Fractured Rock Hydrogeology
Fractured bedrock hydrogeology is an Intera core competency which has been central to the progression of the firm. Fractures are loosely defined as parallel, water bearing openings set within a rock matrix. In general, the fractures are the conduits for flow, while the matrix provides storage for both water and solute. Fractures complicate analysis of groundwater flow because of the highly variable hydraulic properties even within a defined fracture set, and because the connectivity among fractures can be as important a determinant of overall rock permeability as individual fracture properties. Fractures complicate analysis of solute transport because of flow uncertainties and their affect on solute advection, because of channeling within individual fractures, and because of the difficulty of accounting for diffusive exchange between mobile (in-fracture) and immobile (in matrix) fluids.
Intera’s research experience in this field is strongly linked to our ongoing involvement in the deep geological disposal of radioactive wastes. For the Bruce DGR project we developed hydraulic testing apparatus which capable of measuring hydraulic conductivities as low as 10-16 m/s at kilometer depth. We believe this capability to be unmatched worldwide.
We have carried out research projects for a variety of clients. One project involved the construction of bench scale physical models (experiments) of in-pit tailings management facilities for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The models were constructed using building materials, geologic materials, and micro-sampling equipment, and fluorescent dye. The results of the experiments were used to assess the current state-of-the-art in solute transport modelling for the prediction of performance of these facilities at the full scale. Another project involved sampling of groundwater seeps in underground mines across northern Canada to assess origin and mixing of deep groundwater in the Canadian Shield.
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Intera News & Updates
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22/03/2010 Intera wins 3-year contract for gas transport modelling of the Lasgit Experiment (Large Scale Gas Injection Test).
12/02/2010
3 years and 5000 metres later: drilling at DGR is now complete.
25/02/2010
Dr. Robert Walsh provides mView and TOUGH2 training to Nippon-Koei Research Division in Tsukuba-shi, Japan.
28/01/2010
New Website released.
