Fast Generation of {3D} Discrete Fravture Networks in Respect of Geology

@inproceedings{Mace05GM,
 abstract = { During fracture modeling, Discrete Fracture Networks (DFNs) are simulated knowing each network’s
key parameters : density, orientation, size and aperture. An efficient and generic stochastic
simulation is developed to model all kinds of 3-D networks. No assumption is made on any of the
individual fractures characteristics neither on their orientation nor on their size or shape. However,
generated DFNs do not respect the geological constraints of fractures particularly the complex
geometry and interaction between DFNs. On natural outcrops, the observed shape of each fracture
depends on other geological features such as mechanical boundaries and other fracture sets. In this
article, joint initiation and propagation processes are integrated into the DFNs generation. To build
more realistic DFNs respecting geological constraints, a truncating post-processing is applied after
the simulation. Three main truncation rules have to be satisfied. First, in a same set, fractures are
stopped by each other avoiding crossings and enabling linkage. Second, they end on older fracture
sets. Finally, fractures can abut on some characteristic discontinuities such as shale horizons. A fast
and proficient method of truncation is developed for huge DFNs containing millions of fractures.
This mandatory post-processing greatly modifies network connectivity and thus flow prediction
through it. },
 author = { Mace, Laetitia },
 booktitle = { Proc. 25th Gocad Meeting, Nancy },
 title = { Fast Generation of {3D} Discrete Fravture Networks in Respect of Geology },
 year = { 2005 }
}