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Simulation-based design tools have been used since the late 1980s for designing vertical borehole ground heat exchangers (GHE) used with ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. The ground heat exchanger simulations used in these tools rely on thermal response functions known as g-functions. Because of the significant computational burden in computing g-functions for even a single configuration, the design tools have relied on libraries of pre-computed g-functions. These g-functions were available for standard configuration shapes, such as lines, rectangles, open rectangles, L-shapes, and U-shapes. Standard shapes are often sub-optimal. For any building on a site, the available land may preclude use of a standard shape. For large GSHP systems with significantly imbalanced annual heat rejection and extraction loads, large rectangular fields may experience significant heat build-up (or heat draw-down) in the interior of the field. This paper describes a new ground heat exchanger design tool capable of automatically selecting and sizing both standard and irregular configurations. The focus of this paper is a method for creating, selecting, and sizing irregular configurations where the available land area and "no-go" zones are described as irregular polygons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a regional 3D geological modeling method based on the stacking ensemble technique to overcome the challenges of sparse borehole data in large-scale linear underground projects. The proposed method transforms the 3D geological modeling problem into a stratigraphic property classification problem within a subsurface space grid cell framework. Borehole data is pre-processed and trained using stacking method with five different machine learning algorithms. The resulting modelled regional cells are then classified, forming a regional 3D grid geological model. A case study for an area of 324 km2 along Xuzhou metro lines is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. The study shows an overall prediction accuracy of 85.4%. However, the accuracy for key stratigraphy layers influencing the construction risk, such as karst carve strata, is only 4.3% due to the limited borehole data. To address this issue, an oversampling technique based on the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) algorithm is proposed. This technique effectively increases the number of sparse stratigraphic samples and significantly improves the prediction accuracy for karst caves to 65.4%. Additionally, this study analyzes the impact of sampling distance on model accuracy. It is found that a lower sampling interval results in higher prediction accuracy, but also increases computational resources and time costs. Therefore, in this study, an optimal sampling distance of 1 m is chosen to balance prediction accuracy and computation cost. Furthermore, the number of geological strata is found to have a negative effect on prediction accuracy. To mitigate this, it is recommended to merge less significant stratigraphy layers, reducing computation time. For key strata layers, such as karst caves, which have a significant impact on construction risk, further onsite sampling or oversampling using the SMOTE technique is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under Priabonian (latest Eocene) far-field compression, the major Jurassic graben systems and their proximal areas experienced domal uplift in the Netherlands and northeastern Belgium. It has been proposed that this flexural uplift was simultaneous with flexural subsidence of the surrounding areas. This hypothesis is, however, only based on the correlation of few widely spaced boreholes without supporting biostratigraphic or seismic data. For this study, a seismic line and cross-boundary borehole log correlation panel, comprising three biostratigraphically analyzed boreholes, were used to critically examine the abovementioned hypothesis. The seismic line and correlation panel run from the southern flank of the uplifted West Netherlands Basin, also known as the Voorne Trough, towards the south. They both show a gradual thickening of the Priabonian sequences towards the Voorne Trough, confirming the flexural subsidence hypothesis. The underlying Bartonian and overlying lowermost Rupelian units do not share the abovementioned thickness trend, which highlights the particularity of Priabonian basin dynamics. Within the Priabonian depocenter, plenty of reworked organic material was deposited, mostly of Bartonian age, providing further evidence of the simultaneity of subsidence and uplift in nearby regions. We consider it very likely that subsidence and uplift were part of the same vertical surface deformation process. The results of this study are consistent with the mechanism of lithospheric folding under far-field compression by the convergence between Africa and Europe. A Priabonian N-S compressional stress-field would also be consistent with fault, joint and vein analyses performed at the British Isles west of the study area. As the regional stress-field changed around the Eocene–Oligocene boundary, the vertical surface movements of the study area also changed.Graphical Abstract: Under Priabonian (latest Eocene) far-field compression, the major Jurassic graben systems and their proximal areas experienced domal uplift in the Netherlands and northeastern Belgium. It has been proposed that this flexural uplift was simultaneous with flexural subsidence of the surrounding areas. This hypothesis is, however, only based on the correlation of few widely spaced boreholes without supporting biostratigraphic or seismic data. For this study, a seismic line and cross-boundary borehole log correlation panel, comprising three biostratigraphically analyzed boreholes, were used to critically examine the abovementioned hypothesis. The seismic line and correlation panel run from the southern flank of the uplifted West Netherlands Basin, also known as the Voorne Trough, towards the south. They both show a gradual thickening of the Priabonian sequences towards the Voorne Trough, confirming the flexural subsidence hypothesis. The underlying Bartonian and overlying lowermost Rupelian units do not share the abovementioned thickness trend, which highlights the particularity of Priabonian basin dynamics. Within the Priabonian depocenter, plenty of reworked organic material was deposited, mostly of Bartonian age, providing further evidence of the simultaneity of subsidence and uplift in nearby regions. We consider it very likely that subsidence and uplift were part of the same vertical surface deformation process. The results of this study are consistent with the mechanism of lithospheric folding under far-field compression by the convergence between Africa and Europe. A Priabonian N-S compressional stress-field would also be consistent with fault, joint and vein analyses performed at the British Isles west of the study area. As the regional stress-field changed around the Eocene–Oligocene boundary, the vertical surface movements of the study area also changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When building 3D models of the subsurface, reconciling several geological and geophysical data of diverse nature, resolutions, coverage, or sensitivity, is challenging, both numerically and petrophysically. In this work, we propose a workflow for mapping selected geological features and characterise their uncertainty using a Bayesian Estimate Fusion algorithm. Different datasets such as 1D probabilistic models derived from geophysical data, drillholes and geological data are combined to produce probabilistic maps of selected geological boundaries, relying on petrophysical and geological assumptions. Leveraging large, high-quality geophysical datasets acquired in the eastern Gawler Craton in South Australia, we demonstrate the applicability of our approach with two examples: (1) we map in 3D the top of a stratigraphic unit in the cover, the Tregolana Shale, using 1D magnetotelluric (MT) and 1D Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) probabilistic models, drill holes and surface geology; (2) we map the depth to basement using 1D probabilistic MT models, drill holes and interpreted structural information. Our results show that the different resolution, data sampling, depth of investigation and reliability of the utilised datasets can be combined in a complementary fashion, overcoming their respective limitations, to find solutions/models that satisfy all the datasets. We show that probabilistic workflows permit characterisation and reduce uncertainty when mapping the location of features of interest, but also permit the testing of geological hypotheses against other geophysical and geological data. These types of models are valuable to better characterise, interpret, and conceptualise the subsurface, enabling better exploration targeting and supporting efforts to discover new mineral deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technique of multi-long-hole blasting with large empty holes has been used in practice to break rock mass. However, the damage mechanism of rock mass surrounded by empty holes and boreholes under this type of blasting has not yet been well-understood and identified, which may lead to inappropriate design of the configurations of empty holes for multi-long-hole blasting. The present study investigates the damage modes and mechanism of rock mass under multi-long-hole blasting with large empty holes by conducting a field test and numerical simulations. The results show that multi-long-hole blasting with empty holes mainly causes compressive damage of rock mass around boreholes, reflected tensile damage near empty holes and ground surface, bending-induced tensile damage between empty