Averaging Pore Statistics of Two-Dimensional Images for Predicting Permeability
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 128, Issue 11
Abstract
Effective medium theory (EMT) was employed to estimate permeability of fine-grained estuarine sediments. X-radiographs were taken of sediment cores collected in the field and from laboratory aquaria, designed to mimic the benthic environment of an estuary. Image analysis of two-dimensional X rays provided values of pore parameters required by the EMT model, which include pore body and throat radii, pore throat length, porosity, and the interconnectivity of pores. Values of these parameters were used to quantitatively calculate permeability based upon Darcy’s law. The EMT model with an arithmetic mean for averaging pore parameters predicted permeability 1 order of magnitude higher than measured values. The harmonic mean for averaging pore parameters in the EMT model provided estimates of permeability similar to measured values.
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 128 • Issue 11 • November 2002
Pages: 1002 - 1007
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 15, 2000
Accepted: Mar 19, 2002
Published online: Oct 15, 2002
Published in print: Nov 2002
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