An equivalent continuum model for coupled stress and fluid flow analysis in jointed rock masses

Abstract

To provide a set of governing equations for solving the coupled stress and fluid flow, a rock mass, which commonly contains a large number of geological discontinuities, is treated as an anisotropic, elastic porous medium with the corresponding elastic compliance and permeability tensors, hydro‐mechanical equivalents to the discontinuous mass. The hydromechanical equivalents, with the special emphasis on the permeability tensor, are formulated on the assumption that any crack can be replaced by a set of parallel planar plates connected by two springs. Two‐dimensional numerical analyses on seepage flow networks support the validity of the permeability tensor. Some field evidence is analyzed to examine the applicability of the present model for the practical purpose of rock hydraulics.