• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.39-53
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• 2007

Generally, fractured medium can be described with some key parameters, such as hydraulic conductivities or random field of hydraulic conductivities (continuum model), spatial and statistical distribution of permeable fractures (discrete fracture network model). Investigating the practical applicability of the well-known conceptual models for the description of groundwater flow in fractured media, various types of hydraulic tests were applied to studies on the highly fractured media in Geumsan, Korea. Results from single-hole packer test show that the horizontal hydraulic conductivities in the permeable media are between $7.67{\times}10^{-10}{\sim}3.16{\times}10^{-6}$ m/sec, with $7.70{\times}10^{-7}$ m/sec arithmetic mean and $2.16{\times}10^{-7}$ m/sec geometric mean. Total number of test interval is 110 at 8 holes. The number of completely impermeable interval is 9, and the low permeable interval - below $1.0{\times}10^{-8}$ m/sec is 14. In other words, most of test intervals are permeable. The vertical distribution of hydraulic conductivities shows apparently the good correlation with the results of flowmeter test. But the results from the cross-hole test show some different features. The results from the cross-hole test are highly related to the connectivity and/or the binary properties of fractured media; permeable and impermeable. From the viewpoint of the connection, the application of the general stochastic approach with a single continuum model may not be appropriate even in the moderately or highly permeable fractured medium. Then, further studies on the investigation method and the analysis procedures should be required for the reasonable and practical design of the conceptual model, with which the binary properties, including permeable/impermeable features, can be described.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.163-178
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• 2011

A test borehole was drilled in the Cheongwon area to investigate the relationship between geochemical environment and the natural occurrence of radioactive materials (uranium and Rn-222) in borehole groundwater. The borehole encountered mainly biotite schist and biotite granite, with minor porphyritic granite and basic dykes. Six groundwater samples were collected at different depths in the borehole using the double-packed system. The groundwater pH ranges from 5.66 to 8.34, and the chemical type of the groundwater is Ca-$HCO_3$. The contents of uranium and Rn-222 in the groundwater are 0.03-683 ppb and 1,290-7,600 pCi/L, respectively. The contents of uranium and thorium in the rocks within the borehole are 0.51-23.4 ppm and 0.89-62.6 ppm, respectively. Microscope observations of the rock core and analyses by electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) show that most of the radioactive elements occur in the biotite schist, within accessory minerals such as monazite and limenite in biotite, and in feldspar and quartz. The high uranium content of groundwater at depths of -50 to -70 m is due to groundwater chemistry (weakly alkaline pH, an oxidizing environment, and high concentrations of bicarbonate). The origin of Rn-222 could be determined by analyzing noble gas isotopes (e.g., $^3He/^4He$ and $^4He/^{20}Ne$).

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.258-276
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• 2018

The accurate and quantitative ground information on the hydraulic conductivity characteristics of rock mass is one of the key factors for evaluation of the hydro-geological behaviour of rock mass around an excavated opening under high water pressure. For tunnel and rock structures in seabed, where the sea acts as an infinite source of water, its importance become greater with increasing construction depth below sea level. In this study, to improve the problems related with poor system configuration and incorrect data acquisition of previous hydraulic packer testing equipment, we newly developed an integrated main frame and 30 bar level waterproof downhole sonde apparatus, which were optimized for deep hydraulic packer test in seabed rock mass. Integration of individual test equipment into one frame allows safe and efficient field testing work on a narrow offshore drilling platform. For the integrated type main frame, it is possible to make precise stepwise control of downhole net injection pressure at intervals of $2.0kg_f/cm^2$ or less with dual hydraulic oil volume controller. To ensure the system performance and the operational stability of the prototype mainframe and downhole sonde apparatus, the field feasibility tests were completed in two research boreholes, and using the developed apparatus, the REV(Representative Elementary Volume) scale deep hydraulic packer tests were successfully carried out at a borehole located in the basalt region, Jeju. In this paper, the characteristics of the new testing apparatus are briefly introduced and also some results from the laboratory and in-situ performance tests are shown.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.193-206
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• 2018

In this study, as part of the "Small-scale $CO_2$ Injection-Demonstration Project in Offshore Pohang Basin", we performed drilling and completion of a $CO_2$ injection well from the offshore platform installed in the Yeongil Bay, Pohang city, Gyeongsang buk-do. The drilling of injection well was carried out from an offshore platform installing on the sediment formations of the Pohang Basin. Drilling diameters were reduced by stages, depending on the formation pressure and groundwater pressure along a depth and the casing installation and cement grouting in drilled hole were performed at each stage. The injection well was drilled to a final depth of 816.5 m with a hole diameter of 4 7/8 inches (${\Phi}124mm$) and the perforated casing for an injection section was installed in a depth of 746.5~816.5 m. Injection tubing, packer, and christmas tree were installed for the completion of an injection well for $CO_2$. The validation project of the $CO_2$ injection was accomplished successfully by drilling the injection well and installing the injection facilities, and through the suitable $CO_2$ injection process. The current injection facility is a facility for small-scale injection demonstration of 100 tons. In the case of large-scale demonstration facility test of a capacity of 10,000 tons, research is underway through the upgrading of the injection facilities.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.535-550
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• 2014

