A geostatistical approach for estimation of the permeability and groundwater path in rocks

Groundwater flow path in a complex rock formations, based on field data via geostatistical approach, were estimated. Lugeon water-pressure tests were carried out in bore-holes drilled into the base-rocks. Then permeabilities of the rocks were obtained in terms of Lugeon values (Lu). By employing geostatistical approach, distribution of the Lugeon numbers were estimated. The results demonstrated that the estimated high and low permeable zones overlapped each other on a horizontal plane. Finally, the preliminary estimation of major groundwater flow paths based on geostatistical analysis were used for determination of the strategy of detailed field hydro-geological surveys and measurements of the area.