FracProp: Stochastic Fracture Propagation Model

Abstract

This paper presents a geometric, mechanics-based, stochastic model—FracProp—that was developed to predict fracture initiation and propagation in rock. FracProp is capable of quantifying uncertainties associated with the point of fracture initiation and direction of fracture propagation. The current version of FracProp uses compounded probability distributions that are continuously fitted based on mechanical principles (stress distribution and material properties). The model assumes that fracture initiation and propagation depend on the stress profiles around the fracture (flaw) tip in a rock block subjected to vertical, horizontal, and internal loading. To develop the model, we studied the mechanics of a rock block containing one single flaw (pre-existing opening) with the Finite Element (FE) software ABAQUS. Stress profiles obtained in the modeling were used with the model’s probabilistic processes to dynamically simulate (model) crack/fracture propagation. FracProp was validated with the results of experiments under various loading conditions done at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) geomechanics laboratory.