Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment最新文献

{"title":"Geomechanical Heterogeneity in channelized systems — How much is enough ?","authors":"João Paulo Pereira Nunes ,&nbsp;Gabriel Serrão Seabra","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100798","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100798","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The accurate prediction of reservoir compaction and surface subsidence is critical for safe and efficient field development but is often delayed until a detailed reservoir characterization is available. This study investigates whether simplified three-dimensional geomechanical models based on bulk compositional parameters, instead of detailed geological models, can predict compaction and subsidence in channelized sandstone reservoirs. Through direct numerical simulation of an ensemble of synthetic channel systems with varying geometries and facies distribution, and statistical analysis of effective mechanical properties, we demonstrate that shale content is the primary control on the effective Young’s modulus of a sand–shale sequence, with the channel geometry having only a minimal impact on the effective modulus. Statistical analysis reveals that a model based primarily on shale fraction can predict effective Young’s modulus with high accuracy, while channel geometry parameters contribute to less than 5% to the prediction. Field-scale finite-element simulations confirm that simplified models using bulk shale content produce compaction and subsidence predictions comparable to detailed models with explicit channel representation, while significantly reducing computational and modeling requirements. Our findings enable earlier integration of geomechanical considerations in field development planning by demonstrating that detailed channel characterization, often unavailable in early project stages, is unnecessary for reliable geomechanical predictions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100798"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mathematical foundations for play-agnostic thermo-poro-hydro-mechanical modeling of hydraulic fracture initiations from perforated wells: Towards a predictive tool","authors":"Nassim Bouabdallah,&nbsp;Andreas Michael","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2025.100778","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2025.100778","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The initiation of hydraulically-induced (fluid-driven) fractures for stimulation purposes in hydrocarbon-rich reservoirs can be predictively modeled employing a physics-based approach via a novel pseudo-three-dimensional (pseudo-3D) approximation. The rationale for such an approach lies in the orientation of hydraulic fracture (HF) initiation being determined by mapping stress distributions around the intersection between the wellbore and a perforation tunnel (i.e., the perforation base); the presumed location of HF initiations. The derived closed-form expressions couple thermal, poroelastic, and hydromechanical effects (TPHM) and are controlled by the reservoir’s rock properties and the fluid pressures at the perforation base. Most importantly, this physics-based approach is play-agnostic. The developed TPHM model enables identifying favorable conditions for HFs initiating perpendicularly to the wellbore (“transverse-HF initiations,” as opposed to “longitudinal-HF initiations” axially to the wellbore). This is the desired orientation of HF initiation in virtually every reservoir-stimulation-treatment target zone in today’s prolific low-permeability shale plays; longitudinal-HF initiations can induce several completion and production-related issues triggered by near-wellbore HF tortuosity. The utility of the play-agnostic TPHM model is easily reversible, as it can help estimate the fracture initiation pressure (FIP) at a given orientation of HF initiation. These FIP values provide the basis for formation-breakdown-pressure (FBP) predictions. By solving the derived closed-form expression, our dual-utility, play-agnostic TPHM model provides means for engineers to understand how to manipulate human-controlled parameters from the surface (such as pressurization rates and perforation phasing) to optimize stimulation treatments across various target rock formations, ultimately maximizing the well productivity. Through the promotion of transverse-HF initiation at the lowest possible FBP, near-wellbore fluid tortuosity is suppressed, minimizing early screenouts and enhancing stimulated-well performance that leads to overall more efficient stimulation treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100778"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145792131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research on drilling fluid lost circulation and fracture width inversion in complex fractured formations based on fluid-solid coupling","authors":"Chengyun Ma ,&nbsp;Zehan Zheng ,&nbsp;Yihua Dou ,&nbsp;Wenjun Shan ,&nbsp;Wei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100790","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100790","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lost circulation in fractured formations is a critical issue, and accurate estimation of fracture width is essential for effective plugging. However, existing analytical models (e.g., Sanfilippo and Civan models) typically involve complex implicit solutions, neglect fracture deformation, and require numerous rock mechanics parameters that are difficult to obtain in real-time. To overcome these limitations, this study developed a 3D multi-scale loss model based on fluid-solid coupling to simulate the loss process dynamically. Based on the simulation results, a rapid fracture width inversion strategy was proposed. A distinct advantage of this approach is its flexibility regarding data availability: inversion models were established for two scenarios—one incorporating fracture density and another excluding it. Specifically, for wells lacking fracture density data (e.g., no imaging logs), the simplified model excluding fracture density allows for accurate prediction using only three readily available parameters: fluid viscosity, pressure differential, and cumulative loss volume. Validated against 48 sets of field data, this simplified model achieved a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.888 with a relative error of less than 10 %. Compared to traditional methods, the proposed approach significantly reduces parameter requirements and computational complexity, providing a practical and efficient tool for on-site decision-making.