High Horizontal Stress Research Articles

Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracture propagation from recompletion in refracturing with dynamic stress modeling

Owing to the rapid decline of oil production from tight oil reservoirs after primary hydraulic fracturing treatment on the horizontal well, a refracturing stimulation is proposed for tight oil recovery. In this study, a fully coupled dynamic stress computational method with a finite-element method is presented, and depletion-induced dynamic stress is simulated by coupled numerical modeling. In addition, the extended finite-element method (XFEM) approach is used to investigate the effect of different parameters on fracture dynamic propagation in recompletion from refracturing. The results highlight the effects of production-induced stress changes following hydraulic fracture propagation. When multiple fractures are stimulated simultaneously from recompletion during refracturing, curved fractures are commonly observed, and the deflected fractures generally divert toward the primary stimulated area with low pore pressure. The results indicate that comprehensive factors can affect the hydraulic fractures propagation from recompletion. The optimal refracturing time window can be determined using the dynamic stress condition and stimulated area. The initial completion spacing, initial fracture length, and recompletion perforation cluster spacing can also affect the fracture geometry from the recompletion. A larger initial fracture length can induce a larger stress change area, whereas a larger distance between the new perforations in recompletion and the old perforations can decrease the depletion-induced stress effect. A high horizontal stress contrast can increase the depletion-induced stress effect because a long fracture extends the area. Owing to the nonuniform pressure and stress distributions, more nonuniform fractures are commonly generated in the refracturing treatment. Thus, temporary plugging injection and proppant inertia must be designed while reducing the number of perforations near the initial perforation positions. This can help decrease the possibility of strong curved fractures and screen out problems.

Multiple-stage dynamic responses and failure behaviors of surrounding rocks subjected to development blasting: Exponential and triangular paths

During the development blasting of circular tunnels, the detonation of multiple blastholes arranged on concentric circles induces a complex dynamic response in the surrounding rocks. This process involves multiple blast loadings, static stress unloadings, and stress redistributions. In this study, the dynamic stresses of the surrounding rocks during development blasting, considering multiple blasting-unloading stages with exponential paths and triangular paths (linear simplified paths of exponential paths), are solved based on the dynamic theory and the Fourier transform method. Then, a corresponding discrete element model is established using particle flow code (PFC). The multiple-stage dynamic stress and fracture distribution under different in situ stress levels and lateral coefficients are investigated. Theoretical results indicate that the peak compressive stresses in the surrounding rocks induced by both triangular and exponential paths are equal, while the triangular path generates greater additional dynamic tensile stresses, particularly in the circumferential direction, compared to the exponential path. Numerical results show that the exponential path causes less dynamic circumferential tensile damage and forms fewer radial fractures than the triangular path in the first few blast stages; conversely, it exacerbates the damage and instability in the final blast unloading stage and forms more circumferential fractures. Furthermore, the in situ stress determines which of the two opposite effects is dominant. Therefore, when using overly simplified triangular paths to evaluate the stability of surrounding rocks, potential overestimation or underestimation caused by different failure mechanisms should be considered. Specifically, under high horizontal and vertical stresses, the static stress redistribution with layer-by-layer blasting suppresses dynamic circumferential tensile and radial compressive damage. The damage evolution of surrounding rocks in multi-stage blasting under different in situ stresses is summarized and classified according to the damage mechanism and characteristics, which can guide blasting and support design.

Modeling the Hydraulic Fracturing Processes in Shale Formations Using a Meshless Method

Complex bedding properties and in situ stress conditions of shale formation lead to complex hydraulic fracturing morphologies. However, due to the limitations of traditional numerical methods, the simulation of hydraulic fracturing in shale formation still needs further development. Based on this, the liquid–solid interaction modes and the SPH governing equations considering liquid–solid interaction force have been introduced. The smoothing kernel function in the traditional SPH method is improved by introducing the fracture mark ξ, which can realize the simulation of rock hydraulic fracturing processes. The stress boundary of the SPH method is applied by stress mapping of “stress particles”, and the feasibility and correctness of the method are verified by two numerical examples. Then, the simulation of hydraulic fracturing processes of bedding shale formations are carried out. With the increase of horizontal stress ratio, the total number of damaged particles decreases, but the initiation and extension pressure increase gradually. The initiation stress of small bedding dip angles (θ < 45°) is larger than that of big bedding dip angles (θ > 45°). The hydraulic fracture propagation range at low horizontal stress ratio is wider and the fracture is along the direction of maximum principal stress, while the hydraulic fracture propagation range at high horizontal stress ratio is limited to the perforation. The hydraulic fracture will propagate through the bedding with small dip angles. However, when the bedding dip angle is larger, the hydraulic fracture will propagate along the bedding direction.

