NEWS 2006

Posted Sep 12, 2006

Event Sep 20, 2006

2006 GSE Annual Wine and Cheese and University of Alberta Student Presentations

Delineation of Geological Structure and Contaminant Source Zone by Geostatistical Modeling

Amir H Hosseini Ph.D. Candidate, Geotechnical Engineering Program.
Geostatistical analysis is performed to capture the descriptive information on a phenomenon from sparse, biased and often expensive sample data. Ultra Violet Induced Fluorescence Cone Penetration Testing (CPT-UVIF) has been used frequently in environmental site characterization to delineate subsurface stratification as well as lateral and vertical hydrocarbon distribution. The information collected during site investigation provides a basis for further site investigations and for evaluating the applicability of various remedial techniques. This information, however, is incomplete which translates to uncertainty in bounding the problem and increases the risk of regulatory non-compliance or excess costs. To attain a better understanding of geological structure and NAPL distribution, this uncertainty should be assessed and quantified. Using geostatistical techniques, models of uncertainty for geological structure and non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) distribution have been developed for a hydrocarbon impacted site.

Advances in Numerical Modeling of Rock Masses and its Application to Coal Seam Reservoir Characterization

Nathan Deisman, Ph.D. Candidate, Geotechnical Engineering Program.
The use of unmineable coal seams as a source of natural gas and as a sink for greenhouse gas has been steadily increasing world wide. Coal seams are naturally fractured and their rock mass hydromechanical properties vary both with composition and with thermal maturity. Therefore difficulties arise when attempting to quantify the discrete nature of coal using a continuum approach. Recent advances in numerical modeling techniques have lead to the ability to extract continuum responses in both the peak and post peak ranges from a rock mass. Itasca’s particle flow code, PFC2D and PFC3D, is used to create a Bonded Particle Model (BPM) to represent the intact rock properties. The Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and joint properties are inserted being represented by the Sliding Joint Model (SJM). The combination of the BPM and the DFN creates a numerical model termed ‘The Synthetic Rock Mass’ (SRM). The SRM can then be tested in the virtual laboratory to extract pre and post peak continuum properties along multiple stress paths. This presentation will show the potential use of the SRM to quantify Coal Seam Reservoirs along with SRM validation test results. Test results include Equivalent Continuum analysis of 2 and 3 joint planes and crack initiation, propagation and coalescence in samples containing 1, 2 and 3 internal flaws.

Generously Sponsored by: Thurber Consultants and Almita Manufacturing

Location: Lister Hall, Prairie Room
Time: 5:30PM Reception, Presentations start at 6:30PM
Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Cost: GSE Members: $5, Students: $5 (includes GSE Membership), Non-Members: $10
Register: Space limited.
Please confirm attendance by emailing sean.birch@amec.com