Modeling the Flow Characteristics of a Fractured Medium Overlaid by a Sedimentary Porous Medium: Application to the Borehole RCF 3 Pumping Test in Sellafield (UK)

Abstract

A numerical model was developed in order to produce more realistic simulations of the flow phenomena in fractured rock overlaid by porous sedimentary rock. This model combines the discrete fracture network (DFN) model and the equivalent porous medium (EPM) model. This coupled model was then applied to the interpretation of the RCF 3 pumping test performed in the Sellafield area of West Cumbria (UK), where crystalline fractured rock (Borrowdale Volcanic Group, BVG) is overlaid by sedimentary porous rock (Sherwood Sandstone Group, SSG).

Keywords:

• coupled model
• DFN
• EPM
• RCF 3 pumping test
• Sellafield area