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Laboratory evaluation of in-situ stress contrast in deeply buried sediments

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5395975
Delineation of the effects of in-situ stress contrasts on fracture containment requires the field measurement of the minimum horizontal insitu stress of the pay zone and adjacent layers. Small hydraulic fracturing tests are presently the most practical method with which to determine the state of stress acting at great depth within the earth. In the absence of direct, field-measured in-situ stress data, special laboratory tests are presented here with analysis to provide a suggestive basis for evaluation of in-situ stress contrast within different layers for fracture containment analysis. The laboratory tests presented in this paper are aimed at providing the mechanical properties of the rock layers under two deformation histories: triaxial compression tests to determine the elastic moduli of rocks, and one-dimensional (uniaxial) strain tests to delineate the long-term correlation between horizontal and vertical stresses within the various layers. Tests to measure the coefficient of thermal expansion of rocks under simulated in-situ conditions may also be performed. The laboratory-deduced stress contrasts in various rock types are compared to field-measured data. Several case studies are presented and close agreements are observed.
Research Organization:
Terra-Tek International
OSTI ID:
5395975
Report Number(s):
CONF-820927-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE11069
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English