holes and boreholes, shear damage along the side tangents and bottom of empty holes and boreholes, and tensile damage along the connection of boreholes caused by the superposition of stress waves. In addition, parametric studies are conducted to examine the effects of depths and diameters of empty holes and the spacing between boreholes and empty holes on the damage and fragmentation of rock mass under blast loads. It is found that the flexural stiffness and confined levels of rock mass can be greatly influenced by the variation of configurations of empty holes, which thus induces different damage and fragmentation under multi-long-hole blasting. Analytical formulas for the evaluation of shear and bending-induced damage of rock mass under multi-long-hole blasting are finally proposed to provide references for the design of empty holes in multi-long-hole blasting. Highlights: Damage modes and mechanisms of multi-long-hole blasting with large empty holes are identified. Rock fragmentation characteristics under this blasting are examined. Effects of configurations of empty holes on the performance of multi-long-hole blasting are revealed. Analytical formulas are developed to evaluate rock damage under this blasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing the heat extraction performance of geothermal systems is a long-standing issue in the study of geothermal energy. Besides the heat extraction in fractured hot rock, minimizing the heat loss during water flowback through boreholes is also critical for the system performance. Here, we conducted a series of experimental and numerical studies to understand the controlling factors of heat extraction rate and efficiency and to explore practical approaches for the optimization of heat extraction performance in a geothermal borehole. We performed water flow experiments to observe the heat extraction from neighboring hot granite and reproduced the heat extraction process using a three-dimensional water flow model. Our results show that the heat extraction rate first increases with a higher flow rate to the maximum value and then decreases with a further rise in flow rate. The heat extraction efficiency decreases constantly with a higher flow rate. To improve the heat extraction performance with both the heat extraction rate and efficiency approaching the maximum values, we scaled up the laboratory-scale borehole and found that the heat extraction performance is enhanced with a triangular zone of heat extraction and a reduced zone of low-temperature water along a field-scale borehole. We finally discovered that a proper control of borehole geometry, such as section diameters along a multi-section borehole and bending angle of borehole trajectory, is a feasible strategy to modulate the heat extraction performance in a geothermal borehole and to replenish the heat loss during water flowback. Highlights: Experimental and numerical studies are conducted to understand the controlling factors of heat extraction rate and efficiency. Heat extraction performance is enhanced with a triangular zone of heat extraction and a reduced zone of low-temperature water. Multi-section borehole is a feasible strategy to modulate the heat extraction performance in a geothermal borehole. Proper bending angle of borehole trajectory is another feasible strategy to optimize the heat extraction performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The load transfer mechanism of laterally loaded pile groups is very complicated, and the analysis method is affected by many factors. This paper presents a field test study on lateral responses of large diameter cast-in-place isolated single piles with free head and pile groups with fixed head to investigate the pile group effect. Boreholes are drilled, and relevant field and laboratory tests are carried out to obtain main physical mechanical parameters and the soil profile of the site. Results of lateral loads, lateral displacements and bending moments measured in the field are reported and discussed. A group efficiency factor-based calculation method applicable to laterally loaded pile groups is derived according to a series of full scale and centrifuge tests. An existing group efficiency factor-based calculation method is compared with the proposed method. And three other measured test results are used to verify the calculated results. The comparison results show that the proposed method provides good predictions of load–displacement responses of pile groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuttings and logs from four boreholes in the Mediterranean Sea, offshore the northwestern side of the Nile Delta, Egypt (30°00'–30°24' N, 31°18'–31°30' E), were examined lithostratigraphically, biostratigraphically and paleoenvironmentally. Five planktonic foraminiferal zones were determined assigning the studied boreholes to be late Miocene-Early Pliocene in age. These zones are Globorotalia mediteraneaneana Zone Sphaeroidinellopsis seminulina Zone, Globorotalia margaritae margaritae Zone, Globorotalia puncticulata Zone and Globorotalia inflate. Studying benthonic foraminifera indicated a general shallowing upward trend in all boreholes and tracking the distribution of the foraminiferal assemblages by counting the total number of foraminifera and planktic/benthic ratios provide a history of the progression of deltaic facies with secondary cycles of sea-level change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, rock mass deformation modulus (Emass), classification of rock mass, cohesion (c) and internal friction angle (Φ), and intact rock properties of the Khersan 2 dam site were investigated. Factors affecting mechanical properties were investigated and compared with the results of previous studies. To assess the shear strength and the Hoek and Brown failure criteria parameters, the triaxial test was performed on samples under saturated conditions. The Q-system and rock mass rating (RMR) were calculated for five-metre sections of boreholes. Results of the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion showed that the limestones have a mean Φ of 40 degrees and a mean cohesion of 1 MPa, marl limestones have an average of 30 degrees and cohesion of 0.50 MPa, and anhydrite and gypsum showed an average of 26 degrees and 0.10 MPa. The results showed that c and Φ increase with the increase in the shear box size. Based on the RMR and Q-system the site was classified in good class. The mean of Emass showed that the dilatometry test gives the lowest value. Linear and logarithmic relationships were established between RMR89 with compressional wave velocity (Vp) (R2 = 0.95 and RMSE = 1.63) and Q-system (R2 = 0.95 and RMSE = 2.05), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of rare alkalis (Li, Rb, and Cs) is analyzed in spatially linked water objects of the Baikal geosystem: water of Baikal and its tributaries, underground water from boreholes and thermal springs, and the Angara River (the sole outlet), which are located in the Baikal rift zone. The rare alkali content differs significantly in some water objects, but the average and median contents are similar in the surface and deep water of Lake Baikal and the Angara River. The water of Barguzin thermal springs of the eastern shore of Lake Baikal contains the maximum amount of rare alkalis, but this affects the Baikal water insignificantly due to its natural self-cleaning and deep renewal of water during geodynamic movements. The similar rare alkali contents of Barguzin and some thermal springs of Kamchatka emphasize their indicator role in the genesis of water objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issues associated with long‐screened wells (LSWs) (and open boreholes) at contaminated sites are well documented in the groundwater literature but are still not fully appreciated in practice. As established in seminal and review papers going back over three decades, the interpretation of sampling results from LSWs is challenging in the presence of vertical hydraulic gradients and borehole flow; furthermore, LSWs allow for vertical redistribution of contamination between aquifer layers. Acknowledgment of these issues has led to the development of new technologies and well designs to enable discrete‐zone monitoring (DZM), yet LSWs remain common for many reasons, for example, as multipurpose wells, for geophysical logging, and (or) as legacy installations. Despite the literature on LSWs and despite the adoption of DZM at many sites, the use of LSWs persists and the challenges of interpreting sampling results from LSWs remain. In this issue paper, we provide a conceptual overview of the problems posed by LSWs and review existing literature and past work to improve the interpretation of sampling in LSWs. We draw on experience from previous studies at the Hanford Site in eastern WA, USA, and use synthetic examples to illustrate key concepts and challenges for interpretation. A recently published analytical modeling framework is used to develop illustrative synthetic examples and demonstrate a workflow for building scientific intuition to understand issues around interpreting samples from LSWs, which is critical to effective characterization and groundwater remediation at sites with LSWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Due to yearly uneven rainfall distribution, exsiccation of water availability, specifically during the summer in the agricultural field in Saurashtra, is a usual scenario. Saurashtra region's land formation contains Basalt rock. The area is categorized under the semi-arid region. Hence, the Groundwater condition was observed to be poor as the self-characteristic of land for water-storage capacity for the Basalt is negligible within its strata. Mining Engineering and Groundwater Improvement Techniques were incorporated to