Abstract
Based on the shear failure mechanism, hydraulic fracturing criteria are extended to three dimensional stress state. According to the situation of the directions of borehole and major principal stress axes, three equations can be derived for three dimensional hydraulic fracturing problems. By comparing these equations, a single criterion is selected for hydraulic fracturing pressure in cohesive soils. The criterion is a function of maximum principal stress, minimum principal stress and soil parameters in UU conditions. The equation indicates that with any increase in maximum principal stress, hydraulic fracturing pressure decreases. In order to prove the integrity of the criteria, laboratory tests are performed on compacted cubical specimens using true a triaxial apparatus. The shape and direction of fractures are determined by injecting colored water after fracture initiation. It is found that the direction of fractures are perpendicular to the σ1 plane.
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