Field techniques using borehole packers in hydrogeological investigations.

As part of a hydrogeological investigation in a Permo-Triassic Sandstone aquifer in northwest England, various methods of field permeability testing have been developed and evaluated. These techniques involve the use of borehole packers to isolate specific test sections and permeability measurements made by either injection of pumping tests. Field results have been compared with both laboratory permeability measurements and conventional pumping tests. The test procedures were found to have a significant effect on the results contained. Packers have also been employed to examine the vertical distribution of heads within an aquifer, both in pumping and non-pumping conditions and to obtain groundwater samples from selected horizons. Some of the test results are presented to illustrate the value of packer techniques in hydrogeological investigations.

Reference
Brassington F.C. and Walthall S. (1985) Field techniques using borehole packers in hydrogeological investigations Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, Volume 18, Pages 181-193.


 

Eur Geol Eur Ing Professor F.C. Brassington BSc MSc CGeol FGS CEng MICE FCIWEM