Stochastic discrete fracture networks (DFNs) are classically simulated using stochastic point processes which neglect mechanical interactions between fractures and yield a low spatial correlation in a network. We propose a sequential parent‐daughter Poisson point process that organizes fracture objects according to mechanical interactions while honoring statistical characterization data. The hierarchical organization of the resulting DFNs has been investigated in 3‐D by computing their correlation dimension. Sensitivity analysis on the input simulation parameters shows that various degrees of spatial correlation emerge from this process. A large number of realizations have been performed in order to statistically validate the method. The connectivity of these correlated fracture networks has been investigated at several scales and compared to those described in the literature. Our study quantitatively confirms that spatial correlations can affect the percolation threshold and the connectivity at a particular scale.

Structural uncertainties arise partly from the association of sparse fault interpretations made from 2D seismic lines or limited outcrop observations. We propose a graph formalism to describe the problem of associating spatial fault evidence. A combinatorial analysis shows that the number of association scenarios is related to the Bell number and increases exponentially. This makes the complete exploration of the uncertainties computationally highly challenging. We formulate prior geological knowledge as numerical rules to reduce the number of scenarios and to make structural interpretation more repeatable and objective. We use the Bron-Kerbosch graph algorithm to detect the major possible structures. This framework opens the way to a numerically assisted exploration of uncertainties during structural interpretation.

International audienceRINGMesh is a C++ open-source programming library for manipulating discretized geological models. It is designed to ease the development of applications and workflows that use discretized 3D models. It is neither a geomodeler, nor a meshing software. RINGMesh implements functionalities to read discretized surface-based or volumetric structural models and to check their validity. The models can be then exported in various file formats. RINGMesh provides data structures to represent geological structural models, either defined by their discretized boundary surfaces, and/or by discretized volumes. A programming interface allows to develop new geomodeling methods, and to plug in external software. The goal of RINGMesh is to help researchers to focus on the implementation of their specific method rather than on tedious tasks common to many applications. The documented code is open-source and distributed under the modified BSD license. It is available at https://www.ring-team.org/index.php/software/ringmesh

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