what is actually happened in a lugeon test when we insert the equipment in the
borehole. What does the equipment do inside the borehole?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
In a Lugeon test, equipment is inserted into a borehole to assess the permeability
of the rock or soil at a specific depth. Here's a step-by-step explanation of what
actually happens inside the borehole:
1. Equipment Setup Inside the Borehole
The key equipment involved in a Lugeon test includes:
Packer(s): Inflatable rubber sleeves used to isolate specific sections of the
borehole.
Pressure Line: Connected to a water source and used to inject water into
the borehole.
Pressure Gauge: Monitors the pressure of the injected water.
Flow Meter: Measures the volume of water injected into the borehole.
The equipment is lowered into the borehole, and the packer is positioned to seal off
a specific section (test interval) of the borehole. If multiple packers are used, they
isolate a specific zone between them.
2. Isolation of the Test Interval
Once the equipment is in place, the packer(s) are inflated to create a tight
seal against the borehole walls.
This ensures that water is injected only into the selected zone and does not
leak into the rest of the borehole.
3. Water Injection
Water is pumped into the isolated section of the borehole at a controlled
pressure.
The pressure is increased gradually to specific levels (usually in steps) as per
the test procedure.
4. Fluid Behavior in the Rock Formation
The injected water flows into the rock fractures, fissures, or porous spaces.
If the rock is highly permeable, water will flow easily and require less pressure
to inject.
If the rock is less permeable, higher pressures are needed, and the flow rate
will be lower.
5. Measurement and Data Collection
During the injection, the following parameters are recorded:
Injection Pressure: The pressure required to inject water into the rock.
Flow Rate: The volume of water injected per unit of time.
Duration of Injection: Each pressure step is maintained for a specific time
(typically 5 minutes).
These measurements are used to calculate the Lugeon value, which is an indicator
of the rock's permeability.
6. Rock Response and Observations
Highly Permeable Rock: Water infiltrates quickly, pressure stabilizes at
lower levels, and the flow rate is high.
Low Permeability Rock: Water infiltrates slowly, pressure stabilizes at
higher levels, and the flow rate is low.
Hydraulic Fracturing: If the pressure exceeds the rock's strength, fractures
may form or widen, causing an abrupt increase in water flow.
Purpose of the Equipment Inside the Borehole
Water Injection: Simulates the movement of water through the rock to
assess its permeability.
Pressure Monitoring: Ensures that the test is conducted within the desired
range and helps identify fracture thresholds.
Flow Measurement: Provides data for calculating the permeability (Lugeon
value) of the rock.
Outcome of the Test
The Lugeon value is calculated from the flow rate, pressure, and test section
length. It helps classify the rock:
Low Lugeon Value (0-1): Indicates very low permeability, typical of intact
or unfractured rock.
High Lugeon Value (>10): Suggests high permeability, common in
fractured or highly weathered rock.
In essence, the equipment in a Lugeon test isolates a section of the borehole,
injects water, and measures how the rock responds. This information is critical for
understanding subsurface conditions and making decisions about construction,
groundwater flow, or grouting requirements.
