Abstract
A three-dimensional geostatistically-based numerical inverse model was developed for the interpretation of cross-hole pneumatic tests in unsaturated fractured tuffs at the Apache Leap Research Site (ALRS) in Arizona, USA. The model combines a finite-volume flow simulator, FEHM, an automatic mesh generator, X3D, a parallelized version of an automatic parameter estimator, PEST, and a geostatistical code, GSTAT. The tests are simulated by considering singel-phase airflow through an equivalent stochastic porous continuum. The simulator accounts directly for the ability of all packed-off borehole intervals to store and conduct air through the system. Computations are performed in parallel on a supercomputer using 32 processors. We analyze data from several pneumatic cross-hole tests simultaneously to assess the spatial distribution of air permeability and air-filled porosity throughout the test volume. The analysis amounts to three-dimensional pneumatic 'tomography' or stochastic imaging of the rock, a concept originally proposed in connection with hydraulic cross-hole tests in fractured crystalline rocks by Neuman (1987).
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Computational methods in water resources - Volume 1 - Computational methods for subsurface flow and transport |
Editors | L.R. Bentley, J.F. Sykes, C.A. Brebbia, W.G. Gray, G.F. Pinder, L.R. Bentley, J.F. Sykes, C.A. Brebbia, W.G. Gray, G.F. Pinder |
Publisher | A.A.Balkema |
Pages | 307-314 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISBN (Print) | 9058091244 |
State | Published - 2000 |
Event | Computational Methods in Water Resources XIII - Calgary, Canada Duration: Jun 25 2000 → Jun 29 2000 |
Other
Other | Computational Methods in Water Resources XIII |
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Country/Territory | Canada |
City | Calgary |
Period | 6/25/00 → 6/29/00 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Earth and Planetary Sciences
- General Engineering
- General Environmental Science