Predicting brittle cap-seal failure of petroleum traps: An application of 2D and 3D distinct element method

Petroleum Geoscience

Volumn 15, Issue 1, 2009, Pages 75-89

  Camac, Bronwyn A ^a,d   Hunt, Suzanne P ^b   Boult, Peter J ^c  

^a UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE   (Australia)

^b Santos Ltd   (Australia)

^c GINKO ENPGNG   (Australia)

^d Beach Petroleum Ltd   (Australia)

Author keywords

3DEC; Distinct element method; Fault rock; