In-situ stress characterization and applications

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Author	Dana Tayyib and Deena Tayyib
Affiliation	Saudi Aramco
Competition	2021 Middle East Wiki Write Off

In-situ stress is the natural pre-existing stress confined in the rock before it is drilled, excavated or affected by outside influences. The in-situ stresses originate in the earth crust due to different factors, mainly the weight of the overlaying rock layers and tectonic movements (see Figure 1). The other factors are summarized in Figure 2. The in-situ stress can vary within one rock mass from one location to another due to varying rock properties. It is important to determine the magnitude and direction of in-situ stresses before doing underground work or designing underground structures, see Table 1 for their different applications. In-situ stress characterization is the science of estimating the stress magnitudes and determining the orientation of three principle stresses: maximum horizontal stress, minimum horizontal stress, and vertical stress.

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  Figure 1 Movement of the tectonic plate (Earth’s outer shell: Crust & Lithospheric Mantle) generate in-situ stress. (from Duarte & Schellart, 2016) [1]

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  Figure 2 Summary of the different factors causing rock stress. (from Amadei & Stephanson, 1997) [2]

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  Table 1 Activities requiring knowledge of in-situ stresses. (from Amadei & Stephanson,1997 as cited in Zhang, L 2016) [3.0]

 

Notation of Stress

Stress is often represented by the Greek letter sigma (σ) and can be defined as the force applied over an area. When the force acts perpendicular to a plane, the stress is called a Normal Stress (σn), whereas when the force acts parallel to a plane, the stress is called a Horizontal Stress (σs). Generally, the stress acting on a plane is oblique which means it is neither parallel nor at a right angle to that plane. Therefore, the stress vector is resolved into normal and shear components that are aligned with the three cartesian axes: x, y and z. Since the shear stress component is generally not aligned with these axes, it needs to be resolved further into two components (see Figure 3).

These components act on each visible face of an infinitesimal cube used to represent a point within a rock mass. This results in a total of nine stress components that can be organized in a 3x3 matrix, called the stress tensor (see figure 4). Assuming the rock is at rest, the stresses of equal magnitudes and opposite directions will cancel out each other and prevent the cube from rotating. There is a special orientation in space where all shear stresses equal to zero and only three normal compressive components exist, called principle stresses (see Figure 5). The three principle stresses are the vertical stress (σV), the maximum horizontal stress (σH), and the minimum horizontal stress (σh).

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  Figure 3 Illustration of resolving an oblique stress vector into normal and shear components.

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  Figure 4 Stress tensor components of an infinitesimal cube, representing a point in the rock, and their alignment with the cartesian axes. (from Zhang, L., 2016) [3.1]

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  Figure 5 Special orientation in space where all shear stresses equal to zero. (from Zhang, L., 2016) [3.2]

Mohr Circle and Diagram

Mohr circle is a graphical way of representing the state of stress in a solid body. It is used to graphically construct the normal and shear stresses acting on a plane of arbitrary orientation (θ) through a point in the formation. All possible combinations of shear and normal stresses fall inside the Mohr circle and it can be used in two or three dimensions.

2-D Mohar Circle

The horizontal and the vertical axes represent the normal and the shear stress respectively (see Figure 6). The difference between the maximum principle stress (σ1) and the minimum principle stress (σ3) is called the differential stress and it represents the radius of the Mohr circle. The center of Mohr circle for any given two principal stresses is calculated as follow: The coordinate (σn, σs) = (((σ1 + σ3))/2 , 0) The maximum shear stress is given by the circle’s radius R: R= ½ (σ1 - σ3)

Figure 6 Mohr Circle is used in two dimensions. The x and y coordinates give the normal and shear stresses that are acting on a plane of arbitrary orientation. (from Fossen, H., 2016) [4.0]

3-D Mohr Circle

Mohar diagram can also represent the state of stress in three dimensions. The state of stress is presented as three circles which connect the three principle stresses in one Mohar diagram (see figure 7). The three principle stresses are plotted in the horizontal axis. The center of each circle is calculated as follow:

$C1={\frac {1}{2}}(\sigma _{1}+\sigma _{2})$

$C2={\frac {1}{2}}(\sigma _{1}+\sigma _{3})$

$C3={\frac {1}{2}}(\sigma _{2}+\sigma _{3})$

The radius of each circle is calculated as follow:

$R1={\frac {1}{2}}(\sigma _{1}-\sigma _{2})$

$R2={\frac {1}{2}}(\sigma _{1}-\sigma _{3})$

$R3={\frac {1}{2}}(\sigma _{2}-\sigma _{3})$

Figure 7 (a) The principal stresses acting on a cube (b) Mohr Circles in three dimensions.

In-situ Stress Estimation

Vertical Component

The vertical stress (σv) acting on a horizontal plain can be estimated using the weight of the overlaying layers, as shown below:

v = z+Pa (measured in Mega Pascal)

where  is the unit weight of the overlaying rock [mN/ m3].

z is the depth to point below surface [m].

Pa is the atmospheric pressure (usually neglected = 0).

In case the vertical stress is caused by multiple layers of different rock types, it can be estimated using the following formula:

v = aza+ bzb+czc...

where a, b, and c represent different layers.

Horizontal Component

The horizontal stress due to the tectonic movements, can be estimated using the ratio of the average horizontal stress to the vertical stress, as shown below:

σ_h=kσ_v=kz

where  is the unit weight of the overlaying rock [mN/ m3].

z is the depth to point below surface [m].

k is the ratio of the average horizontal stress to the vertical stress.

The ratio (k) can be determined using the simplified equation provided by Sheorey (1994):

$k=0.25+7E_{h}(0.001+{\frac {1}{z}})$

where Eh is the average deformation modulus measured in a horizontal direction.

Determination Methods of Stress

Determination methods of in-situ stresses can be classified into three categories as shown in figure 8. The loading method involves disturbing the in-situ stress condition in the rock such as pumping high pressure fluid into the formation to create fractures. The relief method involves isolating the rock sample partially or completely from the surrounding rocks and observe the natural rock response to the in-situ stress. Other methods can be used to deduce the in-situ stress in the rock such as geological and geophysical method. Since stress cannot be measured directly, the methods rely on the measurements of any change in rock volume or shape (Strain). Figure 9 shows the integration of the different methods in one workflow to infer the in-situ stress state.

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  Figure 8 Summary of the stress determination methods. (modified from Heidbach et al. [5.0], 2016, and Moawietz et al. [6], 2020)

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  Figure 9 Workflow of the integrated approach for in-situ stress determination. (from Hudson et al, 2003, as cited in Zhang, L. 2016) [3.3]

In-situ Stress from Historical Data

Databases of topographical and tectonic information can be used to determine the principal stress directions. The World Stress Map is an online database that compiles in-situ stress measurements and present the maximum horizontal stresses on the world map (see figure 10).

Figure 10 World Stress Map provides a better understanding of the in-situ stresses around the world (from Fossen, H., 2016) [4.1]

In-situ Stress from Field Investigations

The following subsections showcase the different methods of in-situ stress determination:

Conventional Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

Hydraulic fracturing can be used to measure the maximum and minimum horizontal stresses at great depths below the surface. This method involves pumping fluid into an isolated target formation, until the fracture breakdown pressure is reached and the fracture is created. The fracture will propagate perpendicular to the minimum horizontal stress as shown in figure 11. Then, the well is shut-in (pumping stops), causing the pressure to subside until it reaches the fracture closure pressure and the fractures will start to close. The pumping of fluid starts again until the fracture reopening pressure is reached and the previously closed fractures reopen. Multiple pumping cycles (minimum of three) are required to measure the reopening pressure. After the last pumping cycle, the shut-in pressure (Ps) is recorded and is considered equal to the minimum horizontal stress (σh). Then the maximum horizontal stress (σH) can be calculated as follows:

H = 3Ps– Po - Pr

Where Ps is the shut-in pressure.

Po is the pore pressure, which is the pressure of fluid inside the rock.

Pr is the reopening pressure.

Figure 11 The direction of fracture propagation is perpendicular to the minimum horizontal stress. (from Hoeksema, 2015) [7]

Hydraulic Testing of Pre-existing Fracture (HTPF)

Hydraulic Testing of Pre-existing Fracture is similar to the conventional fracking. However, no fractures are created by the HTPF method. It is used to reopen a pre-existing fracture in the formation (see figure 12). HTPF method requires the knowledge of the exact orientation and location of the pre-existing fractures before pumping fluid into the formation. HTPF can determine the normal stress acting perpendicular to the pre-existing fractures, which is equal to the shut-in pressure.

