Use of Mohr diagrams to predict fracturing in rock

Abstract

Inferences have to be made about likely structures and their effects on fluid flow in a geothermal reservoir at the pre-drilling stage. This is the case for the potential geothermal reservoir in Variscan metasedimentary rocks that are expected to occur in the subsurface at Göttingen. Simple mechanical modelling, using reasonable ranges of values for rock properties, stresses and fluid pressures, is used here to predict the range of possible structures that are likely to exist in the sub-surface and that may be generated during thermal and hydraulic stimulation. Mohr diagrams are a useful way for predicting and illustrating how rocks can go from a stable stress state (i.e., no fracturing occurs) to an unstable stress state (i.e., fracturing occurs). This transition can occur if there are changes in: (1) the failure envelope; (2) the stresses; and/or (3) fluid pressure. Mohr diagrams are used to show under what fluid pressures and tectonic stresses different types and orientations of fractures are likely to be reactivated or generated. The approach enables the effects of parameters to be modelled individually, and for the types and orientations of fractures to be considered. This modelling is useful for helping geoscientists consider, model and predict the ranges of mechanical properties of rock, stresses, fluid pressures and the resultant fractures that are likely to occur in the sub-surface.The Mesozoic rocks of the Somerset coast, UK, are used to illustrate how Mohr diagrams can help understand the history of fracturing. Such understanding is useful for predicting which fractures are likely to occur in the subsurface, which is important for predicting reservoir behaviour.