Physical model test and application of 3D printing rock-like specimens to laminated rock tunnels

Weak structural plane deformation is responsible for the non-uniform large deformation disasters in layered rock tunnels, resulting in steel arch distortion and secondary lining cracking. In this study, a servo biaxial testing system was employed to conduct physical modeling tests on layered rock tunnels with bedding planes of varying dip angles. The influence of structural anisotropy in layered rocks on the micro displacement and strain field of surrounding rocks was analyzed using digital image correlation (DIC) technology. The spatiotemporal evolution of non-uniform deformation of surrounding rocks was investigated, and numerical simulation was performed to verify the experimental results. The findings indicate that the displacement and strain field of the surrounding layered rocks are all maximized at the horizontal bedding planes and decrease linearly with the increasing dip angle. The failure of the layered surrounding rock with different dip angles occurs and extends along the bedding planes. Compressive strain failure occurs after excavation under high horizontal stress. This study provides significant theoretical support for the analysis, prediction, and control of non-uniform deformation of tunnel surrounding rocks.

Modelling surface subsidence of coal mines using a bonded block numerical method

Surface subsidence is common geologic hazard in coal mines when longwall mining method is applied. In this research, a Bonded Block Model (BBM) is selected to numerically simulate and analyze the surface subsidence of coal mines. Parametric study is conducted and key factors controlling the subsidence are characterized. BBM models with no bedding planes realistically simulate the maximum subsidence, but overestimate the subsidence levels above the panel edges. The bedding planes introduced in the BBM models potentially provide more realistic subsidence profile. The separation of the planes and downward bending of the layered strata, as commonly observed in coal mines, are simulated and captured. In addition, high horizontal stress plays a key role in simulating more realistic subsidence profiles. The methodologies and conclusions of this research are expected to improve our understandings of the surface subsidence of coal mines and provide reliable tools to analyze and characterize this challenging issue.

Study on Fracture Propagation Rules of Shale Refracturing Based on CT Technology

Reactivating oil and gas wells, increasing oil and gas production, and improving recovery provide more opportunities for energy supply especially in the extraction of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Due to changes caused by well completion and production in pore pressure around oil and gas wells, subsequently leading to changes in ground stress, and the presence of natural and induced fractures in the reservoir, the process of refracturing is highly complex. This complexity is particularly pronounced in shale oil reservoirs with developed weak layer structures. Through true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments on Jimsar shale and utilizing micro-CT to characterize fractures, this study investigates the mechanisms and patterns of refracturing. The research indicates: (1) natural fractures and the stress states in the rock are the primary influencing factors in the fracture propagation. Because natural fractures are widely developed in Jimsar shale, natural fractures are the main influencing factors of hydraulic fracturing, especially in refracturing, the existing fractures have a greater impact on the propagation of secondary fracturing fractures. (2) Successful sealing of existing fractures using temporary blocking agents is crucial for initiating new fractures in refracturing. Traditional methods of plugging the seam at the root of existing fractures are ineffective, whereas extensive injection of blocking agents, forming large “sheet-like” blocking bodies in old fractures, yields better sealing effects, promoting the initiation of new fractures. (3) Moderately increasing the pumping rate and viscosity of fracturing fluid is advantageous in forming “sheet-like” temporary blocking bodies, enhancing the complexity of the network of new fractures in refracturing. (4) When there is a high horizontal stress difference, after sealing old fractures, the secondary hydraulic fractures initiate parallel to and extend from the old fractures. In cases of low horizontal stress difference, the complexity of secondary hydraulic fractures increases. When the horizontal stress changes direction, the secondary hydraulic fractures also change direction. It is recommended to use high-viscosity fracturing fluid and moderately increase the pumping rate, injecting blocking agents to seal old fractures, thereby enhancing the complexity of the network of refracturing. These findings provide important technical guidance for improving the efficiency of shale oil reservoir development.

