Normal stiffness of fractures in granitic rock: A compilation of laboratory and in-situ experiments

Zangerl, Christian; Evans, Keith F.; Eberhardt, E.; Loew, Simon

doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2008.02.001

Cited by 76 publications

(67 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Seemingly, we computed the fracture normal stiffness k n profiles for scenarios 2 and 3, simply given by k n ( x ) = C f ( x ) −1 , and compared them to data from the literature [i.e., Schweisinger et al , ; Zangerl et al , , Figure ]. Our results in terms of normal stiffness coincide with the lower bounds of laboratory and field data gathered in the review by Zangerl et al [] for fractures in granitic rock.…”

Section: Results and Interpretationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combining periodic hydraulic tests and surface tilt measurements to explore in situ fracture hydromechanics

et al. 2017

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Fractured bedrock reservoirs are of socio‐economical importance, as they may be used for storage or retrieval of fluids and energy. In particular, the hydromechanical behavior of fractures needs to be understood as it has implications on flow and governs stability issues (e.g., microseismicity). Laboratory, numerical, or field experiments have brought considerable insights to this topic. Nevertheless, in situ hydromechanical experiments are relatively uncommon, mainly because of technical and instrumental limitations. Here we present the early stage development and validation of a novel approach aiming at capturing the integrated hydromechanical behavior of natural fractures. It combines the use of surface tiltmeters to monitor the deformation associated with the periodic pressurization of fractures at depth in crystalline rocks. Periodic injection and withdrawal advantageously avoids mobilizing or extracting significant amounts of fluid, and it hinders any risk of reservoir failure. The oscillatory perturbation is intended to (1) facilitate the recognition of its signature in tilt measurements and (2) vary the hydraulic penetration depth in order to sample different volumes of the fractured bedrock around the inlet and thereby assess scale effects typical of fractured systems. By stacking tilt signals, we managed to recover small tilt amplitudes associated with pressure‐derived fracture deformation. Therewith, we distinguish differences in mechanical properties between the three tested fractures, but we show that tilt amplitudes are weakly dependent on pressure penetration depth. Using an elastic model, we obtain fracture stiffness estimates that are consistent with published data. Our results should encourage further improvement of the method.

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Section: Results and Interpretationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combining periodic hydraulic tests and surface tilt measurements to explore in situ fracture hydromechanics

et al. 2017

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“…ten evaluated on smooth curve-fits (e.g. Zangerl et al, 2008). Least-squares fits of the numerically-obtained closure data (Figure 9a) of the generic 0.5×0.5 m fracture have been generated for two functional models of fracture normal deformation; a hyperbolic and a logarithmic relationship.…”

Section: Similarities To Closure Behavior Due To Plastic Damagementioning

confidence: 99%

Evolution of fracture normal stiffness due to pressure dissolution and precipitation

Lang

Paluszny

Zimmerman

2016

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

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“…Strongly non-linear effective stressrock mass deformation relationships [5,6,58,59] explain why superposition of pore pressure drawdown from multiple tunnel inflows does not lead to simple superposition of rock mass deformations.…”

Section: Elastic and Irreversible Shear Deformationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transient surface deformations caused by the Gotthard Base Tunnel

Loew

Lützenkirchen

Hansmann

et al. 2015

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

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Normal stiffness of fractures in granitic rock: A compilation of laboratory and in-situ experiments

Cited by 76 publications

References 16 publications

Combining periodic hydraulic tests and surface tilt measurements to explore in situ fracture hydromechanics

Combining periodic hydraulic tests and surface tilt measurements to explore in situ fracture hydromechanics

Evolution of fracture normal stiffness due to pressure dissolution and precipitation

Transient surface deformations caused by the Gotthard Base Tunnel

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