find a way out of water stress conditions. An experimental study was carried out for mass blasting with the permission of the Government body and an expert team of mining explosions at the study area within the catchment of check dams and river beds. A group containing five borewells was blasted at a 27, 18, and 9 m depth, respectively. In each borehole, 15 blasts of 2.76 unit explosion were exploded together by sealing a cover of sand over it. The impact assessment of 30 wells was monitored Post-blast within the range of 400m of the Bore Blasting Technique (BBT) performed. As a result, a rise in water level up to 19m has been recorded near the streamline of BBT performed. In addition, the movement of the water was diverted from its parental aquifer to the observed dug wells. Hence, it is concluded that channelizing the groundwater can be possible by incorporating BBT in the basalt region, and identical improvement can also possible interms of fractured basalt rock and availability of water in the basalt region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the elevated heat flow known in the Western part of the South Slave Region (Northwest Territories, Canada), a continuous and equilibrium geothermal gradient was never measured in boreholes below the communities where geothermal energy could be developed. This paper aims to predict the geothermal gradient and assess the Earth's natural heat flow below the communities of Fort Providence, Kakisa, Hay River, and Enterprise. Temperatures from drill-stem tests and bottom well logs were corrected for drilling disturbance and paleoclimate. The thermal conductivity and heat generation rate of the geological formations were determined from the literature and with new laboratory measurements. Original 1D models were developed to evaluate subsurface temperature through the sedimentary formations based on a thermostratigraphic assessment. The results indicate a geothermal gradient that varies from 44.1 ± 10.6 °C km−1 to 59.1 ± 14.9 °C km−1 and heat flow that varies from 105.5 mW m−2 to 160.2 mW m−2 below the communities. These estimates were in agreement with the equilibrium geothermal gradients measured in Cameron Hills, south of the four communities, and were used to verify our predictions. The highest geothermal gradient (59.1 ± 14.9 °C km−1) was estimated at Hay River, which, therefore, has the most favorable geological conditions for geothermal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing expansion of the economy and population has resulted in an increased inclination towards the utilization of groundwater resources. Conducting a geophysical survey is a widely employed method for subsurface mapping and the detection of groundwater. A geophysical study was conducted in Nanshan township, Huarong County, located in the Hunan province of the South-Central region of China. The investigation involved the utilization of a 2D electrical resistivity imaging technique employing forward and inverse pole–dipole electrode arrays. A total of six survey lines were established, each with an electrode distance from the nearest measuring point exceeding 800 m. The maximum current electrode separation was utilized in this setup. The spacing between the electrical resistivity sounding points was established at regular intervals. The findings from the exploration indicate the existence of multiple faults within the surveyed region. The study additionally identified two regions of structural failure, which occurred due to the convergence of faults oriented in different directions. This convergence led to the fracturing of rocks, an increase in water content, and a decrease in resistivity. The findings from the exploration were utilized in the formulation of five verification target boreholes. The results of this study offer significant insights that can inform future investigations into groundwater exploration endeavors within the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock quality designation (RQD) is a parameter that describes rock mass quality in terms of percentage recovery of core pieces greater than 10 cm. The RQD represents a basic element of several classification systems. This paper studies scale effects for RQD measurements using synthetic rock masses generated using discrete fracture network (DFN) models. RQD measurements are performed for rock masses with varying fracture intensities and by changing the orientation of the simulated boreholes to account for orientation bias. The objective is to demonstrate the existence of a representative elementary length (REL, 1D analogue of a 3D representative elementary volume, or REV) above which RQD measurements would represent an average indicator of rock mass quality. For the synthetic rock masses, RQD measurements were calculated using the relationship proposed by Priest and Hudson and compared to the simulated RQD measurements along the boreholes. DFN models generated for a room-and-pillar mine using mapped field data were then used as an initial validation, and the conclusion of the study was further validated using the RQD calculation results directly obtained from the depth data collected at an iron cap deposit. The relationship between rock mass scale and assumed threshold length used to calculate RQD is also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Geological models provide a critical foundation for hydrogeological models and significantly influence the spatial distribution of key hydraulic parameters such as hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, or porosity. The conventional modeling workflow involves a hierarchical approach that simulates three levels: stratigraphical units, lithologies, and finally properties. Although lithological descriptions are often available in the data (boreholes), the same is not true for unit descriptions, leading to potential inconsistencies in the modeling process. Methodology: To address this challenge, a geostatistical learning approach is presented, which aims to predict stratigraphical units at boreholes where this information is lacking, primarily using lithological logs as input. Various standard machine learning algorithms have been compared and evaluated to identify the most effective ones. The outputs of these algorithms are then processed and utilized to simulate the stratigraphy in boreholes using a sequential approach. Subsequently, these boreholes contribute to the construction of stochastic geological models, which are then compared with models generated without the inclusion of these supplementary boreholes. Results: This method is useful for reducing uncertainty at certain locations and for mitigating inconsistencies between units and lithologies. Conclusion: This approach maximizes the use of available data and contributes to more robust hydrogeological models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shaft misalignments are one of the main causes of damage to couplings in machines. If they are not detected in time, they can lead to machine downtimes. When assembling a machine, however, it is not always possible to align the shafts perfectly. Elastic couplings are able to compensate for such misalignments up to a certain degree. To detect the present radial misalignment, the concept of a sensor‐integrating jaw coupling, developed to determine the transmitted torque, is used. In the teeth of the gear rim, boreholes are drilled and dielectric elastomer sensors (DES) are inserted. If the teeth deform during use of the coupling the DES will deform as well, leading to a change in capacitance, which can be detected. If the two shafts, which the coupling connects, are perfectly aligned to each other, each of the loaded teeth will deform uniformly. However, if there is a radial or angular misalignment, the deformation is different for each tooth, which can be determined with the help of the DES. To demonstrate this effect, a finite element model of the sensor‐integrating jaw coupling with misalignments is created, and numerical simulations are conducted. In this model, the hyper‐viscoelastic material behavior of (i) the gear rim of the jaw coupling and (ii) the DES is taken into account. From the mechanical simulation, the deformed state of the DES is obtained, which is used to compute the capacitance of the sensor. With the results of the numerical simulations, a symbolic regression is performed. The result is an analytical formula that makes the accurate detection of the present radial misalignment possible. The developed framework can later be easily programmed on a microcontroller which is integrated in the sensor‐integrating jaw coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core samples from four boreholes (SAV-1, SAV-117, SAV-124, SAV-125) within the Vaddugudem block of the Godavari Valley Coalfield, Southern India have been palynologically investigated to understand the stratigraphic setting of that area. Only 60 out of the 172 samples yielded identifiable palynoassemblages. From the observed palynofloral composition, five distinct palynoassemblages (Scheuringipollenites Assemblage: PA-I, Striatopodocarpites + Faunipollenites Assemblage: PA-II, Striates + Striasulcites Assemblage: PA-III, Striates + Guttulapollenites Assemblage: PA-IV, Lundbladispora + Verrucosisporites Assemblage: PA-V) were identified. Furthermore, five distinct palynozones (Scheuringipollenites barakarensis Zone = PZ-1, Striatopodocarpites + Faunipollenites Zone = PZ-2, Gondisporites raniganjensis Zone = PZ-3, Guttulapollenites gondwanensis-Striatopodocatpites tiwarii Zone = PZ-4 and Playfordiaspora cancellosa Zone = PZ-5) were identified. These correspond to the Artinskian (PZ-1), Wordian–Capitanian (PZ-2 and PZ-3), Wuchiapingian–Changhsingian (PZ-4) and Induan–Olenekian (PZ-5), respectively. The study site is situated within a geologically active region within the basin, primarily attributed to the exposure of elevated basement rocks on the eastern side of the borehole locations. Notably, the palynozones appear as relatively narrow layers in the boreholes investigated within this tectonically disturbed basin. The repetition of palynoassemblages and palynozones at small intervals suggests that the boreholes are located in a fault zone with multiple fault planes and that palynomorphs were reworked along these fault planes. Fault slices of different lithological units containing palynoassemblages may have intersected the boreholes. Specifically, the recurrence of thin marker palynoassemblages and palynozones, which show similarities in age to the Barakar and Lower Kamthi/Raniganj formations, is likely attributable to tectonic disturbances, such as faulting. This disturbance may have induced the reworking or migration of palynomorphs along the fault plane. As a result, it is concluded that variations in the stratigraphic abundance of these reworked palynomorphs can serve as indicators of tectonic settings, even when these settings are not readily discernible in the geological record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a Unified Soil Improvement Technique (USIT) that consists of prewetting, calcium lignosulphonate lime piles, fabric, and soil nail was applied to an expansive soil specimen to both accelerate the process and increase the effect of these techniques. 