Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Compressive and Tensile Strength Anisotropy of Friable Sandstone and Thin-Bed Shale of the Pleistocene Erin Formation: Insights for Safe Operating Mud Weight Windows for Vertical and Horizontal Wells

  • Published:
Pure and Applied Geophysics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The compressive and tensile strengths are essential parameters used for determining the safe mud weight window (SMWW) during borehole drilling, especially in friable rocks where the SMWW tends to be narrow; therefore, the margin for wellbore instability issues is high. However, these parameters are seldom reported for friable rocks because of the difficulties and challenges faced while recovering and preparing friable cores and outcrop samples for strength testing. This study evaluates the compressive and tensile strengths of friable rocks under dry and saturated conditions and investigates how strength anisotropy affects the SMWW. Unconfined compressive strength, confined compressive strength (up to 130 MPa effective pressure), and Brazilian (tensile strength) measurements were made perpendicular and parallel to the outcrop bedding of the friable sandstone and thin-bed shale lithofacies of the Erin Formation, Southern Trinidad. Although this formation is one of the main petroleum reservoirs, there are no published data on the rock strength. The results show that strength anisotropy exists and is larger under saturated conditions. Under confinement, the friable rocks accumulated large strain (an average of 20% strain) and experienced significant strain hardening causing the strength to be high. The ratio of the yield strength to failure strength is < 0.2 under dry conditions. Thin section analysis of tested specimens shows intragranular fracturing across quartz grains, leading to grain crushing and pore collapse. Cataclastic flow within the specimens and no stress drop after the peak stress suggest the friable rocks failed in a ductile manner. The effect of the strength anisotropy on the SMWW for the sandstone and thin-bed shale was determined for wells orientated in the principal stress directions (\({\sigma }_{\mathrm{v}}, {\sigma }_{\mathrm{h}}\mathrm{ and }{\sigma }_{\mathrm{H}}\)), of a normal faulting stress regime, at depths of 3400–6900 feet. The upper mud weight limit of the SMWW is not influenced by the tensile strength anisotropy. However, the lower mud weight of the SMWW was influenced by the compressive strength anisotropy, predominantly for \({\sigma }_{\mathrm{v}}\) and \({\sigma }_{\mathrm{h}}\) aligned wells that are penetrating through the saturated friable sandstone. Since the rocks are friable, drilling outside of the SMWW by 5–8%, if forecasted using the strongest compressive strength, can result in wellbore instability.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

\({P}_{\mathrm{m},\mathrm{max}}\) :

Maximum mud pressure (ppg)

\({P}_{\mathrm{m},\mathrm{min}}\) :

Minimum mud pressure (ppg)

\({P}_{\mathrm{p}}\) :

Pore pressure (psi)

\({\sigma }_{1}\) :

Axial force (kN)

\({\sigma }_{3}\) :

Confining pressure (MPa)

\({\sigma }_{\mathrm{h}}\) :

Minimum principal horizontal stress (psi)

\({\sigma }_{\mathrm{H}}\) :

Maximum principal horizontal stress (psi)

\({\sigma }_{\mathrm{c}}\) :

Peak compressive strength (MPa)

\({\sigma }_{\mathrm{t}}\) :

Tensile strength (MPa)

\({\sigma }_{\mathrm{v}}\) :

Vertical principal stress (psi)

C*:

Yield strength (MPa)

c o :

Cohesion

D :

Specimen’s diameter (mm)

F :

Maximum load at failure (N)

L :

Specimen’s length (mm)

LMW:

Lower mud weight limit (ppg)

MD:

Measured depth (ft)

MDT:

Modular dynamics tester

SMWW:

Safe mud weight window (ppg)

t :

Specimen’s thickness (mm)

UCS, \({\sigma }_{O}\) :

Unconfined compressive strength (MPa)

UMW:

Upper mud weight limit (ppg)

θ :

Angle between loading direction and bedding plane

\(\varphi \) :

Internal friction angle (degrees)

References

  • Abbas, A. K., Alhussainy, S. D., Abdul, H., Hassan, A., & Flori, R. E. (2019). Safe mud weight determination: A case study from Southern Iraq. In 53rd US rock mechanics/geomechanics symposium. American Rock Mechanics Association.

  • Aghighi, M. A., & Asgari, R. (2020). Determination of low and high mud weight shear failure at borehole walls using the modified 3-D Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 13.

