Abstract: The spatial distribution of wrinkles in a wrinkle network is the basis for hydraulic connectivity analysis and leakage evaluation. The rules describing the spatial distribution of wrinkle remain to be investigated. Based on a typical wrinkle network from the bottom of a site, the probability distribution types for the geometric parameters of wrinkle were analyzed using K-S test method, and the statistics of the geometric parameters were obtained. A method for evaluating leakage through a wrinkle network was proposed by generating stochastic wrinkle networks based on the statistics of the geometric parameters of wrinkles, and choosing a characteristic value from the calculated leakages through the stochastic wrinkle networks to represent the leakage from the actual wrinkle network. The proposed method was then applied to representative cases. The results indicate that the statistical analysis for a typical wrinkle network from the bottom of a site can provide an important reference for the determination of the distribution types and statistics of various geometric parameters of wrinkles in similar sites. The mean value of leakages calculated from the stochastically generated wrinkle network can be used as a characteristic value to conservatively represent the leakage through the actual wrinkle network. Referring to the case considered in this study, after rich experience about the statistical law of geometric parameters of wrinkles has been accumulated, the aerial image of the whole wrinkle network is no longer needed in the design process of a site, thus providing new ideas for assessing leakage through sites with wrinkle network.

Key words: wrinkles, geometric parameters, statistical law, leakage