19 boreholes that had 0.45 cm diameter and 1.9 cm height were opened into an expansive soil specimen in an oedometer ring. Then, these boreholes were filled with a calcium lignosulphonate-water mixture prepared in a liquid form during the prewetting process. Thereafter, these boreholes were filled with a mixture including calcium lignosulphonate, water, and lime. Finally, a fabric was laid down over this specimen and seven pieces of soil nails were used for connecting the fabric and the lime piles. To sum up, the swelling potential of expansive soil specimens under 7 kPa decreased from 43.95 % to 1.58 % after 28 day curing period. The CBR swell of the USIT specimens, which waited in the humid room for 90 days, was measured as 1.14% under 7 kPa surcharge pressure and was measured as 0.4% under 25 kPa surcharge pressure. The significant changes in the swell potential values suggest that the Unified Soil Improvement Technique’s performance is better than calcium lignosulphonate-added lime piles in the improvement of expansive clays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three boreholes drilled during the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 396 have yielded unexpected findings of altered granitic rocks covered by basalt flows, interbedded sediments and glacial mud near the continent‐ocean transition of the mid‐Norwegian margin. U‐Pb and K‐Ar geochronological analyses were conducted on both protolithic and authigenically formed K‐bearing minerals to determine the age of granite crystallisation and subsequent alteration episodes. The granite's crystallisation age based on 104 zircons is 56.3 ± 0.2 Ma, and subsequent exhumation along with alteration/weathering events took place between 54.7 ± 1 and 37.1 ± 1 Ma. This intrusion represents the youngest granite discovered in Norway and intruded at an extremely shallow crustal level before a rapid rift‐to‐drift transition. The shallow emplacement of granitic rock and its fast exhumation before and during the onset of volcanism holds significant implications for the syn‐ and post‐breakup tectonic evolution of volcanic margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permeability of a rock mass is an indispensable and significant parameter for the construction of rock engineering. Since most fractures are buried in the rock mass, accurately assessing the permeability of the rock mass has posed a challenge to scholars in the field. The discrete fracture network (DFN) is recognized as an effective method for calculating the permeability of rock masses. However, the impact of the fracture model on permeability calculations is neglected during the construction of DFNs. This study uses the FracMan software to conduct a series of numerical simulation experiments, demonstrating that the selection of the fracture model significantly influences permeability calculations. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of constructing different circular DFNs based on trace information from various sampling windows. The results indicate that relying solely on a circular DFN derived from a single sampling window to calculate permeability is unreliable, and we reveal the fundamental laws of how DFNs constructed based on different fracture models influence the permeability assessment of rock masses. Therefore, integrating multi-source information from rock mass outcrops and boreholes, in conjunction with selecting an appropriate fracture model for constructing DFNs, is crucial for accurate permeability calculations of rock masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytics and visualization of multi-dimensional and complex geo-data, such as three-dimensional (3D) subsurface ground models, is critical for development of underground space and design and construction of underground structures (e.g., tunnels, dams, and slopes) in engineering practices. Although complicated 3D subsurface ground models now can be developed from site investigation data (e.g., boreholes) which is often sparse in practice, it remains a great challenge to visualize a 3D subsurface ground model with sophisticated stratigraphic variations by conventional two-dimensional (2D) geological cross-sections. Virtual reality (VR) technology, which has an attractive capability of constructing a virtual environment that links to the physical world, has been rapidly developed and applied to visualization in various disciplines recently. Leveraging on the rapid development of VR, this study proposes a framework for immersive visualization of 3D subsurface ground models in geo-applications using VR technology. The 3D subsurface model is first developed from limited borehole data in a data-driven manner. Then, a VR system is developed using related software and hardware devices currently available in the markets for immersive visualization and interaction with the developed 3D subsurface ground model. The results demonstrate that VR visualization of the 3D subsurface ground model in an immersive environment has great potential in revolutionizing the geo-practices from 2D cross-sections to a 3D immersive virtual environment in digital era, particularly for the emerging digital twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in situ stress conditions of reservoirs are the fundamental parameters for determining the arrangements of horizontal boreholes and assessing borehole stability, especially for the exploration and exploitation of unconventional oil and gas. The borehole wall stress relief method (BWSRM) is a new technique that can directly measure three-dimensional (3D) stress without any assumptions regarding the stress field. In deep vertical borehole situations, a new experiment is proposed to prevent electronic components from becoming damp while simultaneously maintaining borehole stability. The effect of drilling fluid pressure on the strain measurement of the stress relief processes is studied. The finite-element model (FEM) simulates the stress relief process and verifies the theoretical solutions under different testing depths. The results show that complete stress relief is impossible under deep vertical borehole conditions, and the wall drilling process changes the stress conditions of the measured points from modified plane strain to triaxial compression. Therefore, the data measured by the strain gauges cannot be directly imported into the original relationships between the measured strains and far-field stress. The comparisons between the original theoretical solutions and FEM results indicate that if the confining pressure is ignored, then the maximum error between the measured and real in situ stress components is over 35%. After correcting the estimated strain data using the proposed methods, the stress tensors obtained from theoretical equations are consistent with the natural stress tensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water within flooded coal mines can be abstracted via boreholes or shafts, where heat can be extracted from (or rejected to) it to satisfy surface heating (or cooling) demands. Following use, water can be reinjected into the mine workings or discharged to a surface water receptor. Four criteria have been applied, using ArcGIS, to datasets describing mine workings and mine water below the Midland Valley of Scotland to provide an initial screening tool for suitability for mine water geothermal energy exploitation. The criteria are: (i) the presence of two or more worked coal seams below site; (ii) the absence of potentially unstable shallow (<30 m) workings; (iii) a depth to mine water piezometric head of less than 60 m; and (iv) a depth of coal mine workings of less than 250 m. The result is the Mine Water Geothermal Resource Atlas for Scotland (MiRAS). MiRAS suggests that a total area of 370 km2 is 'optimal' for mine water geothermal development across 19 local authority areas, with greatest coverage in North Lanarkshire. This result should not be taken to suggest that mine water geothermal potential does not exist at locations outside the identified 'optimal' footprint. The MiRAS does not preclude the necessity for specialist engineering and geological input during a full feasibility study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borehole ground‐penetrating radar (BGPR) measurements allow for the detection of objects and structures in the subsurface