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Erschienen in: Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering 5/2012

01.09.2012 | Original Paper

A Numerical Investigation of Fracture Infilling and Spacing in Layered Rocks Subjected to Hydro-Mechanical Loading

verfasst von: L. C. Li, C. A. Tang, S. Y. Wang

Erschienen in: Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering | Ausgabe 5/2012

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Abstract

In order to better understand opening-mode fracture initiation and propagation perpendicular to the bedding plane at depth in sedimentary rocks, a series of two-dimensional (2D) numerical simulations is conducted. First, the stress states between two adjacent fractures for a typical three-layer model with pre-assigned fractures are simulated. Second, the same three-layer model without pre-assigned fractures is adopted to study the initiation and propagation of fractures in layered rocks. Numerical results show that infilling fractures grow more easily from flaws located near the interface than from those in the middle of the fractured layer. Flaws can begin to propagate to form a complete infilling fracture when the size of the flaws exceeds half of the thickness of the central layer. Under different overburden stress conditions and internal fluid pressure, the numerically obtained ratio of the critical fracture spacing to layer thickness varies between 0.465 and 0.833. This range encompasses the often-cited ratios of spacing to layer thickness in the literature for well-developed fracture sets. In addition, both the fracture pattern and the critical value of the fracture spacing to layer thickness ratio are strongly dependent on the heterogeneous characteristics of the central layer. In cases with a relatively homogeneous central layer, more interface fractures occur, and the interface delamination evidently influences the fracture saturation.

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Metadaten
Titel
A Numerical Investigation of Fracture Infilling and Spacing in Layered Rocks Subjected to Hydro-Mechanical Loading
verfasst von
L. C. Li
C. A. Tang
S. Y. Wang
Publikationsdatum
01.09.2012
Verlag
Springer Vienna
Erschienen in
Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering / Ausgabe 5/2012
Print ISSN: 0723-2632
Elektronische ISSN: 1434-453X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-011-0194-x

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