Figure 12 Hydraulic Testing of Pre-existing Fractures. (from Gaines, et al. 2012 as cited in Lin et al., 2018) [8]

Formation Integrity (FIT) Test or Leak-off Test (LOT)

FIT and LOT are used interchangeably by petroleum engineers because they follow similar procedures, however, the purpose of each is different. During FIT, the surface pressure increases until it reaches the required pressure to test the strength of the formation, without the intention of breaking the rock. The Leak-off test is used to determine the strength and the fracture pressure of the formation as well as the minimum horizontal stress. This procedure is similar to fracking by pumping fluids, however, instead of measuring the shut-in pressure, the leak-off pressure (Plo) is measured. The leak-off pressure is defined as the pressure at which the fluid will leak into the formation and it is equal to the minimum horizontal stress.

Extended Leak-off Test (XLOT)

The extended leak-off test (XLOT) is an extension of LOT and it is similar to fracking which involves propagating of a fracture by pumping fluids. However, XLOT does not determine the stresses orientation. Figure 13 shows the recorded pressure during XLOT. The horizontal stresses values can be estimated as follow:

h = Plo H = 3Plo– Pr – Po

Where Plo is the leak-off pressure.

Figure 13 Recorded pressure during the extended leak-off test (XLOT) (from Kartevoll, 2009) [9]

Overcoring Method

Overcoring method is used to determine in-situ stresses from a rock sample extracted from shallow depths, and released to expand freely. This method involves a sequence of steps illustrated in Figure 14. The process of cutting the hollow cylindrical rock, using the tool shown in figure 15, is called overcoring and the resulting change in shape is measured using a device called stressmeter. In general, the maximum expansion of the rock sample occurs in the direction of the maximum horizontal stress (σH).

Figure 14 The sequence of overcoring method: (a) Drilling a large diameter hole. (b) Drilling a smaller pilot hole. (c) Placing the measuring device in the smaller hole. (d) Drilling the large diameter hole is resumed and the measuring device is overcored. (from Guo et al., 2013) [10]

Figure 15 Overcoring Tool (from Hudson, 2003) [11]

Borehole Slotting

Borehole slotting method involves cutting different 25-mm deep slots at the wall of a wellbore using a diamond saw. The cut slots form a half circle as shown in figure 16. The strain changes before, during, and after cutting the slots, are measured using a sensor and converted into stress readings. This method helps avoid the high cost of using other in-situ measurement methods.

Figure 16 Slots are cut into the wellbore in different direction (from Kanduth, et al.1991) [12]

Lab Based Core Sample Testing

Cores are cylindrical rock samples that are collected during or after well drilling. They are sent to the laboratory for further testing. The Anelastic Strain Recovery (ASR) is a method used to determine the in-situ stresses and their orientation from cores by measuring the strain over time. The core is placed in a container filled with silicon and the strain is monitored (see Figure 17). The change in the core dimension is related to the microcracks creation in the rock when in-situ stress is relieved. The alignment of these micro fractures depends on the direction of the principal stresses. When the stress is relieved, the core tends to expand most in the maximum stress relief direction, and least in the minimum stress relief direction. The volume of the microcracks is proportional to the values of the in-situ stresses.

Figure 17 Anelastic Strain Recovery Apparatus (ASR) (from Lin, W. et al. 2007) [13]

Geological Method (Geologic Structure)

Geologic structures at the surface, that were created by tectonic processes, can give a reliable indication of the principle stress orientations. Geological structures such as the volcanic vent alignment and active vertical fractures are formed perpendicular to the minimum horizontal stress and parallel to the maximum horizontal stress (see Figure 18).

Figure 18(a) Volcanic vent alignment (from Fossen, H., 2016) [4.2]

Figure 18(b) Active vertical fracture. (from Fossen, H., 2016) [4.2]

Geophysical Method (Borehole Breakouts)

Borehole breakout is the breaking zone of the wellbore’s wall, causing the hole to have an irregular elongated shape, from which the orientation of the horizontal stresses can be inferred. The breaking of fragments is assumed to occur parallel to the minimum horizontal stress and perpendicular to the maximum horizontal stress (see Figure 19).

