INFLUENCE OF DISCONTINUOUS JOINTS ON PERMEABILITY

This study investigated the influence of joint orientation on permeability in a low-permeability matrix in which the joints are not necessarily continuously connected. In order to develop a fundamental understanding of the problem, spherical soil element containing a plane joint of different permeability was considered both in a numerical and experimental investigation. The rate of flow of water through the volume of this soil element is determined when the water is introduced at a point on its surface that is encased in an impermeable membrane and collected at another diametrically opposite point. The results of this study can be used to determine whether special consideration of the effects of jointing on hydraulic conductivity and the movement of fluid through porous media is required. Conclusions drawn from the study are presented and relate to the following: joint orientation; rate of flow through jointed soil; potential flow models and their use in understanding flow through jointed soils; and aperture dimensions.

• Availability:
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• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Bosscher, P J
  • Bruxvoort, G P
  • Kelley, T E
• Publication Date: 1988-11

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 1318-31
• Serial:
  • Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
  • Volume: 114
  • Issue Number: 11
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9410

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Experiments; Joints; Mathematical models; Permeability; Permeability coefficient; Porous materials; Soils
• Uncontrolled Terms: Discontinuity; Orientation
• Old TRIS Terms: Joint
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00477629
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 30 1988 12:00AM