  • Agustawijaya, D. S. (2007). The uniaxial compressive strength of soft rock. Civil Engineering Dimension, 9, 9–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Harthi, A. A. (1998). Effect of planar structures on the anisotropy of Ranyah sandstone, Saudi Arabia. Engineering Geology, 50, 49–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baud, P., Klein, E., & Wong, T.-F. (2004). Compaction localization in porous sandstones: Spatial evolution of damage and acoustic emission activity. Journal of Structural Geology, 26, 603–624.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baud, P., Louis, L., David, C., Rawling, G. C., Wong, T.-F., Bruhn, D., & Burlini, L. (2005). Effects of bedding and foliation on mechanical anisotropy, damage evolution and failure mode, high-strain zones: Structure and physical properties. Geological Society of London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baud, P., Zhu, W., & Wong, T.-F. (2000). Failure mode and weakening effect of water on sandstone. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 105, 16371–16389.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bedford, J. D., Faulkner, D. R., Wheeler, J., & Leclère, H. (2019). High-resolution mapping of yield curve shape and evolution for high-porosity sandstone. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 124, 5450–5468.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bieniawski, Z. T. (1967). Mechanism of brittle fracture of rock: Part I—Theory of the fracture process. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts, 4, 395–406.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blake, O. O., Harrypersad-Daniel, A. M., Iyare, U. C., & Ramjarrie, K. (2023), Sobers, L., Chakrabarti, D. Permeability anisotropy of Erin Formation friable rocks under high effective pressures. Submitted to International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control (copy on file with author).

  • Blake, O. O., Ramsook, R., Faulkner, D. R., & Iyare, U. C. (2020). The effect of effective pressure on the relationship between static and dynamic Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratio of naparima hill formation mudstones. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 53, 3761.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cai, X., Zhou, Z., Liu, K., Du, X., & Zang, H. (2019). Water-weakening effects on the mechanical behavior of different rock types: Phenomena and mechanisms. Applied Sciences, 9, 4450.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chiu, H. K., Johnston, I. W., & Donald, I. B. (1983). Appropriate techniques for triaxial testing of saturated soft rock. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts, 20, 107–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Darvishpour, A., Masoud, C. S., Wood, D. A., & Ghorbani, H. (2019). Wellbore stability analysis to determine the safe mud weight window for sandstone layers. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 46, 1031–1038.

    Google Scholar 

  • Das, B. M., & Sivakugan, N. (2015). Introduction to geotechnical engineering. Cengage Learning.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dasgupta, S., & Buatois, L. A. (2015). High-frequency stacking pattern and stages of canyon/gully evolution across a forced regressive shelf-edge delta-front. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 68, 40–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Donath, F. A. (1961). Experimental study of shear failure in anisotropic rocks. The Geological Society of America Bulletin, 72, 985–989.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dyke, C. G., & Dobereiner, L. (1991). Evaluating the strength and deformability of sandstones. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 24, 123–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, B., Fredrich, J. T., & Wong, T.-F. (1990). The brittle-ductile transition in rocks: Recent experimental and theoretical progress. The Brittle‐Ductile Transition in Rocks, pp. 1–20.

  • Faulkner, D. R., & Rutter, E. (1998). The gas permeability of clay-bearing fault gouge at 20°C. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 147, 147–156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fjaer, E., Holt, R. M., Horsrud, P., Raaen, A. M., & Risnes, R. (2008). Petroleum related rock mechanics (2nd ed.). Elsevier’s Science and Technology Rights.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fossen, H., Schultz, R. A., Shipton, Z. K., & Mair, K. (2007). Deformation bands in sandstone: A review. Journal of the Geological Society, 164, 755–769.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gatelier, N., Pellet, F., & Loret, B. (2002). Mechanical damage of an anisotropic porous rock in cyclic triaxial tests. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining, 39, 335–354.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths, J., Faulkner, D. R., Edwards, A. P., & Worden, R. H. (2018). Deformation band development as a function of intrinsic host-rock properties in Triassic Sherwood Sandstone. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 435, 161–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, A. B., & McConnell, B. J. (1992). Sensitivity of sandstone strength and deformability to changes in moisture content. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 25, 115–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoek, E. (1964). Fracture of anisotropic rock. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 64, 501–518.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, Y., Perdomo, M.E., Wu, K., Chen, Z., Zhang, K., Ji, D., & Zhong, H. (2015). A novel model of brittleness index for shale gas reservoirs: Confining pressure effect. In SPE Asia Pacific unconventional resources conference and exhibition.

  • Hu, S.-C., Tan, Y.-L., Zhou, H., Guo, W.-Y., Hu, D.-W., Meng, F.-Z., & Liu, Z.-G. (2017). Impact of bedding planes on mechanical properties of sandstone. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 50, 2243–2251.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hudson, J. A., Crouch, S. L., & Fairhurst, C. (1972). Soft, stiff and servo-controlled testing machines: A review with reference to rock failure. Engineering Geology, 6, 155–189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Indraratna, B., & Haque, A. (1999). Triaxial equipment for measuring the permeability and strength of intact and fractured rocks. Geotechnique, 49, 515–521.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ishii, E., Sanada, H., Funaki, H., Sugita, Y., & Kurikami, H. (2011). The relationships among brittleness, deformation behavior, and transport properties in mudstones: An example from the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, Japan. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 116.