Effect of Non-Uniform Minerals Distribution on Hydraulic Fracture Evolution during Unconventional Geoenergy Exploration

To study the effect of the non-uniform distribution of minerals on the development of microcracks within the rock during hydraulic fracturing, a novel numerical model considering multiple random mineral distributions was designed. The model investigated the impacts of mineral grain size, composition, and spatial arrangement on fracture initiation and propagation. The results indicate that the presence of the hard-phase mineral quartz can alter the propagation path of fractures, and increase the width of hydraulic fractures. In coarse-grained granite, the range of crack deflection is maximized, while in medium-grained granite, it is more prone to forming convoluted elongated cracks. A higher quartz content in granite further contributes to the formation of complex crack networks. Simultaneously, the evolution of granite fractures and variations in breakdown pressure in heterogeneous granite were investigated, considering the influence of core parameters such as fluid injection rate, fracturing fluid viscosity, and horizontal stress difference. The research reveals that a high injection rate promotes straight-line fracture expansion. Moreover, modest fluctuations in fracturing fluid viscosity have minimal effects on fracture morphology. When the fracture development avoids quartz, under the influence of high horizontal stress differential, it clearly turns toward the direction of the maximum principal stress. This study can offer insights into innovative and optimized deep reservoir fracturing techniques.

In Situ Stress Distribution of Deep Coals and Its Influence on Coalbed Methane Development in the Shizhuang Block, Qinshui Basin, China.

The in situ stress plays a crucial role in variations in coal permeability, hydraulic fracturing behavior, and accordingly coalbed methane (CBM) productivity. As the depth increases, the effects of in situ stress will become more prominent. In the Shizhuang block, present-day stress magnitude and permeability of coals at depths >800 m were measured with multiple-cycle hydraulic fracturing and injection falloff test, respectively. The results show that most seams are under pressure reservoirs with pressure gradient <0.9 MPa/100 m. Horizontal stress magnitudes and gradients tend to increase (800-1200 m) and then decrease (>1200 m) with increasing depth. Strike-slip fault stress regimes are predominant, while seams with depth >1400 m are subjected to a normal fault stress regime. Coal permeability tends to decrease gradually with depth and tends to be convergence to 0.01 mD. Considering extremely low permeability of these deep seams, hydraulic fracturing must be applied to create seepage channels for gas and water drainage. Although the high horizontal stress difference in deep seams is favorable for the generation of longer and simple hydraulic fractures, there is no obvious relations between fracture length and gas productivity as poor-support fractures and limited sand migration distance. The current hydraulic fracturing missed the variable stress regimes and permeability at various depth, but used the similar fracturing schemes, leading to significant reduction in gas productivity with depth. Using the high viscosity fracturing fluid, great sand volume, big injection rate, and low sand concentration are recommended for hydraulic fracturing. Single-branch horizontal well with staged fracturing show better applicability for deep CBM extraction.

Rigid Spliced Box Girder Bridge under the Action of Foundation Settlement Difference Analysis of Mechanical Behavior of Splice Section

In a main line viaduct widening project, the old bridge is 35m+55m+35m three-span variable section prestressed concrete continuous box girder, which has the characteristics of large width, long span, variable section of beam body, large cantilever (4.05m), and transverse prestressed steel beams arranged on the bridge panel, etc. The old and new box girders adopt rigid joint scheme. Articles on rigid splicing box girder bridge in foundation settlement under the action of splicing mechanical properties to carry out the finite element analysis, the results show that the new bridge under the action of foundation settlement difference, longitudinal pier fulcrum position splicing under high horizontal stress, transverse middle fulcrum section splicing appeared transverse stress peak period of angular point position, may result in the crack of the concrete; There is a linear relationship between the level of additional internal force and the settlement difference of foundation, which is about 0.95MPa/mm. The calculation stress value of splicing segment can be reduced by reducing the thickness of splicing segment. In practical engineering, control and adjustment measures such as preloading of new bridge structure and selecting adjustable high support can be used to improve the force condition of splicing section[1][2].

The Floor Heave Mechanism and Control Technology of Gob-Side Entry Retaining of Soft Rock Floor

Extensive soft-rock floor heave in gob-side entry retaining considerably restricts the efficient and sustainable production of the mine. The mechanical capacities of roadway roof and floor strata are discussed through laboratory tests by taking the N2301 fully caving surface auxiliary transport gate road of the Ancient City Coal Mine in the Lu’an Mining Area of Shanxi Province as an engineering background. The stress distribution law of gob-side entry in mining the working surface was explored based on numerical simulation. After that, the mechanical mechanism of floor heave was studied through theoretical analysis. High lead abutment pressure and horizontal stress were superimposed in front of the working surface to cause soft-rock floor heave. The bulk weight of the high overburden was unevenly transmitted to the two sides because of the roof cantilever structure of entry retaining in the rear of the working face. The roadway floor produced an asymmetric sliding force, which caused the occurrence of floor heave. The control technology of floor heave combining the pressure relief of floor blasting and roof cutting was proposed taking account of the mechanism of floor heave. Then, the stress environment of the surrounding rock was improved by the deep hole blasting of the floor. Gob-side roof cutting was used to reduce impact of the bulk weight of the overburden on the surrounding rock deformation of the roadway. A test was conducted after verifying the control effect of blasting pressure relief on roadway floor heave through a similar simulation. Field tests indicated that the maximum floor heave was 168 mm at 250 m in the rear of the working surface, and floor heave was controlled. This study offers a more scientifically sound theoretical reference for controlling floor heave in gob-side entry retaining, which can significantly advance the sustainable development of gob-side entry retaining technology in coal mining.

Deformation Failure Characteristics and Maintenance Control Technologies of High-Stress Crossing-Seam Roadways: A Case Study

The surrounding rock structure of the crossing-seam roadway is poor and is susceptible to anchorage failure phenomena, such as top plate sinking and convergence deformation under high ground stress. These issues can cause significant deformation of the surrounding rock over time, resulting in challenging engineering problems. To address this issue, we studied the failure modes and destabilization mechanisms of the surrounding rock in different crossing-seam roadways by field tests and numerical simulations. The results show that since the rock strata in these roadways are extremely unstable and highly susceptible to high horizontal stress, the weak surrounding rock presents the mode of full-section plastic failure. The roof is damaged more seriously than the floor and both walls. In this case, the basic anchorage layer in the original scheme is not thick and rigid enough to support these roadways. Thus, the surrounding rock deforms severely and persistently, which is one of the engineering failure characteristics. To solve this problem, a new scheme of “prompt thick-layer end anchorage + full-length lag grouting anchorage + secondary continuous reinforcement” was proposed based on the continuous roof control theory. According to the industrial test, this scheme can successfully control the long-term large deformation of the weak surrounding rock in crossing-seam roadways. Notably, the deformation of the top plate decreased by 56.65% and the deformation of the two walls decreased by 66.35%. Its design concept will provide important references for controlling the surrounding rock in similar soft rock roadways.

Evaluating the Effect of Overburden Depth, Mining Height, and Support Density on Coal Rib Damage Using DEM Modeling

There has been a global effort in the past decade, especially in major coal-producing countries, toward understanding the mechanics involved in the stability of coal mine ribs. Buckling and spalling of mine ribs are known to have an impact on their stability and degradation. The generation, propagation, and coalescence of cracks in mine pillar ribs are significantly affected by the overburden depths. In addition, the in situ stress magnitudes tend to affect the rib damage process. High horizontal stresses and increased depths can lead to unfavorable stress conditions, inducing coal mass damage and strength loss. Understanding the dynamics involved in rib behavior will inform better rib control practices. This study intended to assess the effect of mining depth, mining height, and supports on coal mine rib stability. In this research, the response of the coal mass was studied using distinct element modeling to better understand the failure process of coal mine ribs. The study confirmed mining depth as a significant factor controlling the rib loading and failure mechanism. In addition, increased mining heights increased the rib deformation and failure process. The evaluated support effect revealed that at shallower depths, shorter bolt lengths are sufficient to control rib stability. Increasing the bolt length for depths greater than 250 m is in order, but higher depths do not correlate with longer supports. The approach used in this study demonstrated its capacity to be used in designing rib support requirements and understanding coal mass and support mechanisms.

Deformation Mechanism and Control Technology of Surrounding Rock of Three-Soft Coal Roadways under High Horizontal Stress

Support technology faces challenges in view of the large deformation of surrounding rock in three-soft coal roadways under high horizontal stress in Zijin Coal Mine, China. Geostress near the tested working face of the mine was measured and its distribution law was analyzed through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation analysis, and field measurement. The original supporting scheme of the three-soft coal roadway on the tested working face was analyzed to discover the deformation and failure mechanism of the surrounding rock of the original supporting roadway and the control measures. An optimized support scheme of H-G (hollow grouting) anchor cables, high strength bolts, W-shaped steel belts, metal meshes, and sprayed concretes was proposed for field applications. Based on the roadway in the tested 3201 working face at Zijin Coal Mine, the technical parameters for optimizing the combined support of the roadway were determined. The following results were be obtained through field measurement. The roadway was kept intact after excavation and the optimized support scheme was adopted in the three-soft coal roadway. No obvious deformation in appearance existed in the roof, floor, and roadway coal sides. Compared with the original support scheme, the stability of the roadways was improved visibly. The displacement of the roadway roof decreased from 100 to 30 mm, and that of the roadway coal walls decreased from more than 100 mm to less than 50 mm. This work verifies the effectiveness of a combined support scheme of H-G anchor cables, high strength bolts, W-shaped steel belts, metal meshes, and sprayed concretes to control deformations of surrounding rock in three-soft coal roadways. The new support scheme has good social and economic benefits and can be used as a reference for other roadway supports under similar conditions.

Current Tectonic Stress State in an Iron Mine District, North China, Based on Overcoring, Hydraulic Fracturing, and Acoustic Emission Stress Measurements

Abstract Full knowledge of the current tectonic stress state is crucial for assessing open-pit mine slope stability and regional tectonic evolution and geodynamic processes. Overcoring, hydraulic fracturing, and acoustic emission in situ stress measurement techniques were adopted to determine the 3D stress tensor in an iron mine district, North China, and 25 sets of stress data ranging from 56 to 490 m were measured. Accordingly, the current tectonic stress state and its relationship to regional geological tectonics were investigated. The results indicated that the stress condition seemed to favor thrust and strike-slip faulting, and the stress field was particularly controlled by the horizontal tectonic stress. A high horizontal tectonic stress considerably influenced the stability of high and steep slopes in this mine district, which requires great attention. The stress directions derived from different methods were almost similar, indicating a dominant NEE–SWW stress field direction or near-E–W direction, comparable to the direction revealed by focal mechanism solutions and other stress indicators around the mine district. According to geological structure analysis, the present-day stress field in this district generally inherited the third-stage tectonic stress field while partially retaining the characteristics of the second-stage tectonic stress field, which is the result of dynamic action and tectonic movement during different geological periods, and the maximum principal stress direction of the tectonic stress field that affects the modern tectonic activity in this area is the NEE–EW direction.

Saucers, Fingers, and Lobes: New Insights on Sill Emplacement From Scaled Laboratory Experiments

