Geological modelling and numerical simulation of hydraulic processes for the planning of an underground research laboratory ("Low Seismic Lab") in Lusatia

Term: 01.03.2024 - 28.02.2026

A new large-scale research centre is planned in Lusatia, the German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA). One part of this is the Low Seismic Lab, which is to be built in the Lusatian granodiorite in the region between Hoyerswerda, Kamenz and Bautzen. This underground laboratory is a place of seismic tranquillity, which is required for the trouble-free operation of sensitive research equipment.

As part of this project, the Chair of Engineering Geology and Environmental Geotechnics is creating a geological-tectonic 3D model of the area in western Lusatia. This is based on drill logs from the drilling data and report archive of the Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG). In particular, the distribution of the granodiorite, but also the occurrence of kaolinite and the distribution of the Quaternary and Tertiary overburden are to be visualized. The model can then be used to identify additional drilling locations, which will supplement the existing information at certain points and thus contribute to a more precise overall picture.

The geological model is then converted into a hydraulic finite element groundwater model, taking into account existing hydraulic and hydrological data, new permeability measurements on drill cores and, if necessary, hydraulic borehole tests. The hydraulic model will be used to check the influence of the groundwater on the planned underground laboratory and to plan an optimized drainage system.