  • ISRM. (1978). International society for rock mechanics commission on standardization of laboratory and field tests: Suggested methods for determining tensile strength of rock materials. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts, 15, 99–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iyare, U. C., Blake, O. O., & Ramsook, R. (2021). Modelling the failure behaviour of mudstones under high pressures. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 54, 2815.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iyare, U. C., Ramsook, R., Blake, O. O., & Faulkner, D. R. (2020). Petrographical and petrophysical characterization of the late cretaceous Naparima Hill Formation, Central Range, Trinidad, West Indies. International Journal of Coal Geology, 230, 103592.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khoshini, M., A. Khoshghalb, A., Moghaddasi, H., & Khalili, N. (2019a). Mechanical characterisation of a highly friable weak sandstones. In 13th Australia New Zealand conference on geomechanics. International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Australia.

  • Kohlstedt, D. L., Evans, B., & Mackwell, S. J. (1995). Strength of the lithosphere: Constraints imposed by laboratory experiments. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 100, 17587–17602.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kugler, H. G. (1959). Geological map of Trinidad (1/100000). Petroleum Association of Trinidad, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

  • Kugler, H. G. (2001). Part 4: The paleocene to holocene formations of Trinidad. In Bolli, H. M. K., M. (Ed.), Treatise on the geology of Trinidad (pp. 86–91). Museum of Natural History.

  • Labuz, J. F., & Zang, A. (2012). Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 45, 975–979.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, C., Yang, D., Xie, H., Ren, L., & Wang, J. (2023). Size effect of fracture characteristics for anisotropic quasi-brittle geomaterials. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 33, 201–213.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, B. O., Jin, L., & Hu, C. (2019). Fractal characterization of silty beds/laminae and its implications for the prediction of shale oil reservoirs in Qingshankou Formation of Northern Songliao Basin, Northeast China. Fractals, 27, 1940009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Louis, L., Baud, P., & Wong, T.-F. (2009). Microstructural inhomogeneity and mechanical anisotropy associated with bedding in Rothbach Sandstone. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 166, 1063–1087.

    Google Scholar 

  • McLean, A. Q., & Wilson, B. (2017). Recognizing seasonal fluvial influence in ancient tidal deposits. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 444, 287–303.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mizoguchi, K., Hirose, T., Shimamoto, T., & Fukuyama, E. (2008). Internal structure and permeability of the Nojima fault, southwest Japan. Journal of Structural Geology, 30, 513–524.

    Google Scholar 

  • Narayanasamy, R., Barr, D., & Mine, A. (2010). Wellbore instability predictions within the cretaceous mudstones, Clair Field, West of Shetlands. SPE Drilling and Completion, 25, 518–529.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen, P. D., Brumley, J. L., Dewprashad, B. T., Dusterhoft, R. G., & Weaver, J. D. (2002). Stabilizing wellbores in unconsolidated formations for fracture stimulation. SPE Production and Facilities, 15, 262–269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojo, O., & Brook, N. (1990). The effect of moisture on some mechanical properties of rock. Mining Science and Technology, 10, 145–156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Petley, D. N. (1999). Failure envelopes of mudrocks at high confining pressures. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 158, 61–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pindell, J. L., & Barrett, S.F. (1990). Geological Evolution of the Caribbean Region; A Plate Tectonic Perspective. In: Dengo, G. & Case, J.E. (eds), The Caribbean Region. Geological Society of America, The Geology of North America,H., pp. 405–432.

  • Pindell, J., & Kennan, L. (2007). Cenozoic kinematics and dynamics of oblique collision between two convergent plate margins: The Caribbean-South America collision in eastern Venezuela, Trinidad, and Barbados. In: Kennan, L., Pindell, J. L. & Rosen, N. C. (eds) Transactions, 27th GCSSEPM Annual Bob F. Perkins Research Conference: The Paleogene of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Basins: Processes, Events and Petroleum Systems

  • Pindell, J. L., Kennan, L. J., Wright, D. T., & Erikson, J. (2009). Clastic domains of sandstones in central/eastern Venezuela, Trinidad, and Barbados: heavy mineral and tectonic constraints on provenance and palaeogeography. In: James, K., Lorente, M. A. & Pindell, J. (eds). The geology and evolution of the region between North and South America. Geological Society of London, Special Publications.

