Evaluation of the 2-D permeability tensor for fractured rock masses

An approach is established to evaluate the 2-D permeability tensor of naturally fractured rock masses by using modified UDEC ¶. Based on the superposition principle, directional flow-rates through a unit square of fractured rock under head gradients in two orthogonal directions can be calculated with UDEC. Then the flow-rates are transformed into flow-rates through a field rock mass for evaluating the permeability tensor. Two kinds of fractured...