Hydromechanics of fractures and fracture networks. A combined numerical multi-scale and experimental investigation (B05)

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We characterise static and evolving fluid-saturated fractures and fracture networks with high-resolution X-ray Computed Tomography and microfluidic devices. Besides the characterisation of the geometries of fractures, we aim for the quantification of the fractures’ apertures. This allows for the characterisation of hydro-mechanical coupling effects, the observation of dominating flow paths and the validation of combined numerical investigations. The experiments are performed in an X-ray-transparent triaxial cell under defined confining pressure and axial stresses as well as in optical transparent micro fluidic cells under high spatial and temporal resolution. The experimental results are the basis for the adjacent quantification of coarse-grained effective material properties.