Vincent Henrion is currently working on characterization and stochastic modeling of complex structures, especially fractures and karst conduits. His work involves the design of new geostatistical methods and their implementation in C++ in the Gocad geomodeling tool. For instance, he is trying to develop a mixed approach for simulation of 3D discrete fracture networks. Basically, it combines object-based simulation to seed initial fracture segments and variogram-based simulation (sequential Gaussian co-simulation) to propagate fractures in a direction constrained by a geomechanical model (derived from restoration) and direction of surrounding fractures. Concerning modeling of karst system, the initial rock is assumed to contain a fracture network which defines preferential flow path and within which dissolution processes can occur. The main problem is then to predict the spatial extension of open passages around the fractures. For this purpose, they calculate the Euclidean distance transform to the fracture network which is used as a constraint for karst development, i.e., the probability to have karst facies decreases with distance to fractures and becomes null beyond a given threshold. To create realistic geometries, a random correlated noise is simulated using, for instances, sequential Gaussian simulation. Eventually, it is the composition of the distance field and of the random cutoff that produce final images of karst structures.

Supervisors: Jean-Jacques Royer (CNRS) and Guillaume Caumon (CRPG-ENSG)