This thesis presents the evolution of intrinsic permeability of Indiana Limestone obtained from testing cylindrical samples subjected to isotropic confining pressure. The cylindrical samples measured 200 mm in height and 100 mm in diameter and were subjected to confining pressure ranging from 5 MPa to 60 MPa. The permeability was determined by subjecting the sample to a constant hydraulic gradient perpendicular to the bedding direction. Three different types of tests were performed: partial-loading and unloading in cycles to a the peak load of 60 MPa, monotonic loading to peak value of 60 MPa, followed by complete unloading to 5 MPa and reloading, monotonic loading to a confining pressure less than 60 MPa and unloading to the reference confining pressure of 5 MPa. It was observed that significant irreversible reductions in permeability took place. Three model curves are proposed to describe this permeability change for the loading, unloading and reloading paths. The results of the research indicate that only one data set from the third test was necessary to develop the model that accurately matched the second and third test.

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