and are often applied to the detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO). If omnidirectional borehole antennas in reflection mode are used for the measurement, the localization of UXO is only possible if the data from a multitude of boreholes are analysed. Data analysis is usually still done by manual picking of reflections. We propose novel approaches to process and visualize data from BGPR measurements in a more advanced and appealing manner. Therein, the reflected energy recorded in the radargrams is projected back to all potential reflection points in the three‐dimensional space around the boreholes. If the projection direction is considered, we obtain a vectorized energy projection image. Superposition of projected energy yields an easy‐to‐grasp indicator of possible locations of UXO and of regions of interest that ought to be investigated in more detail. These approaches have been applied to synthetic data and to data measured on a test site with buried UXO. The results show that energy projection is a useful tool for BGPR data visualization, although the result is dependent on data pre‐processing. The proposed methods provide novel representations of BGPR data based on an objective algorithm which will at least complement the conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper refines an optimized array lateral logging tool designed for small boreholes, leveraging existing technologies. The tool features four investigation depth curves, and resistivity response curves are derived through finite element model simulations considering variables such as borehole size, mud characteristics, invasion zone features, resistive annuli, formation rock properties, and formation resistivity anisotropy. The findings included the following: (1) Increasing the wellbore diameter uniformly decreased resistivity across all four investigation depths, positively correlating with borehole size. When mud resistivity (Rm) exceeded formation resistivity (Rt), resistivity curves became distorted. (2) For high- and low-invasion models, the ratio of the deepest to the shallowest investigation depth curves ranged from 1 to 8 and 0.6 to 0.9, respectively, with maximum separation at an invasion depth of 0.5–0.8 m. (3) Under invasion conditions with annuli, an invasion zone depth and annulus width around 0.4 m yield well separated the resistivity curves for all depths. Low- and high-resistivity annuli of 2 m and 0.7 m, respectively, can cause curve intersections. (4) When the formation thickness exceeded 0.2 m, the tool accurately reflected formation resistivity variations and demonstrated effective layer identification in multi-layer conditions. (5) In anisotropic formations, resistivity was negatively correlated with the anisotropy coefficient (λ) as it changed from 2 to 4. The instrument can be fully utilized in the exploration of thin interlayers in oil and gas, significantly enhancing the accuracy of resource identification and extraction technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are used to study the influence of different parameters of variable diameter borehole pressure relief technology on the surrounding rock and support. A strain-softening model was established to analyze the intrinsic connection between the parameters of variable diameter boreholes and the evolution of surrounding rock stress, deformation law, and support strength. The results show that: (1) With the increase in shallow borehole diameter, it is easy to cause anchor de-anchoring phenomenon. (2) After the deep borehole diameter is more than 250 mm, it transfers the peak of the shallow vertical stress to the deep surrounding rock (about 16 m away from the coal wall). (3) If the position of the variable borehole aperture is set between the anchorage zone and the stress peak of the roadway, the stress transfer effect is better, and the influence and effective binding force on the surrounding rock is smaller. (4) When the spacing is 1.0 m~2.0 m, the vertical stress starts to transfer to the deep surrounding rock, the deformation of the surrounding rock is smaller, and the reduction in the effective binding force of the anchors is smaller. The result can provide a reference for similar production conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water–sand mixture inrush generally poses a significant threat to the safe operation of the quarry of coal mines. Therefore, proactive management initiatives are essential to enhance the impact resulting from mining operations. A novel approach involving grouting into the unconsolidated sand aquifer and the weathered zone was initially executed in the 1010-1 panel of the Wugou coal mine in Anhui Province, China. Considering the hydrogeological conditions of the study area, over 70 thousand tons of cement and fly ash were injected through 42 boreholes. Sampling, laboratory tests, similar materials model simulations, and numerical simulations of the trending and dipping profiles were all employed to elucidate the evolution and characteristics during the progression of the No. 10 coal seam. The outcomes illustrated that the grouting execution had transformed the structure of the porous media, weakened the watery media, and intensified the mechanical strength of the No. 4 aquifer and the weathering zone. This transformation proved beneficial in reducing the heights of the caving zone and water-conductive fracture zone, leaving more coal–rock pillars for safety. Twenty-seven underground detection drill holes and whole-space 3D resistivity exploration were adopted to verify its transformed property of low water content. During the mining process, the height of the caving zone at 19.70 m was measured through inter-hole parallel electrical detection. The pressure of hydraulic supports in the grouted area did not exceed the rated working pressure during mining. All of these findings highlight the significant impact of grouting in this study area. The successive safe mining of the 1010-1 panel demonstrates that grouting can be used to prevent water–sand mixture inrush during mining operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study addresses the comparative influence of physicochemical parameters on the dissolution of Pb and its levels in the groundwater of former Pb mining areas in Kabwe and non-mining areas in Lusaka, Zambia. This cross-sectional study analyzed 61 groundwater samples from hand pump boreholes using atomic absorption spectrometry. Physicochemical parameters were measured, including electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH. Statistical analysis involved the Wilcoxon test, Spearman’s correlation, robust linear regression, Principal component analysis (PCA), and generalized additive models. Pb concentrations were particularly higher (p = 0.029; median = 0.131 mg/L) in mining areas compared to non-mining areas (median = 0.071 mg/L). The EC in the mining areas (median = 585 µS/cm) was significantly (p = 0.001) lower than those in the non-mining area (median = 1100 µS/cm). Likewise, TDS levels revealed a significant (p = 0.001) difference between the mining area (median = 303 ppm) and the non-mining area (median = 601 ppm). The median pH values for groundwater samples in the mining and non-mining areas were 6.96 and 7.27, respectively. Spearman’s rank correlation revealed a significant (rho = − 0.405; p = 0.036) inverse relationship between Pb concentrations and pH in non-mining areas. Robust linear regression and generalized additive models underscored a significant (p = 0.016) non-linear relationship between temperature and Pb across all areas, with the non-mining area demonstrating a significant (p = 0.003) non-linear relationship between temperature and pH concerning Pb. The study associates mining activities with increased Pb concentrations, underscoring it as a principal contamination source. In contrast, elemental dissolutions from the basement limestone with dolomite might increase Pb concentration in the non-mining areas. The observed positive relationship between temperature and pH in non-mining areas highlights its positive interactions with Pb mobility while temperature greatly influences Pb dissolutions in mining areas.

Abstract Groundwater resource plays a central role in every sector of life globally. Unfortunately, the roles of groundwater are often unappreciated in many parts of the world, especially in developing nations. The paper applied a combined geo-electrical method and hydrochemical analysis alongside physical surveys to investigate aquifer promising zones, the quality and the source of water supply in the selected regions. The geo-electric resistivity data were used to select the most aquifer-promising zone for groundwater development with a key interest in groundwater potential and aquifer overburden protective capacity overlying the water-bearing unit. Seventeen (17) vertical electrical sounding (VES) acquired in four regions reveals that the regional weathered/fractured unit which constitutes the aquifer unity extends from 13.4 m to 41.3 m in depth with the subsurface resistivity value varying between 53 Ωm–1013 Ωm in terms of resistivity values. The overburdened thickness (protective soil layers) stretches from 2.5 m to 13 m with a resistive layer of resistivity values ranging from 111 Ωm to 2877 Ωm, which could provide high aquifer protective cover for the regional groundwater systems. The computed aquifer transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity range from 0.54 $${m}^{2}/h$$ m 2 / h –15.85 $${m}^{2}/h$$ m 2 / h , and 0.95 m/day–9.19 m/day, respectively. The estimated average longitudinal conductance (0.2 moh) reveals that the regional groundwater systems are moderately protective against surface contaminants. In addition, the physicochemical water analysis was examined, which exposes the level of heavy metals (HMs) compositions in the regional groundwater systems and the possible public health risks compared to WHO permissible drinking water limits. The sample water from the Rivers had the highest concentration of HMs (0.089 mg/I–2.012 mg/l), followed by the hand-dug wells (HWDs) (0.033 mg/l–1.555 mg/l) and the lowest in the borehole (0.011 mg/l–0.511 mg/l). In contrast, the borehole water sample shows a moderation where the HMs presence falls within the WHO standard for drinking water. The outcomes of the study show that 63% of the investigated region consumed water with a high concentration of HMs above the WHO permissible standard allowance for drinking water, while only 37% took water that falls within the WHO permissible standard. In conclusion, the study showed significant impacts of anthropogenic activities on the regional water quality, which provides vital information about the regional groundwater systems and the quality of water supply for adequate groundwater development and sustainability.

