[en] The Hybrid Finite Element Mixing Cell (HFEMC) method is a flexible modelling technique particularly suited to mining problems. The principle of this method is to subdivide the modelled zone into several subdomains and to select a specific equation, ranging from the simple linear reservoir equation to the groundwater flow in porous media equation, to model groundwater flow in each subdomain. The model can be run in transient conditions, which makes it a useful tool for managing mine closure post-issues such as groundwater rebound and water inrushes.
The application of the HFEMC method to an abandoned underground coal mine near the city of Liege (Belgium) is presented. The case study zone has been discretized taking advantage of the flexibility of the method. Then, the model has been calibrated in transient conditions based on both hydraulic head and water discharge rate observation and an uncertainty analysis has been performed. Finally, the calibrated model has been used to run several scenarios in order to assess the impacts of possible future phenomena on the hydraulic heads and the water discharge rates. Among others, the simulation of an intense rainfall event shows a quick and strong increase in hydraulic heads in some zones coupled with an increase in associated water discharge rates. This could lead to stability problems in local hill slopes. These predictions will help managing and predicting mine water problems in this complex mining system.
Disciplines :
Geological, petroleum & mining engineering
Author, co-author :
Wildemeersch, Samuel ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département Argenco : Secteur GEO3 > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Brouyère, Serge ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département Argenco : Secteur GEO3 > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Orban, Philippe ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département Argenco : Secteur GEO3 > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Couturier, Julie ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département Argenco : Secteur GEO3 > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Dingelstadt, Claude
Veschkens, Mathieu
Dassargues, Alain ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département Argenco : Secteur GEO3 > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Language :
English
Title :
Application of the Hybrid Finite Element Mixing Cell method to an abandoned coalfield in Belgium
Publication date :
2010
Journal title :
Journal of Hydrology
ISSN :
0022-1694
eISSN :
1879-2707
Publisher :
Elsevier Science
Volume :
392
Issue :
3-4
Pages :
188-200
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Funders :
ISSeP - Institut Scientifique de Service Public [BE] Politique Scientifique Fédérale (Belgique) = Belgian Federal Science Policy - PAI TIMOTHY P6/13 FP6 Aquaterra GOCE 505428
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