Hydraulic conductivity characterization of a karst recharge area using water injection tests and electrical resistivity logging

Water injection tests and electrical logging are particularly useful techniques in the characterization of geological media in engineering works. In this paper these techniques in conjunction with cracks measurements obtained from drilling cores, were used in the characterization of a singular location in a karst massif. The aim of our work is to determine the hydraulic characteristics of the investigated site, as well as to establish the relationship between the data obtained by the different techniques used. Thus, electrical resistivity records and fracture data were obtained from two boreholes of 100 and 120 m depth. Hydraulic conductivity was calculated from 25 low-pressure water injection tests (LPT) carried out at different depths in both boreholes. The relationship between hydraulic conductivity and fracture frequency was not very statististically significant (R2: 0.062–0.672; σest: 0.61–1.575). Conversely, electrical resistivity and hydraulic conductivity had a great relationship (R2: 0.725–0.935; σest: 0.159–0.738), so the electrical resistivity may be related to the functionality of the fractures. Finally, the LPT is shown as a very practical tool for determining the degree of the hydraulically interconnection with the surroundings, for establishing the hydraulic conductivity profile and for obtaining a measure of soil erosionability according to the significance of the fracture washing out processes recorded.

Research Highlights
► The permeability characteristics of a calcitic dyke and surrounding limestones placed in a karst recharge area were established by using injection tests and geophysical logging in conjunction with cracks measures.
► Relationships between the data obtained were also analyzed obtaining a good correlation between electrical resistivity and hydraulic conductivity.
► Geophysical logging and injection tests may be considered as useful tools to characterize the flow zones and the permeability of the media.
► Besides, the injection test is also shown as a practical tool for determining the erosionability of soils.