Site investigation provides essential geotechnical parameter information for analysis and design. However, three conflicting objectives, namely exploration effort, robustness and parameter uncertainty, pose a challenge to the development of an optimal site investigation program. In this study, a three objective optimization framework for the site investigation program is proposed based on the Bayesian approach and the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II). The only inputs required by the proposed framework are prior distribution of geotechnical parameters and error information. The prior distribution of geotechnical parameters is derived from integrating engineering experience and measurements from basic exploration boreholes. The error information is obtained based on literature and expert judgment related to the specific project. Firstly, a design pool of candidate investigation programs is generated using Bayesian approach to determine the locations and number of exploration boreholes. The NSGA‐II is then applied to identify the optimal program that balances lower cost, higher robustness, and lower uncertainty. The proposed multiobjective optimization framework is illustrated and validated through a real site investigation case in Chongqing, China, aimed at determining the ultimate bearing capacity of the rock foundation. The spatial correlation of parameters within the study area is also considered. The optimal program is represented by the location and number of exploration boreholes. By comparing measurements with predictions from different site investigation programs, the efficiency of the proposed multiobjective framework is demonstrated. Additionally, the influence of engineering experience and random field modeling on the investigation program is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As more and more ancient sites are discovered around the world, protecting them in situ has become a challenge due to issues such as ground settlement and masonry wall leaks caused by groundwater fluctuation or rainfall. In this study, laboratory tests, borehole tests and field high‐density resistivity detections are conducted to obtain information for numerical modelling, including design parameters. A complex three‐dimensional hydrological–mechanical coupling model is then established to investigate ground settlement and wall deformation caused by groundwater fluctuation and rainfall. The seepage simulation results for the initial state are accurately verified by high‐density resistivity imaging. Both measured data and numerical results indicate that changes in a single water head point mainly result in wall settlement. The pattern of wall deformation changes from settlement to lateral deformation with an increase in the drawdown rate of groundwater level. Furthermore, delayed rainfall and high‐intensity rainfall can increase foundation settlement and wall deformation. Settlement deformation determines the upper limit of the global deformation when wall nodes are mainly affected. In contrast, if lateral spreading dominates wall deformation, it determines the lower limit of the global deformation. This study provides reference for in situ protection and foundation reinforcement of ancient sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to determine how to evaluate the engineering geological suitability of large-scale infrastructure site quantitatively. This paper presents a borehole engineering geological suitability index (BEGSI) model based on the rock engineering system. This model was designed to define the principal causative factors responsible for engineering geological suitability, quantify their interactions, obtain their weighted coefficients, and calculate the suitability index. Recently, the BEGSI model has been applied successfully in the site evaluation for the China initiative Accelerator Driven System (CiADS) and the High Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF). Firstly, lithology, structural surface inclination, rock quality designation (RQD), topographic elevation difference, fault influence, groundwater depth, and weathering crust thickness were selected as influencing factors and classified into different categories. Afterwards, the interaction matrix was constructed, and the weighted coefficients of each factor were calculated by considering the relationship among these seven factors comprehensively. Finally, the BEGSI for 222 boreholes were computed, and then the site zoning was accomplished. The result was adopted by the Chinese government, and the CIADS and HIAF site layout was adjusted accordingly. This study shows that the BEGSI model is scientific, reasonable, and applicable as a reference for similar large-scale infrastructure site evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale oil reservoirs are generally characterized by complex mineral compositions, rapid lithofacies changes, and thin laminae. Explorations have confirmed that the type and density of shale laminae significantly influence reservoir quality, highlighting the importance of accurately identifying these laminae through well logging for effective shale reservoir evaluation. Presently, relevant technologies primarily focus on the qualitative identification of shale laminae using vertical slab images from image logs. However, influenced by the complex borehole conditions and image logging quality, this approach is less effective in identifying millimeter-scale laminae. This study proposes a new method for achieving high-resolution slab images and quantitatively evaluating the laminae using electrical image logs. The new method effectively improves the processing accuracy of slab images by delicately flattening and aligning the button electrode curves derived from electrical image logs point by point. Meanwhile, it allows for the accurate quantitative evaluation of the lamina number through precise identification of peaks and troughs in microelectrode curves. As demonstrated by the applications in shale oil reservoirs in the Gulong area in Daqing and the Ganchagou area in Qinghai, the proposed method can significantly improve accuracy compared to traditional slab images. Furthermore, the lamination index calculated using this method is highly consistent with the lamina number observed in cores. This study provides a new technical method for the quantitative lamina evaluation and rock structure analysis of shale reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the penetration characteristics of blast‐induced cracks during double water jet slotted boreholes blasting is theoretically and practically significant since it acts both by the "superposition effect" of explosion‐induced stress waves and the "guiding effect" of water jet slots. A combination of experimental testing and numerical simulation was adopted to investigate the transmission law of explosion‐induced stress waves and the propagation law of blast‐induced cracks first. Then the penetration characteristics of blast‐induced cracks was analyzed according to rock blasting theory and rock fracture mechanics theory. The results indicate that the rock between the two boreholes is mainly subjected to a tensile failure mode due to the combined effect of the "superposition effect" of explosion‐induced stress wave and the "guiding effect" of water jet slot during double water jet slotted boreholes blasting. The hole spacing significantly affects the penetration mode of blast‐induced cracks during double water jet slotted boreholes blasting, and unless it reaches a certain value, a single flat through‐crack will form between two slotted boreholes. In addition, when the blast‐induced cracks successfully penetrate each other, the hole spacing of double water jet slotted boreholes increases by 33.3% compared with that of double circular boreholes under the same conditions. The research results can provide guidance for the application of directional controlled blasting technology with water jet assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a method for recognizing the drill depth in low-light underground environments, with the aim of addressing the issues of low efficiency and susceptibility to manual changes in the current methods. The method is based on an improved You Only Look Once X model. Initially, image data undergo enhancement and annotation. Secondly, it incorporates an attention mechanism to improve the feature extraction capability. The feature pyramid is utilized to minimize feature loss and facilitate better multi-scale feature fusion. Additionally, the loss function is optimized to enhance the localization ability of the prediction box. The enhanced model achieves an accuracy of 91.3 |$\%$|⁠ , representing a 4.4 |$\%$| increase compared to the pre-improvement performance, and