Estimation of rock mass permeability using relaxation time and P‐wave velocity

Abstract

Due to the inherent unpredictability of geological conditions, tunnelling operations are often at risk of encountering water inrushes. Such incidents can lead to construction delays, impose financial strains and pose significant safety threats to the workers involved. Water‐bearing geological formations are the main triggers for such incidents, with factors such as the positioning, water quantity and permeability distribution of these formations being key to predicting the occurrence and severity of water inrush disasters. By leveraging the complex interplay among relaxation time, P‐wave velocity and permeability within the rock's physical properties, a series of indoor tests were conducted on 40 artificial reef limestone cores to extract the necessary parameters. Through the analysis of the data, the comprehensive permeability prediction model was established, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9420 between the model's predictions and actual measurements. At the same time, through theoretical and mechanism analysis, the relationship between permeability and relaxation time and the relationship between permeability and P‐wave velocity were analysed. Finally, 10 natural reef limestone samples were used to verify the accuracy of the model. The prediction model enables an accurate evaluation of tunnel permeability, thus providing a scientific basis for the mitigation of tunnel water inrush hazards.