The interpretation of horizontal and mixed-mode fractures in hydraulic fracturing tests in rocks

A. Hefny, K. Y. Lo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

For the design of underground structures in rocks, the states of initial stresses in the rock mass are required. For structures located at great depths, the hydraulic fracturing test for stress measurements is the only practical method. Closed-form solutions for horizontal and mixed-mode fractures including strength anisotropy are presented. The method enables the determination of which fracture (horizontal or vertical) occurs first at the first breakdown pressure during the test, so appropriate stress calculation may be carried out. It is shown that for horizontal fractures the ranges of stress values computed are considerably reduced compared with existing solutions. The reinterpreted horizontal stresses in a case record are consistent with results of field observations in underground excavations. -from Authors

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)902-917
Number of pages16
JournalCanadian Geotechnical Journal
Volume29
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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