demonstrates improved positioning accuracy. Successful drilling depth measurements were carried out with the acquired positioning information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lower the volatile value of coal, the higher the metamorphic degree of coal. As a vector, the spatial variation of the volatilization value of the coal seam be used to explore the location of concealed pluton and to characterize the maximum influence intensity of the magma thermal field. The eastern side of the Huyanshan intrusive pluton has amassed a large amount of C‐P coal measurement and coal quality exploration data. The zonation distribution of coal seam volatile fraction data within the exploration area serves as an efficacious record of the intrusion process of the rock mass and a valuable resource for the exploration of the location of concealed plutons. Based on the data from 470 boreholes in the exploration area, contour maps of coal seams No. 02, No. 2, No. 6, No. 8, and No. 9; the true thickness contour maps of each coal layer; and the volatilizing profile map were created. The results indicate the following: (1) In the central region of the exploration area, from No. 9 to No. 8 to No. 6 to No. 2 to No. 02, the contours of volatiles in each coal seam exhibit a ring pattern, with the size of the ring and the size of the volatiles change regularly. This pattern strongly suggests that the concealed pluton is developed in the underlying layer of the coal seam. (2) According to the linear fitting of the relevant data, it is predicted that the concealed pluton is located at a depth of 65.4 m below the No. 9 coal seam. At a vertical distance of 159.1 m, the thermal field influence of the concealed pluton is lost, which aligns with the spatial distribution characteristics of volatiles in the coal seam as observed through drilling. (3) The occurrence of a significant interlayer slip between coal seam No. 6 and coal seam No. 2 in the overlying concealed pluton is indicated by the results of the hotspot migration analysis. The results are helpful to the search for magmatic‐hydrothermal deposits and the exploration and development of coal and coalbed methane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in 2022 in shallow wells and deep boreholes owned by residents, to investigate the water quality status in the emerging developing area of Dodoma urban, central Tanzania. Eighteen boreholes and five shallow wells were assessed using the Water Quality Index (WQI), the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method under the ArcGIS environment, and the Euclidean similarity index. The WQI classified water samples into a good category class with a covered area of 42.5% and an excellent category class with a covered area of 57.5%, indicating that most deep boreholes and shallow wells were suitable for residential purposes. The IDW revealed the spatial distribution of the physico-chemical parameters and WQI, indicating that water quality improved from west to east within the study area. Yet, the Euclidean similarity index was dominated by nitrates, pH and heavy metals, with the highest correlation coefficients. Despite the WQI being above the average class, water treatment technologies should be practiced to lower those values of physico-chemical parameters existing above the threshold limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borehole engineering encompasses the part of mining that involves the process of drilling boreholes and their utilization (e.g., for research, exploration, exploitation, and injection purposes). According to legal regulations, mining pits must be closed after their use, and this applies to pits in the form of boreholes as well. The Laboratory of Geoenergetics at AGH University of Krakow is involved in adapting old, exploited and already closed boreholes for energetic purposes. This includes geothermal applications, as well as energy storage in rock formations and boreholes. Geoenergetics is a relatively new concept that combines geothermal energy with energy storage in rock formations (including boreholes). One type of analysed borehole is a freezing borehole. They are used, for example, in drilling mining shafts that are in the vicinity of aquifers and are drilled using the rotary drilling method with a reverse circulation of drilling mud, or in peat bogs. For borehole heat exchangers based on freezing boreholes for long-term mathematical modelling, several heating scenarios were considered with several thermal loads. The maximum average power obtained after one year of usage of four boreholes with variable temperatures was 11 kW. With the usage of 10 boreholes the power reached over 27 kW. The heat-carrying temperature was assumed to be 22 °C during early summer (June and July) and 2 °C during the rest of the year. When considering stable exploitation during a 10-year period with four boreholes with the same temperatures, a heating power of over 12 kW was obtained, as well as a power of over 28 kW when considering using 10 boreholes. The maximum amount of heat obtained during the 10-year period using 10 boreholes was over 8.8 thousand GJ. Once they have fulfilled their function, these boreholes lose their technological significance. In the paper, the concept is outlined, and the results of the analysis are described using the numerical program BoHEx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borehole strain gauges play a crucial role in geophysical, seismological, and crustal dynamics studies. While existing borehole strain gauges are proficient in measuring horizontal strains within vertical boreholes, their effectiveness in capturing vertical and oblique strains is limited due to technical constraints arising from the cylindrical probe's characteristics. However, the accurate measurement of three-dimensional strain is essential for a comprehensive understanding of crustal tectonics, dynamics, and geophysics, particularly considering the diverse geological structures and force sources within the crustal medium. In this study, we present a novel approach to address this challenge by enhancing an existing horizontal-component borehole strain gauge with a bellows structure and line strain measurement technology to enable vertical and borehole oblique strain measurements. Integrating these enhancements with horizontal strain measurement capabilities enables comprehensive three-dimensional borehole strain measurements within the same hole section. The system was deployed and tested at the Gongxian seismic station in Sichuan Province. Clear observations of solid tides were recorded across horizontal, oblique, and vertical measurement units, with the tidal morphology and amplitude being consistent with the theoretical calculations. The achieved measurement sensitivity of 10-10 meets the requirements for borehole strain measurement, enabling the characterization of three-dimensional strain states within boreholes through association methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palynological composition of the Karoo-equivalent strata in the Tanga Basin, coastal Tanzania, is presented. Two boreholes (Kakindu-1 and Vunde-1) through the basin were palynostratigraphically studied. According to the findings, gymnosperm pollen and a few fern spores dominate the palynological assemblages. The absence of marine palynomorphs in the studied strata of the Tanga Basin attests to deposition in terrestrial environments, which is consistent with the common geologic reconstruction of the Karoo Supergroup across Africa. Two palynological intervals, the Klausipollenites schaubergeri and Jugasporites vellicoites, are recognized in the Kakindu-1 borehole; and two others, the Klausipollenites schaubergeri–Scheuringipollenites circularis and Alisporites minutosaccus–Faunipollenites gopadensis intervals, are identified in the Vunde-1 borehole. The present palynological data suggest the Permian to Triassic age for the Karoo strata in the Tanga Basin. The composition of the reported assemblage implies a single phytogeographic province across the Gondwana Supercontinent during the Permian to Triassic. Based on depositional ages determined herein, the Karoo strata in the Tanga Basin are correlated with second–fourth depositional sequences in the inland Karoo type-section of the Ruhuhu Basin of Tanzania, as well as to Ecca and Beaufort groups of the original Karoo type-section in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the nitrate gradients within the deep biosphere of karst carbonate rocks and their resident microbiota. Samples were taken from borehole cores at depths down to 350 m below the surface, collected during geological site investigations for proposed railway tunnels and analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis revealed relatively low microbial diversity, which can serve as a reliable indicator of the pristine nature of deep karst. However, some local hotspots of diversity are independent of depth. Pseudomonadota dominated the samples, with Gammaproteobacteria dominating at the class level. The low nitrate content in deep karst, in contrast to higher values closer to the surface, serves as an additional marker of its undisturbed and unpolluted status. Based on the prediction of functional profiles from 16S rRNA sequencing data, nitrates remain low due to indigenous microbial denitrification and assimilatory nitrate reduction. Pathways related to nitrogen fixation, ammonia assimilation, and nitrification were not confirmed. When elevated nitrate levels are observed in karst, they are most probably related to anthropogenic activities. Environmental factors other than depth and nitrate content play an important role in shaping bacterial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borehole imaging well-log datasets provide a