An Equivalent Pipe Network Modeling Approach for Characterizing Fluid Flow through Three-Dimensional Fracture Networks: Verification and Applications

The equivalent pipe network (EPN) model is an effective way to fluid flow in large-scale fractured rock masses with a complex fracture due its straightforwardness and computational efficiency. This study presents the EPN for characterizing through three-dimensional networks using Monte-Carlo method. extracted from original discrete (DFN) used simulate processes. validity of proposed modeling approach verified via comparisons permeability (k) analytical solutions simulation results reported literature. show that numerically calculated k models agrees well values simplified DFN models. increases following exponential function increment mean length exponentially distributed fractures (u), which strongly correlated density (P32) average intersection (Li). P32 u. Li as u increases, power-law function. leads number long A larger denser stronger conductivity when distribution range remain same. representative elementary volumes (REVs) = 9 m 0.4 m2/m3 are determined 2.36 × 104 m3, 9.16 103 1.26 m3 3 directions, respectively.