Permeability Testing of Fractures in Climax Stock Granite at the Nevada Test Site

摘要

Permeability tests conducted in the Climax stock granitic rock mass indicate that the bulk rock permeability can be highly variable. If moderately to highly fractured zones are encountered, the permeability values may lie in the range of 10 exp -4 to 10 exp -1 darcies. If, on the other hand, only intact rock or healed fractures are encountered, the permeability is found to be less than 10 exp -9 darcies. In order to assess the thermomechanical effect on fracture permeability, discrete fractures will be packed off and tested periodically throughout the thermal cycle caused by the emplacement of spent nuclear fuel in the Climax stock. (ERA citation 06:009782)