wide range of valuable information for various aspects of petroleum reservoir characterization. In particular, electrical borehole images make it possible to detect and quantify the distributions, orientations, and forms of fractures at high resolution. Acoustic borehole images are extensively used for breakout detection and width measurements to determine horizontal principal stress magnitudes and orientations. However, by combining information from different types of borehole imaging tools more comprehensive reservoir characterization can be achieved. Data from the dipole shear-wave imager can be used to provide anisotropy insights that are of complementary value for lithofacies, poro-permeability, and seismic dataset interpretations of heterogeneous reservoirs. Cases are made to incorporate data from both electrical and acoustic borehole imaging datasets into integrated reservoir characterization analysis. Moreover expanding the reach of borehole imaging data is becoming increasingly possible with the aid of machine learning models configured to predict key borehole imaging metrics from standard suites of petrophysical well-log and drilling mud-log datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an efficient method for quantifying the stratigraphic uncertainties and modeling the geological formations based on boreholes. Two Markov chains are used to describe the soil transitions along different directions, and the transition probability matrices (TPMs) of the Markov chains are analytically expressed by copulas. This copula expression is efficient since it can represent a large TPM by a few unknown parameters. Due to the analytical expression of the TPMs, the likelihood function of the Markov chain model is given in an explicit form. The estimation of the TPMs is then re-casted as a multi-objective constrained optimization problem that aims to maximize the likelihoods of two independent Markov chains subject to a set of parameter constraints. Unlike the method which determines the TPMs by counting the number of transitions between soil types, the proposed method is more statistically sound. Moreover, a random path sampling method is presented to avoid the directional effect problem in simulations. The soil type at a location is inferred from its nearest known neighbors along the cardinal directions. A general form of the conditional probability, based on Pickard's theorem and Bayes rule, is presented for the soil type generation. The proposed stratigraphic characterization and simulation method is applied to real borehole data collected from a construction site in Wuhan, China. It is illustrated that the proposed method is accurate in prediction and does not show an inclination during simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of different crustal stresses on the stability of gas extraction boreholes, several equations were deduced. Additionally, the coupled flow‐solid model of gas extraction was constructed, given the elasticity−plasticity deformation of the coal body. Using the numerical simulation and analysis software of Comsol, a study was conducted on the deformation and damage of gas extraction boreholes under different crustal stresses. The results are as follows: with vertical stress increasing, the concentration area of shear stress, deformation amount, and the area of the plastic zone around the hole increase. Varied lateral pressure coefficients led to differing distribution positions of shear stress concentration areas and plastic zones around the hole. An increase in lateral pressure coefficient shifted the distribution positions of shear stress maximum. In addition, plastic zone, and permeability ratio maximum change from the left and right sides of the borehole to the upper and lower sides, and the larger the lateral pressure coefficient is, the worse the stability of the upper and lower sides of the borehole is. Higher lateral pressure coefficients inhibited extraction, with the effect becoming more pronounced over time. Elevated vertical stress and lateral pressure coefficients hindered negative pressure propagation in the borehole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gases released by underground coal mining pose a threat to mine safety, lead to resource wastage, and contribute to environmental pollution. Employing long horizontal boreholes (LHB) for gas extraction proves to be an effective solution. However, accurately determining the LHB's position within the overlying rock strata is challenging due to complex mining and geological conditions. This study introduces a novel "zone‐position" method for identifying the optimal LHB placement, utilizing both physical simulation tests and theoretical analysis. The approach comprises two steps. Initially, it identifies the appropriate LHB layout zone within the overlying strata. It delineates four subzones within the fractured zone, among which the stable fractured subzone (SFSZ) is identified as the most favorable for LHB placement. The boundaries of the SFSZ are also defined. Subsequently, the method focuses on pinpointing the LHB's precise location within the SFSZ, proposing a criterion that considers gas accumulation, strata permeability, and LHB stability. Application of this method in engineering projects demonstrates that the gas extracted by LHBs accounts for about 60% of the total gas emission. Furthermore, the volume of gas extracted at the optimal LHB location reaches up to 5.52 m3 min−1, triple that of other locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of well integrity in double-casing wells is critical for ensuring well stability, preventing oil and gas leaks, avoiding pollution, and ensuring safety throughout well development and production. However, the current predominant method of assessing cementing quality primarily focuses on single-casing wells, with limited work conducted on double-casing wells. This study introduces a novel approach for evaluating the cementing quality using the Inception module of convolutional neural networks. First, the finite-difference method is employed to generate borehole sonic data corresponding to a variety of model configurations, which are used to train a neural network that learns spatial features from the borehole sonic data to reconstruct the slowness model. By adjusting the network architecture and parameters, it is discovered that a neural network with two blocks and 4096 nodes in the fully connected layer demonstrated the best imaging results and exhibited strong anti-noise capabilities. The proposed method is validated using practical wellbore size models, demonstrating excellent results and offering a more effective means of evaluating wellbore integrity in double-casing wells. In addition, dipole acoustic logging data are used to conduct slowness model imaging of the compressional (P-) wave and shear (S-) wave in double-casing wells to verify the feasibility of cementing quality evaluation. The developed method contributes to more accurate evaluations of wellbore integrity for the oil and gas industry, leading to improved safety and environmental outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic parameters are the most important geotechnical data used to understand the behavior of soil media under dynamic loads and to recognize the seismic response of the soil. Several in-situ and laboratory geophysical tests, such as the down-hole test, are used to determine these parameters. Since this experiment is costly and time-consuming and the preparation of appropriate boreholes is not easy, it is preferable to estimate the results of this test with the help of empirical correlations or experimental models. The main output of the down-hole test is the shear wave velocity (VS) of soils, which can be used to obtain the dynamic shear modulus (Gs) indirectly. The relationship between physical properties and mechanical specifications of soils is a well-known principle of geotechnical engineering. Utilizing the results of 19 down-hole experiments and available geotechnical data in the southern regions of Tehran, as well as the inputs of an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). This study attempts to provide practical models to predict shear wave velocity of fine-grained soils in Tehran. Two new models have been proposed as a result of preprocessing and smart modeling. The independent variables of the first suggested model included the moisture content, plasticity index (PI), liquid limit (LL), depth of test, and grain size distribution of soils. In the second model, the number of standard penetration test (NSPT) is also used in addition to the mentioned independent variables. The proposed models had coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.74 and 0.8 for the total training and validation data, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the effectiveness of different unsupervised Bayesian changepoint detection (BCPD) methods for identifying soil layers, using data from cone penetration tests (CPT). It compares four types of BCPD methods: a previously utilised offline univariate method for detecting clay layers through undrained shear strength data, a newly developed online univariate method, and an offline and an online multivariate method designed to simultaneously analyse multiple data series from CPT. The performance of these BCPD methods was tested using real CPT data from a study area with layers of sandy and clayey soil, and the results were verified against ground-truth data from adjacent borehole investigations. The findings suggest that some BCPD methods are more suitable than others in providing a robust, quick, and automated approach for the unsupervised detection of soil layering, which is critical for geotechnical engineering design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]