AbstractWe investigate the conditions under which saucer‐shaped sills form and segment in the upper crust. We performed a series of scaled laboratory experiments that employ visco‐elastic‐plastic Laponite RD® (LRD) gels to model upper crustal rocks, and Newtonian paraffin oil as the magma analog. Saucer‐shaped sills always formed in experiments with a two‐layer upper crust. These experiments show sharp transitions from an inner flat sill to outer inclined sheets, which are characterized by non‐planar margins. The results show that: (a) the transition from an inner flat sill to an outer inclined sheet occurs when the sill radius to overburden depth ratio is between 0.5 and 2.5; (b) outer inclined sheets dip angles vary from 15° to 25°; (c) this transition is controlled by the ratio of the Young's modulus between the host material layers; (d) irregular finger‐like and/or lobate segment geometries form at the propagating tip of the experimental sills; and (e) the evolution and geometry of marginal segments and their connectors are different within the inner and outer sill. The results also suggest that there is no strict requirement for high horizontal stresses (&gt;5 MPa) to form natural saucer‐shaped sill geometries. We conclude that analog experiments of magma emplacement into layered visco‐elastic‐plastic upper crustal analogs reproduce the complexity of natural saucer‐shaped sills and their marginal segmentation. The behavior of the experimental sills is compatible with brittle‐elastic fracture mechanisms operating at the intrusion scale, while marginal lobes and finger‐like segments are most likely linked to small‐scale visco‐plastic instabilities occurring at the crack tip scale, possibly aided by the low fracture surface energy of the host material.

Risk Assessment of Rockburst with a LS-FAHP-CRITIC Method: A Case in Gaojiapu Coal Mine, North of China

Rockburst is one of the main dynamic disasters in coal mines; it is of great significance to accurately evaluate the risk zoning of rockburst for mine safety construction and pressure relief design. Taking the Gaojiapu coal mine in the Bingchang mining area of Shaanxi Province as the study area, this paper quantifies the complex geological structure based on fractal theory and establishes the zoning evaluation model of rockburst risk index in the mining area by LS-FAHP-CRITIC method in combination with the distribution characteristics of field stress field, the distribution of geological structure, and the sedimentary environment of coal seam overburden. A new evaluation method of rockburst risk zoning in the coal mine is proposed, and the rockburst risk in the study area was evaluated. The results show that the dangerous areas in the study area are widely distributed, mainly in the area near the structure with high maximum horizontal principal stress. On the basis of the actual rockburst of the Gaojiapu coal mine, the areas where rockburst occurs are all located in dangerous area and high dangerous area, which verifies the accuracy and rationality of the zoning evaluation results of the new method. This method can be used to guide the safety production of similar mines or adjacent coalfaces.

Seismic response of nuclear power station with disconnected pile-raft foundation using dynamic centrifuge tests

The typical foundation type for a nuclear power station is the raft foundation in rock areas. With the power demand, it is possible that a nuclear power station located in soft soil areas. Traditional connected pile raft foundation (CPRF) has been successfully used in soft soil areas. However, under earthquake loads, high horizontal shear stresses and bending moments are generated in the pile head. Accordingly, researchers have sought to develop an innovative disconnected pile raft foundation (DPRF), and the benefits of DPRF have simulated increasing researches on it in the last two decades. In this study, a series of dynamic centrifuge tests were carried out to identify the effect of cushion and its thickness on the dynamic characteristics of the nuclear power station with DPRF. A withe noise excitation and three earthquake waves with different seismic intensities were adopted as ground motion. The seismic responses of soil, structure, and bending moment of piles were analysed. A cushion thickness equal to the diameter of piles is recommended. Comparing with the CPRF, the cushion layer of DPRF has an isolation benefit. With the gravel cushion, attention must be paid to the horizontal displacement, inclination and rocking of the superstructure.

Collaborative Control Technology of Crosscut Floor Heave in Soft Rocks under Deep High Horizontal Stress

