Articles | Volume 16, issue 11
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-16-1269-2025
© Author(s) 2025. 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-16-1269-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
03 Nov 2025
Research article |
| 03 Nov 2025
| 03 Nov 2025
A simplified relationship between the zero-percolation threshold and fracture set properties
Shaoqun Dong
National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China
School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
Lianbo Zeng
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China
Chaoshui Xu
School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
Peter Dowd
School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
Guohao Xiong
National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China
Tao Wang
Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, 100037, China
Wenya Lyu
National Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China
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Short summary
Rock fracture connectivity is key for oil/gas, geothermal energy, and nuclear waste storage. This study predicts the zero-percolation threshold – when fractures connect – using simulations. A model links this threshold to fracture number, length, and orientation, enabling fast predictions. Tests on simulated and real fractures confirm its accuracy across sizes/orientations. Provides key tool for subsurface engineering.
Rock fracture connectivity is key for oil/gas, geothermal energy, and nuclear waste storage....
