A Predictive Model for Estimating Unconfined Compressive Strength from Petrophysical Properties in the Buzurgan Oilfield, Khasib Formation, Using Log Data

Abstract

Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of rock is the most critical geomechanical property widely used as input parameters for designing fractures, analyzing wellbore stability, drilling programming and carrying out various petroleum engineering projects. The USC regulates rock deformation by measuring its strength and load-bearing capacity. The determination of UCS in the laboratory is a time-consuming and costly process. The current study aims to develop empirical equations to predict UCS using regression analysis by JMP software for the Khasib Formation in the Buzurgan oil fields, in southeastern Iraq using well-log data. The proposed equation accuracy was tested using the coefficient of determination (R²), the average absolute relative error (AARE%) and the standard deviation error (SD%). It has been found that the developed equation is reliable and capable of predicting the UCS with an acceptable degree of confidence R², AARE% and SD% are 0.8549, 2.619%, and 0.0569%, respectively when compared with field data. Furthermore, when compared to other known correlations, showed better prediction results.