Articles | Volume 12, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1581-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1581-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
13 Jul 2021
Research article |
| 13 Jul 2021
| 13 Jul 2021
Mechanical and hydraulic properties of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) in the Opalinus Clay of the Mont Terri rock laboratory, Switzerland
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Applied
Geosciences (AGW), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
Xavier Ries
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Applied
Geosciences (AGW), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
David Jaeggi
Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo), Seftigenstr. 264, 3084
Wabern, Switzerland
Philipp Blum
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Applied
Geosciences (AGW), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Marco Fuchs, Anna Suzuki, Togo Hasumi, and Philipp Blum
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In this study, the permeability of a natural fracture in sandstone is estimated based only on its geometry. For this purpose, the topological method of persistent homology is applied to three geometric data sets with different resolutions for the first time. The results of all data sets compare well with conventional experimental and numerical methods. Since the analysis takes less time to the same amount of time, it seems to be a good alternative to conventional methods.
Jose M. Bastias Espejo, Chris Turnadge, Russell S. Crosbie, Philipp Blum, and Gabriel C. Rau
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3447–3462, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3447-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3447-2023, 2023
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Analytical models estimate subsurface properties from subsurface–tidal load interactions. However, they have limited accuracy in representing subsurface physics and parameter estimation. We derived a new analytical solution which models flow to wells due to atmospheric tides. We applied it to field data and compared our findings with subsurface knowledge. Our results enhance understanding of subsurface systems, providing valuable information on their behavior.
Matthias Hinze, Klaus Wieczorek, Katja Emmerich, Jürgen Hesser, Markus Furche, Hua Shao, David Jaeggi, Senecio Schefer, Thomas Nagel, Juan Carlos Mayor, Simon Norris, Kim Chang-Seok, Philipp Schädle, José Luis García-Siñeriz, Rainer Schuhmann, Franz Königer, Uwe Glaubach, Christopher Rölke, and Ralf Diedel
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The SW-A experiment is a large-scale in situ test at the Mont Terri rock laboratory that implements a vertical hydraulic shaft-sealing system in argillaceous host rock. The response of the system and the surrounding rock to hydration is examined. The experiment objectives are to demonstrate the feasibility of installation, to investigate the saturation process, to qualify measurement and monitoring techniques, and to assess the sealing effectiveness. Recent data and experience are presented.
Ruben Stemmle, Haegyeong Lee, Philipp Blum, and Kathrin Menberg
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-62, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-62, 2023
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Using 3D numerical heat transpot models, this study quantifies the potential of low-temperature Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) in an urban setting in Southwest Germany. Comparing the determined potential with existing heating and cooling demands shows substantial heating and cooling supply rates that could be achieved by a widespread application of ATES systems. The study also highlights possible greenhouse gas emission savings compared to conventional heating and cooling technologies.
Klaus Wieczorek, Katja Emmerich, Rainer Schuhmann, Jürgen Hesser, Markus Furche, David Jaeggi, Senecio Schefer, Jan Aurich, Juan Carlos Mayor, Simon Norris, Ken Birch, Manuel Sentis, José Luis García-Siñeriz, Franz Königer, Uwe Glaubach, Christopher Rölke, and Ralf Diedel
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 133–135, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-133-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-133-2021, 2021
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A Sandwich shaft sealing system consists of alternating sealing segments (DS) of bentonite and equipotential segments (ES) with a high hydraulic conductivity. Water accessing the system results in swelling of the DS. Within the ES the water is evenly distributed over the cross section of the seal. Thus, swelling is more homogeneous and seal bypass is reduced. At the Mont Terri rock laboratory, this sealing system is tested in connection with the host rock in a large-scale in-situ experiment.
Gesa Ziefle, Tuanny Cajuhi, Sebastian Condamin, Stephan Costabel, Oliver Czaikowski, Antoine Fourriére, Larissa Friedenberg, Markus Furche, Nico Graebling, Bastian Graupner, Jürgen Hesser, David Jaeggi, Kyra Jantschik, Tilo Kneuker, Olaf Kolditz, Franz Königer, Herbert Kunz, Ben Laurich, Jobst Maßmann, Christian Ostertag-Henning, Dorothee Rebscher, Karsten Rink, Wolfram Rühaak, Senecio Schefer, Rainer Schuhmann, Marc Wengler, and Klaus Wieczorek
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The hydraulic and mechanical properties of the subsurface are inherently heterogeneous. RHEA is a simulator that can perform couple hydro-geomechanical processes in heterogeneous porous media with steep gradients. RHEA is able to fully integrate spatial heterogeneity, allowing allocation of distributed hydraulic and geomechanical properties at mesh element level. RHEA is a valuable tool that can simulate problems considering realistic heterogeneity inherent to geologic formations.
Fabien Koch, Kathrin Menberg, Svenja Schweikert, Cornelia Spengler, Hans Jürgen Hahn, and Philipp Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3053–3070, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3053-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3053-2021, 2021
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In this study, we address the question of whether groundwater fauna in an urban area is natural or affected in comparison to forested land. We find noticeable differences in the spatial distribution of groundwater species and abiotic parameters. An ecological assessment reveals that conditions in the urban area are mainly not good. Yet, there is no clear spatial pattern in terms of land use and anthropogenic impacts. These are significant findings for conservation and usage of urban groundwater.
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Short summary
The construction of tunnels leads to substantial alterations of the surrounding rock, which can be critical concerning safety aspects. We use different mobile methods to assess the hydromechanical properties of an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) in a claystone. We show that long-term exposure and dehydration preserve a notable fracture permeability and significantly increase strength and stiffness. The methods are suitable for on-site monitoring without any further disturbance of the rock.
The construction of tunnels leads to substantial alterations of the surrounding rock, which can...
