Anisotropic behavior in 0.5m scale blocks of Topopah Spring tuff

摘要

Laboratory tests on 0.5 meter scale blocks of Topopah Spring tuff were performed to determine fluid flow and mechanical behavior of samples containing fractures. Results include data for a comprehensive set of flow measurements through a rock sample containing a horizontally oriented fracture at uniaxial stress conditions up to 8 MPa at room temperature. Directional channeling, rather than mean fracture aperture, controls the flow. On the time scale of these experiments, inhibition is negligible.