The origins and varieties of natural radioactive materials, including uranium and radon-222, were examined in a drilled borehole extending to a depth of 120 m below the surface in the Goesan area. In addition to core samples, eight groundwater samples were collected at different depths, using a double packer system and bailer, and their geochemical characteristics were determined. Most of the rock samples from the drilled core consisted of granite porphyry, with sedimentary rocks (slate, carbonate, or lime-silicates) and pegmatite occurring in certain sections. The pH of samples varied from 7.8 to 8.4, and the groundwater was of a Na-$HCO_3$type. Uranium and thorium concentrations in the core were < 0.2-14.8 ppm and 0.56-45.0 ppm, respectively. Observations by microscope and an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) showed that the mineral containing the natural radioactive materials was monazite contained in biotite crystals. The uranium, which substituted for major elements in the monazite, appeared to have dissolved and been released into the groundwater in a shear zone. Concentrations of Radon-222 in the borehole showed no close relationship with levels of uranium. The isotopes of noble gases, such as helium and neon, would be useful for analyzing the origins and characteristics of the natural radioactive materials.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.293-304
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• 2013

Because the present groundwater law broadly regulates a simple and impractical guideline ignoring aquifer characters and geology, general purpose facilities for protection of groundwater contamination is still considered unsatisfactory to ensure groundwater resources. In recent, there have been growing attempts in the packer development as crucial techniques and devices for groundwater protection. This study investigated the application of packer grouting techniques to contaminated groundwaters of two well sites in the Andong and Yeongi areas, both of which revealed a satisfactory effect with improved water quality: 94% decrease in turbidity at the Andong area and 60% decrease in $NO_3$-N, respectively. Based on aquifer characters including geology, weathering depth, fracture pattern, hydraulic gradient, and the flow path of contaminants, the integrated properties of groundwater contamination should be evaluated and treated with the help of accurate analyses such as bore hole imaging and monitoring data. Packer grouting and casing on well to ensure the useful aquifer free of contaminant are expected to play important role in inhibiting the inflow of contaminants when adequately applied. Therefore it is concluded that these can serve as reliable tools in remediation and protection of contaminated groundwater as well as efficient utilization of groundwater.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.371-379
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• 2010

Fresh water injection test in a fractured bedrock aquifer was applied as an efficient approach to lower saline concentrations in the saltwater-freshwater transition zone formed by seawater intrusion in a coastal area. The methodology and effectiveness of fresh water injection for hydraulically controlling seawater intrusion is overwhelmingly site dependent, and there is an urgent need to characterize the permeable fractures or unconsolidated porous formations which can allow for seawater flow and transport. Considering aquifer characteristics, injection and monitoring boreholes were optimally designed and completed to inject fresh water through sand layer and fractured bedrock, respectively. We devised and used the injection system using double packer for easy field operation and maintenance. Overall fracture distribution was systematically identified from borehole image logs, and the section of fresh water injection was decided from injection test and monitoring. With fresh water injection, the fluid electrical conductivity of the monitoring well started to be lowered by the inflow of fresh water at the specific depth. And this inflow leaded to the replacement of the fluid in the upper parts of the borehole with fresh water. Furthermore, the injection effect lasted more than several months, which means that fresh water injection may contribute to the mitigation of seawater intrusion in a coastal area.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.13-20
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• 2017

Soil nailing is ground reinforcement method using the shear strength of ground and the pullout shear resistance force of nail. It is mainly used for reinforcement of cut slopes, earth retaining structures and retaining walls, etc. It may be designed considering the pullout resistance of nail in the case of earth retaining structure and retaining wall, but it should be designed considering not only pullout resistance but also shear and bending resistance in the case of slope. However, conservative designs considering only pullout resistance are being done and most of the studies are about increasing pullout resistance by improving of material, shape and construction method of nail. Actually, Shear bending deformations occur centering on the active surface in ground reinforced with the nail. The grout with relatively low strength is destroyed and separated from the reinforcing material. As a result, the ground is collapsed while reducing the frictional resistance rapidly. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the method to increase the shear resistance while preventing separation of nail and grout body. In this study, an experimental study was conducted on new soil nailing method which can increase shear resistance by forming protrusions through pressurized grouting after installing a packer on the outside of deformed bar.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.5-16
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• 2017

Soil nailing is the most general method to reinforce the slope by taking pullout and shear resistance force of the nail for stabilizing the slope. Domestic soil nailing design method considers only pullout resistance and does not consider the shear resistance sufficiently. In case of nail, the effect of tensile stress is dominant, but it is desirable to design by considering shear stress as well as tensile stress in case of slope where circle failures occur. Recently, studies on the shear resistance effect of nails have been carried out in the geotechnical field. However, many researches on the shear reinforcement effect of soil nailing have not been conducted until now. Most of the studies are about increasing pullout resistance by improving material, shape and construction method of nail. Therefore, it is necessary to the study on shear resistance of soil nailing and development of new methods to increase the shear force. In this study, large shear test and limit equilibrium analysis have been performed for a new soil nailing method to increase the shear resistance by forming protrusions through pressurized grouting after installing a packer on the outside of deformed bar. The study results showed that shear resistance of protrusion type soil nailing increased compared to soil nailing and it is more effective when applied to the ground with large strength parameters.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.345-363
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• 2024

Steel pipe reinforced grouting method has been widely used to strengthen the crown of tunnel face and prevent groundwater leakage during tunnel excavation. Various injection procedures without sealing have recently been suggested to enhance efficiency. There are two representative injection methods. One is simultaneous injection in segmented batches, and the other is multiple injection using the external packer. The pros and cons of each method were discussed in terms of construction duration and equipment. However, it has yet to be discussed how the injection procedure affects the grout diffusion range in the ground. This study aims to evaluate the grout diffusion range quantitatively by considering the practical grouting sequences. The grout viscosity was measured by laboratory testing. Then, the numerical modeling was structured using the commercial computational fluid dynamics software. Finally, the grout diffusion range affected by the injection procedure and ground conditions was evaluated by performing the numerical parametric study. The results showed that the injection method highly affected the grout diffusion range, especially for inhomogeneous soil. Consequently, it is anticipated that the proper method of steel pipe reinforced grouting will be suggested.