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Lugeon test
Geotechdata.info - Updated 22.12.2014

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CONCEPT
TheThe Lugeon test, sometimes call also Packer test, is an in-situ testing method widely used to
estimate the avarage hydraulic conductivity of rock mass. The test is named after Maurice Lugeon
(1933), a Swiss geologist who first formulated the test. Basically, the Lugeon test is a costant head
permeability type test carried out in a isolated part of a borehole. The results provide information
about hzdraulic condictivuty of the rock mass including the rock matrix and the discontinuities.

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The test is conducted in a portion of a borehole isolated by pneumatic packers. The water is injected
into the isolated portion of the borehole using a slotted pipe which it self is bounded by the inflated
packers. The packers can be inflated using a gas compressor on the surafce, and so they can isolate
and seal that portion of the borehole. A pressure transducer is also located in that portion to
measure the pressure with a help of reading station on the surface.

LATEST NEW S First of all, a maximum test pressure (Pmax) is defined so that it does not exceed the in-situ minimum
stress, thus avoiding hzdraulic fracturing. The test is carried out at five stages including increasing
22.12.2014 - Lugeon test and decreasing pressure between zero and maximum pressure. At each stage, a constant pressure is
updated more applied for an interval of 10 miniutes while pumping water. Water pressure and flow rate are
20.12.2014 - Brazilian test measured everz minute. The five loading and unloading stages form a pressure loop often with the
updated more following pressure intervals:
18.12.2014 - Resonant Stage Pressure
column test updated more
1st 0.50 Pmax
2nd 0.75 Pmax
3rd Pmax
4th 0.75 Pmax
5th 0.50 Pmax

Using the average values of water presure and flow rate measured at each stage, the average
hydraulic conductivity of the rock mass can be determined. Following the empiricl original definition of
the test, the hzdraulic conductiviy is experessed in terms of Lugeon Unit, being the conductivity
required for a flow aret of 1 liter per minute per meter of the borehole interval under a constant
pressure of 1 MPa. The Lugeon value for each test is therefore calculated as follows and then an
average representative value is selected for the tested rock mass.
Lugeon Value = (q / L) x (P0 / P)
where
q - flow rate [lit/min]
L - Length of the borehole test interval [m]
P0 - reference pressure of 1 MPa [MPa]
P - Test pressure [MPa]
Considering a homogenous and isotropic condition, one Lugeon will be equal to 1.3e-7m/s. Contrary
to the continuum media, the hzdraulic conductivity of the rock mass is very much influenced by the
rock discontinuities. Therefore, the Lugeon value could represent not only the conductivity but also
the rock jointing condition. Typical range of Lugeon values and the corresponding rock condition is
indicated in th etable below [1]

Lugeon Value Conductivity classification Rock discontinuity condition

<1 Very low Very tight

1-5 Low Tight

5-15 Moderate Few partly open
15-50 Medium Some open
50-100 High Many open
>100 Very high Open closely spaced or voids

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REFERENCES - EXTERNAL LINKS

1. Lugeon test interpretation. revisited, Camilo Quiñones-Rozo

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