Uncertainty Analysis for Head and Gradient Incorporating Spatial Nonuniformity of Hydraulic Conductivity around Underground Storage Caverns

For the proper design and management of underground storage cavern, groundwater flow around cavern should be analyzed. Since this flow is influenced by spatial nonuniformity of hudraulic conductivity, the two-dimensional finite element flow model incorporating stochastic concepts was developed to analyze influences due to this nonuniformity. Monte Carlo technique was applied to obtain an approximate solution for two-dimensional, steady flow in a stochastically defined nonuniform medisu. For this purpose, the values of hydraulic conductivity were generated for each element with known mean and standard deviations. The uncertainty in model prediction depends on both the nonuniformity in hydraulic conductivity and the natures of the flow system such as water curtain and boundary condition. Therefore the uncertainties in predicted hydraulic head and gradient are the greatest where the mean hydraulic gradients are relatively large and far from the boundaries. Especially, we relate these uncertainties with well known gas tightness condition. Keywords : hydraulic conductivity, spatial nonuniformity, underground storage cavern, uncertainty, water curtain.