Figure 19 Breaking of rock fragments gives information about the orientation of the horizontal stresses. (from Fossen, H., 2016) [4.3]

The shape of the hole is identified using four-arm caliper tools or well imaging tools (see Figure 20). These tools are used during the drilling of the well for petroleum exploration and production. The four caliper arms push against the wall as they move along the wellbore, recording the shape of the hole, from which the orientation of the horizontal stresses can be inferred.

Figure 20 (a) Four-arm Caliper tool used to identify the shape of the well. (b) Well imaging tool used to detect breakouts. (from Heidbach et al., 2016) [5.1]

Applications of In-situ Stress

Petroleum Engineering

Estimation of in-situ stresses have many petroleum engineering applications, i.e., optimizing well placement and well completion, stimulation job design, sanding analysis, etc. The following sections showcase examples of different in-situ stress applications in the field.

Wellbore Stability Analysis (Optimizing Well Placement)

In fields operated by ONGC in India, the horizontal stress orientations were determined using logging tools to help optimize the trajectory of future wells in any fault system (Tiwari, 2013). Figure 21 summarizes the different fault systems in which wells can be drilled. In a normally faulted system, the preferred drilling direction for inclined or horizontal wells is the minimum horizontal stress direction. The resulting wellbore tends to be more stable, thus requires lower mud weight and lower cost. Whereas, in a strike-slip or thrust fault system, the preferred drilling direction for inclined or horizontal wells is the direction of the maximum horizontal stress.

Figure 21 Different types of fault systems due to in-situ stresses. (from Zhang, L., 2016) [3.4]

Sanding Analysis (Optimizing Well Completion)

The determination of horizontal stress orientations is also important for sand avoidance in oriented perforations. In unconsolidated sand reservoirs, it is preferred to perforate in the direction of the maximum horizontal stress because sanding starts in the direction of minimum horizontal stress. This helps postpone any sand-related issues for some time.

Stimulation Job Design

The determination of horizontal stress orientations is also important for optimizing well stimulation jobs. The preferred direction for stimulation jobs is the direction of the maximum horizontal stress because all the induced fractures eventually tend to align themselves in this direction.

Mining Engineering

Wellbore Stability Analysis (Safety of Mining Operations) In-situ stress measurements taken from different mining and civil engineering projects in South Africa, were compiled in a database to provide a useful source for realistic design and layout analysis of new mining areas (Stacey, 1998). Figure 17 shows the orientations of the horizontal stresses in South Africa. Optimizing the in-situ stress distribution and concentration in the rock by optimizing the wellbore stability is important for the safety of mining operations.

Figure 22 Orientation of major horizontal stresses in South Africa helps in the design and analyses of new mining areas (from Stacey, T., & Wesseloo, J, 1998) [14]

Geology/Geophysics (Earthquake Prediction)

In-situ stresses were measured using different methods in several boreholes located in Japan and they were generally consistent with the plate tectonic model despite topographical disturbances (Koide, 1987). Results showed that even the shallow stress measurements reflect to some extent the tectonic stresses and monitoring stress changes can detect the build-up of tectonic stress which may cause earthquake. Also, stress measurements help detect areas with abnormal state of stress and provides a better understanding of the tectonic processes responsible for earthquakes.

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Harrison, JP & Hudson, JA, 2000, Engineering rock mechanics – Part 2: Illustrative Worked Examples. Elsevier Science: Oxford.

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Koolen, A.J. & Kuipers H.,1983, Agricultural soil mechanics: Advanced series in agricultural sciences, Vol.13. springer, Heidelberg, 241 pp.

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Butterworth, S.R., Chroston, P.N., Davenport, C.A., Brereton, N.R., & C.J. Evans, 1991, Anelastic strain recovery of rock core from the English midlands. Paper presented at the The 32nd U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics (USRMS), Norman, Oklahoma.

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6 Morawietz, S., Heidbach, O., Reiter, K. et al., 2020, An open-access stress magnitude database for Germany and adjacent regions. Geotherm Energy doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-020-00178-5

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8 Lin, H., Oh, J., Masoumi, H., Canbulat, I., Zhang, C., & Dou, L., 2018, A review of in situ stress measurement techniques. in Aziz, N., Kininmonth, B. (Ed.). Proceedings of the 2018 Coal Operators' Conference, Mining Engineering, University of Wollongong, 18-20 February 2019 https://ro.uow.edu.au/coal/690

9 Kartevoll, M., 2009, Drilling Problems in Depleted Reservoirs.

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