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100790"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cyclic thermally-induced axial load for energy piles embedded in a saturated soft clay","authors":"Chiara Iodice,&nbsp;Raffaele Di Laora,&nbsp;Alessandro Mandolini","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100804","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100804","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Energy piles are subjected to cyclic thermal loads during the entire lifespan which act in conjunction with the mechanical solicitations by the overlying structure, complying with the double role of heat exchangers and load transferring elements. When installed in soft soil they show accumulation of cyclic displacements which are larger in magnitude in case of clay subjected to thermal collapse. Possible effects of the latter phenomenon on the thermally-induced axial load are investigated in this study through fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical numerical analyses of a single energy pile embedded in a normally consolidated saturated clay. The simulations are carried out also employing some advanced constitutive models for the soil to capture peculiar behavioral aspects. The results are presented in terms of thermally-induced axial force along the energy pile and its evolution cycle after cycle. The comparison between the models allowed to isolate the role of the thermal collapse on the pile performance and investigate the suitability of simpler models to describe the pile-soil interaction. A strong dependence of axial force on the cyclic thermal load was found, highlighting the importance of considering such aspect in the energy pile design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100804"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A feasibility study of a modal analysis-based acoustic method for noninvasively estimating elastic properties of rocks","authors":"Sanjay Mahat ,&nbsp;Sugan Raj Thiyagarajan ,&nbsp;Ezekiel Anguiano ,&nbsp;Hossein Emadibaladehi ,&nbsp;Qingwang Yuan ,&nbsp;Jingfei Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100799","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100799","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate characterization of rock's elastic properties is fundamentally important for geomechanical analysis. Yet, conventional static and dynamic characterization techniques, such as Young’s modulus (<em>E</em>) and Poisson’s ratio (<em>ν</em>) measurements, often demand strict sample preparation, specific positioning, and costly equipment. This study introduces and assesses the feasibility of a modal analysis-based acoustic method in the field of geomechanics, which significantly reduces the strict requirements of traditional measurement methods and allows for the more flexible and nondestructive determination of rock elastic constants. The approach combines experimental acoustic measurements and numerical modal analysis. First, the sounds of a shale sample vibrating under free-boundary conditions are generated via gentle mechanical impacts and recorded; the recorded acoustic data are analyzed to determine its natural frequencies. Then, a finite element model of the rock sample under test iteratively simulates the modal response across various elastic properties to identify the best (<em>E, ν</em>) combination. By minimizing the difference between simulated and measured frequencies, the optimal estimation of (<em>E, ν</em>) will be identified as the rock sample’s mechanical property measurements. Validation of the proposed method was performed by comparing the results with those obtained from established dynamic and static techniques using samples from the same source. The elastic moduli obtained via the acoustic method (<em>E</em> = 53.8 GPa, <em>ν</em> = 0.274), closely matched those from the ultrasound pulse-echo method (<em>E</em> = 57.1 GPa, <em>ν</em> = 0.261), with differences of −5.8 % and 5.0 %, respectively. Results also aligned with established theory, consistent with typical finding that rocks’ dynamic moduli are higher than their static moduli. These findings demonstrate that the modal analysis-based acoustic technique can be a robust and reliable method for nondestructive evaluation of effective elastic properties in shale rock samples. It offers a practical, accessible alternative for geomechanical characterization by relaxing geometric constraints, simplifying experiments, and reducing costs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100799"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced soil-pile friction using colloidal silica grouting in granular soils","authors":"Alvaro Boiero ,&nbsp;Enrique Romero ,&nbsp;Marcos Arroyo ,&nbsp;Giovanni Spagnoli","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2025.100780","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2025.100780","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Grouting the soil–pile interface can significantly enhance shaft friction in driven and vibrated piles. This observation is well documented for conventional cementitious grouts, but not for alternative low-carbon grouts. In this study the potential of a novel low-viscosity binder—colloidal silica (CS)—to improve steel–granular soil interfaces is explored. Direct shear tests under constant normal stiffness were performed to simulate sand–pile interface behavior on quartz sand specimens permeated with CS. A range of initial relative densities, initial effective normal stresses and constant normal spring stiffness values was selected to mimic conditions likely to be encountered by long piles on offshore sedimentary environments. The study examines the influence of CS dosage and of steel interface roughness. Pre- and post-grout interface shear tests were conducted to evaluate the influence of injection. The results demonstrate that colloidal silica significantly increases interface friction. Practical implications for pile design are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100780"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145760796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coupled stress–apparent resistivity model for rock deformation and failure based on experimental analysis","authors":"Zhongzhong Xu ,&nbsp;Jiulong Cheng ,&nbsp;Hongpeng Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100792","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100792","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The key to preventing mine water disasters and gas hazards lies in monitoring the development of mining–induced fractures in the roof strata of coal seams. Although the borehole resistivity method (BRM) is an advanced technology, its effectiveness is limited by the incomplete understanding of how the apparent resistivity of rock varies during the development of mining-induced fractures and the difficulty in quantitatively analyzing the extent of fracture