Characterization, Modeling, Monitoring, and Remediation of Fractured Rock (2020) / Chapter Skim
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8 Synthesis of Recommendations
8 Synthesis of Recommendations
Pages 119-128
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From page 119... ...
They are intended to improve engineering practice given today's tools and knowledge, guide a framework for research that can inform future practice, and inform the decision maker who will benefit from a more realistic understanding of current capacities and limitations. AN INTEGRATED APPROACH An integrated approach to engineering in the fractured rock environment is essential, but all too often engineering decisions are made by engineers and infrastructure managers without an integrated perspective.
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From page 120... ...
Distin guish hydraulically active fractures from those that provide only fluid storage through hy draulic testing, passive monitoring of pressures and chemistry, and geophysical and geome chanical measurements. Design monitoring systems to refine site conceptual models, account for discrete flow and transport, and aid engineering decision making.
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From page 121... ...
As appropriate, develop and confirm hypotheses concerning transport pathways and geometries using geologic, geomechanical, and geophysical tech niques. PROCESSES AND COUPLED PROCESSES Chemical, biological, thermal, mechanical, and hydraulic processes can individually and in combination change how fluids containing contaminants, migrating fines, and colloids interact with the rock matrix and fracture infillings and coatings over time.
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From page 122... ...
Biological Processes Current remediation technologies are limited in their ability to reduce contaminant concentrations in fractured rock to desired levels within short time frames. Because of the potential longevity of contaminants retained within the rock matrix, time frames associated with reaching water quality standards may range from decades to millennia.
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From page 123... ...
Microbial community response to environmental perturbations within fractured rock environments. CHARACTERIZATION TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS Site characterization methods need improvement.
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From page 124... ...
C Develop a broad, semi-quantitative understanding of important processes and parameters, refined with simplified scoping calculations that define and assess • alternative multi-porosity fracture flow and transport conceptual models; • model uncertainties; • the appropriateness of simplified versus more complex modeling approaches; and • how proposed site characterization, analysis, and modeling activities may reduce un certainties and improve engineering decisions.
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From page 125... ...
into numerical models -- even in a simplified manner. As described earlier, single porosity continuum-based approaches inadequately represent the effects of both fractures and rock matrix porosities on contaminant pathways and storage.
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From page 126... ...
Recommendation 8. Develop and communicate realistic expectations related to remediation effectiveness through realistic goal setting and through explicit consideration of uncertainties in design, realistic use of natural attenuation, comprehensive monitoring programs, and dissemination of performance data to the technical community.
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From page 127... ...
Recommendation 10. Use observational methods and adaptive approaches to inform engineering decisions made for fractured rock sites.
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From page 128... ...
FINAL THOUGHTS Better engineering, better use of resources, and improved outcomes will result if the use of oversimplified site conceptual models are avoided and realistic expectations regarding outcomes are adopted. The recommendations provided in this report are high level and intended to help the practitioner, researcher, and decision maker embrace a more interdisciplinary approach to engineering in the fractured rock environment.
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