Forward modeling of fracture-induced sonic anisotropy using a combination of borehole image and sonic logs

Abstract

We develop a methodology to model and interpret borehole dipole sonic anisotropy related to the effect of geologic fractures, using a forward-modeling approach. We use a classical excess-compliance fracture model that relies on the orientation of the individual fractures, the elastic properties of the host rock, and the normal and tangential fracture-compliance parameters. Orientations of individual fractures are extracted from borehole-image log analysis. The model is validated using borehole-resistivity image and sonic logs in a gas-sand reservoir over a [Formula: see text] (50 m) vertical interval of a well. Significant amounts of sonic anisotropy are observed at three zones, with a fast-shear azimuth (FSA) exhibiting 60° of variation and slowness difference between 2% and 16%. Numerous quasivertical fractures with varying dip azimuths are identified on the image log at the locations of strong sonic anisotropy. The maximum horizontal-stress direction, given by breakouts and drilling-induced fractures, is shown not to be aligned with the strike of natural fractures. We show that using just two adjustable fracture-compliance parameters, one fornatural fractures and one for drilling-induced fractures, is an excel-lent first-order approximation to explain the fracture-induced anisotropy response over a depth interval of [Formula: see text]. Given the presence of gas and the absence of clay filling within the fractures, we assumed equal normal and tangential compliances. The two inverted normal compliances are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Predicted FSA matches measured FSA over [Formula: see text] (40 m) of the [Formula: see text] (50 m) studied interval. Predicted slowness anisotropy matches the overall variation and measured values of anisotropy for two of the three strong anisotropy zones. Analysis of the symmetries of the modeled anisotropic response shows that the medium is mostly a horizontal transverse isotropic medium, with small azimuthal variation of the symmetry axis. Analysis of each independent fracture type shows that the anisotropy is mainly driven by open or partially healed fractures, but also consistent with stress-related, drilling-induced fractures. Therefore, the measured sonic anisotropy is caused by the combination of stress and fracture effects where the predominance of one mechanism over the other is depth-dependent. This method provides a consistent approach to data interpretation by integrating borehole image and sonic logs that probe the formation at different depths of investigation around the borehole.