Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Investigation into the changes of permeability occurring in a sandstone when failed under triaxial stress conditions

Conference · · 12th Annu. Rock Mech. Symp.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5144076

Experimental results obtained during the initial investigations of a study intended to examine the permeability of samples of coal measure strata under various triaxial stress conditions are described. Many investigators have studied the effect of stress on the permeability of rock, usually in the field of oil reservoir engineering. Two general lines of approach are evident. One used is to subject a rock sample to hydrostatic pressure. Gas or water then is passed through a sealed core mounted inside a high pressure hydraulic bomb. The second approach is to employ a so-called triaxial state of stress. Here radial confining pressure and axial stress are applied independently. The permeability is measured in the direction of the axial load. This new technique for studying the fracture of rocks is discussed. Using simple methods, much can be learned about the behavior of rocks under triaxial stress. That rocks start to fracture long before ultimate failure, a fact often postulated by other workers, is clearly demonstrated. Consistent quantitative results have been obtained for the onset of fracture. (12 refs.)

Research Organization:
Nottingham Univ.
OSTI ID:
5144076
Report Number(s):
CONF-701119-
Journal Information:
12th Annu. Rock Mech. Symp.; (United States), Journal Name: 12th Annu. Rock Mech. Symp.; (United States)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English