TITLE:
Investigation of the Hydraulic Conductivity of Fractures in a Limestone Rock Mass
AUTHORS:
Srđan Spasojević
KEYWORDS:
Hydraulic Conductivity, Apertures, Water Pressure Tests, Limestones, Pareto, Log-Normal, Dams, Grouting Works
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Modern Hydrology,
Vol.15 No.2,
March
5,
2025
ABSTRACT: In rock masses, water flows predominantly through the fractures, such as fissures and joints. Consequently, characterising the hydraulic conductivity of fractures is an essential parameter in the construction of dams and the design of grouting works or drainage systems. The hydraulic conductivity of low-permeability rock masses and fractures is commonly evaluated by water pressure tests (packer tests), which are typically performed for sections of several meters at a time. This study investigates the hydraulic conductivity of the fractures in the limestone foundation of Mratinje Dam. The new methods and knowledge evaluate the existing data recorded during the investigations in the past. Borehole packer test data are collected and examined from nine boreholes before the dam’s construction. The results indicate that the Pareto and log-normal distributions can describe the fractures’ hydraulic conductivity and apertures. The revealed hydraulic apertures explain why the grout curtain was not fully effective after the dam construction.