development. This study used experimental analysis to identify the patterns governing the apparent resistivity changes of rock throughout the development of mining-induced fractures under different confining pressure levels and to formulate a quantitative model for assessing rock fracture development. The study examined stress and the apparent resistivity of five rock types under three confining pressure levels. The results reveal that the relationship between stress and apparent resistivity in loaded rocks is characterized by distinct stage–dependent variations. Specifically, during the microcrack closure stage, there is a negative linear correlation between the apparent resistivity of the rock and stress. In the linear elastic stage, the apparent resistivity of identical rocks remains stable and consistent across varying confining pressure levels. Conversely, in the stable crack propagation and failure stages, a positive linear correlation is observed between the apparent resistivity of the rock and stress. Utilizing experimental data, a coupled stress–apparent resistivity model for rock deformation and failure (CSAR model) was developed. This study not only improves the precision of BRM in monitoring mining-induced fracture development in coal seam roof strata but also tackles the challenges of quantitatively analyzing the extent of fracture development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100792"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Finite element analysis of laterally loaded open-ended steel piles driven in chalk","authors":"Stavroula Kontoe ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Pedone ,&nbsp;Enrico Bellumat ,&nbsp;Richard Jardine","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Open-ended steel piles are commonly driven to support offshore wind energy structures. Their design poses significant challenges in chalk, a very weak brittle limestone found in several regions worldwide. Impact driving causes chalk de-structuration and fracturing around the piles, greatly affecting their lateral load-bearing performance. This was observed in recent field tests undertaken in the UK on piles with different lengths, diameters and thicknesses, exhibiting both geotechnical and structural failures. Most of these lateral loading tests, including those conducted on larger and longer monopiles, were completed recently and were never analysed numerically. This paper presents results of 3D Finite Element analyses conducted on open-ended steel piles with different diameters (up to 1.22 m), embedded lengths (up to 10.16 m) and wall thicknesses (up to 44.5 mm), allowing to explore the marked scale effects observed on site. The newly available field tests also showed that steel yielding can occur before geotechnical failure is reached in chalk when testing piles with practical dimensions. However, steel yielding is usually neglected when modelling soil-pile interaction in geotechnical applications. The paper also aims at covering this gap by introducing a simplified modelling approach to account for elasto-plastic pile behaviour. The analyses delivered generally good matches with field behaviour and allowed to explore the main geotechnical uncertainties affecting accurate pile-chalk interaction predictions, mainly including the extent of the chalk fracturing induced by pile driving and its impact on chalk mechanical properties. The studies provide new and vital guidance for those involved in designing large driven piles for chalk sites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100800"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analytical solutions for transient response of a semi-permeable wellbore subjected to non-hydrostatic in situ stresses and convective boundary conditions within a transversely isotropic thermoporoelastic medium","authors":"Zhaokun Li ,&nbsp;Chongyuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhiqiang Fan ,&nbsp;Yang Qiu ,&nbsp;Xinghao Li ,&nbsp;Lixin Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100801","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100801","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurately characterizing the transient thermoporoelastic behavior surrounding boreholes in shale reservoirs is essential for maintaining well integrity and optimizing drilling efficiency. However, conventional analytical frameworks typically oversimplify borehole boundary conditions as strictly permeable or impermeable, neglecting the selective semi-permeable nature observed in realistic geological settings. Here, we develop an analytical solution explicitly accommodating semi-permeable boundaries that regulate the passage of fluid molecules while preventing solute transport, integrating this sophisticated boundary representation with intrinsic material anisotropy. Leveraging a fully coupled thermoporoelastic formulation complemented by a load decomposition strategy, our analysis reveals that material anisotropy exerts a substantial yet temporally diminishing influence on hoop stresses. In particular, pronounced stress perturbations are detected during early response periods due to anisotropic mechanical properties, diminishing over time as equilibrated conditions emerge within the formation. Concurrently, initial pore pressure fields exhibit marked spatial variability, driven predominantly by anisotropic characteristics and regulated by the dimensionless permeability parameter <em>π</em>_<em>f</em>. This parameter critically modulates the transient redistribution of stress and fluid pressure: low <em>π</em>_<em>f</em> scenarios, representative of more permeable interfaces, intensify near-wellbore pore-pressure gradients and hoop stress peaks, whereas increased <em>π</em>_<em>f</em> —indicative of restricted permeability—tends to stabilize these fields, yielding comparatively homogeneous distributions. Ultimately, our findings emphasize that incorporating realistic semi-permeable boundary conditions along with material anisotropy is indispensable for accurately predicting temporal evolutions of pore pressures and hoop stresses, thereby enhancing the reliability of wellbore stability assessments in complex anisotropic shale formations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100801"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feedback on the discussion of “assessment of an amended soil as a climate adaptive barrier: Element testing and physical modelling”","authors":"Aditi Rana ,&nbsp;Ashutosh Kumar ,&nbsp;Arash Azizi ,&nbsp;Ashraf Osman ,&nbsp;David G. Toll","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100803","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gete.2026.100803","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"45 ","pages":"Article 100803"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}