The repair rate of deep permanent roadways is about 90%, and most of which are projects treating floor heave. The deformation behaviors of crosscut were analyzed in the work according to a trackage crosscut at the shaft station of Panyidong Coal Mine in Huainan, China. Crosscut has complex characteristics such as globality, difference, and rheology under deep stress because that crosscut passes through multiple strata. The mechanism of crosscut floor heave was studied based on on-site in situ stress tests and surrounding rock composition tests. The floor heave of trackage crosscut is water swelling in the mudstone and sandy-mudstone areas where the mineral components are mainly kaolinite and illite mixed layers. In the areas of fine and medium-fine sandstone, trackage crosscut is in shear dislocation under high horizontal stress. The slip-line field theory was used to study the ultimate load and maximum failure depth of crosscut floor heave. According to the deformation characteristics of crosscut floor heave, a collaborative control technology enhancing the bearing structure of all-sided surrounding rocks was proposed, including filling of the U-shaped steel supports, shallow grouting in the all-sided surrounding rocks and deep grouting in the floor and inverted arches. A support scheme for repairing the floor was designed based on the specific engineering geology of trackage crosscut floor heave at the shaft station of the Panyidong Coal Mine. After repairing, the crosscut floor heave was monitored for 70 d. The results showed the following. (1) After repairing, the maximum cumulative floor heave was 45.3 mm, which was only 8.1% of that before repairing. (2) Crosscut floor heave changed greatly within one week after repair, with a maximum floor heave speed of 4.7 mm/d. The floor heave speed was maintained below 1 mm/d after 40 d, and the floor heave tended to be stable after 60 d. The collaborative control technology enhancing the bearing structure of all-sided surrounding rocks could control the crosscut floor heave in soft rocks under deep high horizontal stress.

Experimental study on hydraulic fracture propagation behavior on dolomite rocks with open-hole completion

To determine to discuss fracture mechanisms and the possible encounter problems in open-hole fracturing in tight carbonation, tri-axial hydraulic fracturing experiments were performed on dolomites with acoustic emission monitoring. The results demonstrate that a complex fracture network is difficult to create in most cases even if the dolomite has high brittleness. In general, fractures likely have three types of fracture geometry, namely, bi-wing fractures, local multiple fractures and complex multiple fractures. However, even if multiple fractures can be initiated with open-hole completion, they still can finally merge into one dominant hydraulic fracture (HF). Branch fractures can be observed with low horizontal stress difference and low fluid viscosity. The breakdown pressure on dolomites has a positive relationship with the high fluid viscosity and fluid injection rate, but a negative relationship with the high horizontal principal stress difference. The existence of natural fractures and critical engineering parameter differences should simultaneously contribute to the ratio of branch fracture and diverge fracture. The microscopic observation results reveal that natural fractures that are infilled with mixed calcite minerals are more likely activated due to the lower strength of these minerals, and the main HF is arrested with a natural fracture that is infilled with high-strength calcite minerals. The separation of calcite clusters may exert competing effects on the fracture conductivity. On one hand, the debonded calcite clusters can seal and plug open HFs and reduce the fracture conductivity if the fracture width is not substantial. On the other hand, a calcite cluster can be a type of natural self-proppant to sustain long-term conductivity. The selection of open-hole completion in dolomite selection increases the risks of wellbore deformation but no serious wellbore collapse can be observed. Thus, hydraulic fracturing using open-hole completion can be recommended in dolomite reservoir development if the fracture height containment problem is not a critical issue.

Effect of Duxseal on Horizontal Stress and Soil Stiffness in Small-Amplitude Dynamic Centrifuge Models

Abstract The constitutive behavior of soil is stress dependent. Therefore, geotechnical centrifuges are widely used to replicate full-scale stress fields, thereby ensuring the correct soil response within reduced-scale centrifuge models. A vibration-absorbing material (such as Duxseal) is commonly employed to reduce the effect of reflected waves generated at the boundaries of rigid containers in dynamic centrifuge tests. However, such a material has the potential to deform laterally under the high horizontal stresses applied within centrifuge tests and consequently the initial at-rest lateral earth pressure condition will not be maintained. A procedure to back-calculate the lateral earth pressure coefficient (K) is presented in this paper. In addition, two experimental methods that are implemented to evaluate K by measuring the shear wave velocity from centrifuge-based air hammer testing and triaxial-based bender element testing are described. Results demonstrate that significant lateral earth pressure and soil stiffness reductions are observed within the upper soil region (top third of the model depth). In addition, the appropriate manipulation of the cross-correlation method used to process shear wave signals is discussed and an empirical equation to predict the small-strain shear modulus of the dry silica sand (HST95 Congleton sand) used in this study is provided. Outcomes of this study are directly applicable to small-amplitude dynamic centrifuge tests such as ground-borne vibrations; some factors relating to large-amplitude seismic studies, such as soil inertial effects and higher shear strains, are not considered.