Discrete Fracture Network Generation for the Äspö TAS08 Tunnel Using MoFrac

This paper presents a validation study for a new software tool, MoFrac, which generates realistic discrete fracture network (DFN) models. MoFrac implements aspects of a unique geostatistical and rules-based methodology for DFN generation. Non-planar fractures are generated through a conditional simulation process that propagates deterministic fracture traces in three dimensions. Stochastic fractures are generated based on conditioning to statistics derived from field-mapped fracture traces and orientation parameters. Data mapped from the Äspö TAS08 tunnel close to Oskarshamn, Sweden were used for this validation study. The generated DFN model was analyzed for fracture orientation, size, intensity, and location. The modeling results demonstrate that MoFrac generates representative DFNs with a realistic appearance that conform to mapped fracture traces and statistics derived from the input data. MoFrac DFNs are suitable for integration into a variety of numerical models.