Characterization of Aperture Distribution and Permeability in Single Joints under Confining Pressure

Hydromechanical behaviour of rock masses is influenced in a decisive way by the presence of joints. It is largely responsible for the seepage occurring through the rock mass and is the most sensitive elements with respect to deformation under stress changes. Hydromechanical studies of fractured rock masses must therefore pay special attention to the role of joints and to correct assessment of their properties. In this paper, an experimental study was carried out in granite specimens included a single joint with the purpose of obtaining the hydromechanical properties under hydrostatic stress conditions. The test results are then presented and analyzed, and the relationship between the roughness of joint surface and hydromechanical properties are discussed