions mécaniques, et la géométrie de la surface d’une perméabilité variable d’une simple fracture discrète. Le concept de la modélisation a été expérimentalement vérifié avec des exemples tires de la littérature. Les résultats de la modélisation ont été également comparées à un simple modèle d’interpénétration.

Resumen

Se describe un modelo numérico para flujo acoplado y deformación mecánica en roca fracturada. La respuesta mecánica de las grietas de las rocas a cambios en presión hidráulica está fuertemente influenciada por las características geométricas de las grietas superficiales. El concepto de este trabajo es combinar soluciones directas de elemento finito con la geometría superficial de fracturas complejas y realísticas para reproducir el acoplamiento no linear de permeabilidad-deformación-stress que frecuentemente se observa en fracturas. Apoyándose en los estudios numerosos que han incrementado el conocimiento de los parámetros clave necesarios para describir fracturas naturales de paredes rugosas, se han desarrollado nuevos métodos para generar una malla de elemento finito que representa fracturas discretas con geometrías superficiales rugosas realísticas inmersas en una matriz rocosa. Luego se utilizó el código de elemento finito GeoSys/Rockflow para simular los efectos acoplados de stress hidráulico, stress mecánico, y geometría superficial en la permeabilidad cambiante de una sola fractura discreta. Se verificó el modelo conceptual en contra de ejemplos de la literatura. Los resultados del modelo también se compararon con un modelo simple de interpenetración.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the German Science Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) for funding through Grant MC113/1–5 and KO 1591/2–4 and the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (Bundesanstalt fuer Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe, BGR) under grant 201-4500023879 (DECOVALEX project).

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  1. Center for Applied Geoscience, University of Tübingen, Sigwartstrasse 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

    Robert Walsh, Chris McDermott & Olaf Kolditz

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  1. Robert Walsh
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Correspondence to Robert Walsh.

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Walsh, R., McDermott, C. & Kolditz, O. Numerical modeling of stress-permeability coupling in rough fractures. Hydrogeol J 16, 613–627 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-007-0254-1

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