Fracture Characterization Using Borehole Radar: Numerical Modeling

Forward modeling of borehole radar data for a series of synthetic discrete-fracture network (DFN) models provides a conceptual framework for interpreting experimental field data at fractured rock sites. A finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) radar wave propagation model was developed for this purpose. Synthetic examples demonstrate the utility of single-hole reflection-mode and cross-hole transmission-mode borehole radar for (1) identification of fracture location and orientation, and (2) identification of fracture pore-fluid properties, which might change as a result of tracer tests or flooding exercises in support of resource development or site remediation. A two-dimensional, synthetic DFN was generated statistically based on hypothetical distributions of fracture length, orientation, aperture, permeability, and inter-connectivity. The DFN includes a zone of permeable fractures embedded within a network of lower-permeability fractures and a low-permeability rock matrix. We modeled the unconnected and non-permeable fractures as being filled with freshwater. To simulate tracer experiments, contaminant releases, or engineered-remediation processes, we considered alternately the inter-connected, permeable fractures to be filled with freshwater air, or saline water (tracer). Synthetic radar data sets for both single-hole reflection and cross-hole transmission modes were generated. The features in synthetic radargrams were then examined and compared to the DFN model to evaluate the likelihood of identifying fracture location, orientation, and pore fluid in field situations. This comparison demonstrates that (1) the replacement of freshwater with saline water in permeable fractures generally increases the amplitude of reflections from permeable, connected fractures; and (2) in general, radar reflection-mode data contains more information about fracture properties than transmission-mode data.