  • Ramjohn, R., Gan, T., & Manoj, S. (2018). 3D geomechanical modeling for wellbore stability analysis: Starfish, ECMA, Trinidad and Tobago, SPE Trinidad and Tobago Section Energy Resources Conference. Society of Petroleum Engineers, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Rawling, G. C., Baud, P., & Wong, T.-f. (2002). Dilatancy, brittle strength, and anisotropy of foliated rocks: Experimental deformation and micromechanical modeling. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 107, ETG 8-1-ETG 8-14.

  • Sattler, T., & Paraskevopoulou, C. (2018). Implications on characterizing the extremely weak Sherwood sandstone: Case of slope stability analysis using SRF at Two Oak Quarry in the UK. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 37, 1897–1918.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shakoor, A., & Barefield, E. H. (2009). Relationship between unconfined compressive strength and degree of saturation for selected sandstones. The Geological Society of America, Environmental and Engineering Geoscience, 15, 29–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Song, Z., Zhang, J., Zhang, Y., Dong, X., & Wang, S. (2023). Characterization and evaluation of brittleness of deep bedded sandstone from the perspective of the whole life cycle evolution process. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 33, 481–502.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swan, G., Cook, J., Bruce, S., & Meehan, R. (1989). Strain rate effects in Kimmeridge bay shale. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts, 26, 135–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tan, Q., Deng, J. G., & Yu, B. H. (2012). Study on borehole stability of unconsolidated sandstone in depleted reservior. Advanced Materials Research, 616–618, 720–725.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Eeckhout, E. M. (1976). The mechanisms of strength reduction due to moisture in coal mine shales. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts, 13, 61–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vutukuri, V. S. (1974). The effect of liquids on the tensile strength of limestone. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts, 11, 27–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, H., Wu, T., Fu, X., Liu, B., Wang, S., Jia, R., & Zhang, C. (2019a). Quantitative determination of the brittle–ductile transition characteristics of caprocks and its geological significance in the Kuqa depression, Tarim Basin, western China. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 173, 492–500.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S., Xu, W., Sun, M., & Wang, W. (2019b). Experimental investigation of the mechanical properties of fine-grained sandstone in the triaxial cyclic loading test. Environmental Earth Sciences, 78, 416.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wasantha, P. L. P., & Ranjith, P. G. (2014). Water-weakening behavior of Hawkesbury sandstone in brittle regime. Engineering Geology, 178, 91–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, L. N. Y., & Jong, M. C. (2014). Water saturation effects on the Brazilian tensile strength of gypsum and assessment of cracking processes using high-speed video. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 47, 1103–1115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, T.-F., & Baud, P. (2012). The brittle-ductile transition in porous rock: A review. Journal of Structural Geology, 44, 25–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie, H., Lu, J., Li, C., Li, M., & Gao, M. (2022). Experimental study on the mechanical and failure behaviours of deep rock subjected to true triaxial stress: A review International Journal of. Mining Science and Technology, 32, 915–950.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuan, C., Guo, Y., Wang, W., Cao, L., Fan, L., & Huang, C. (2020). Study on “triaxial loading-unloading-uniaxial loading” and microscopic damage test of sandstone. Frontiers in Earth Science 8.

  • Zhao, J., Feng, X.-T., Zhang, X.-W., Zhang, Y., Zhou, Y.-Y., & Yang, C.-X. (2018). Brittle-ductile transition and failure mechanism of Jinping marble under true triaxial compression. Engineering Geology, 232, 160–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zoback, M. D. (2007). Reservoir geomechanics. Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would also like to thank Ramnarine Harrypersad, Bassiah Harrypersad and David A. Daniel for their assistance in sample retrieval and transport.

Funding

The authors would like to thank the Campus Research and Publication Fund Committee, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, for funding the consumables of this research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Petroleum Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad

    Adele Marie Harrypersad-Daniel

  2. Petroleum Geoscience, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad

    Oshaine Omar Blake & Ryan Ramsook

Authors
  1. Adele Marie Harrypersad-Daniel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Oshaine Omar Blake
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ryan Ramsook
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Adele Marie Harrypersad-Daniel and Oshaine Omar Blake wrote the main manuscript including sections: Abstract, Introduction, Laboratory measurements, Laboratory results, Discussion and Conclusion. They also created all figures and tables except for Figs. 1, 4 and 5. The author Ryan Ramsook co-wrote the section titled Geological Setting and Study Area and created Figs. 1, 4 and 5. All authors were involved in reviewing the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adele Marie Harrypersad-Daniel.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Harrypersad-Daniel, A.M., Blake, O.O. & Ramsook, R. Compressive and Tensile Strength Anisotropy of Friable Sandstone and Thin-Bed Shale of the Pleistocene Erin Formation: Insights for Safe Operating Mud Weight Windows for Vertical and Horizontal Wells. Pure Appl. Geophys. 180, 4191–4218 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-023-03384-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-023-03384-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation