In-situ stresses: the predominant influence on hydraulic fracture containment
In situ experiments, which are accessible by mineback, have been conducted to examine the parameters that control hydraulic fracture containment. These experiments show conclusively that material property differences at an interface are insufficient to arrest crack growth. Present models that predict the fracture should be contained at the interface because the stress intensity factor at the fracture tip goes to zero as the interface is approached are inadequate, and an improvement is suggested. However, sharp increases in the minimum principal in situ stress (as may occur at faults) and steep gradients in that stress have been shown to be effective barriers to crack propagation. Examples of fractures terminating at faults and parting planes illustrate how discontinuities in the in situ stress can arrest fracture growth. Furthermore, experiments were conducted in a formation which contained a steep gradient in the minimum principal in situ stress and which was overlain by a formation with a factor of five greater modulus. In each case, fractures were observed to terminate at regions of high minimum principal stress but to propagate readily into the higher modulus formation.
- Research Organization:
- Society of Petroleum Engineers (AIME), Dallas, TX (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-04-0789
- OSTI ID:
- 5511630
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-80-0077C; CONF-800525-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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COMMINUTION
DENSITY
FRACTURE PROPERTIES
FRACTURING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
IGNEOUS ROCKS
INTERFACES
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POROSITY
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SANDSTONES
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
STRESSES
TUFF
VOLCANIC ROCKS
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS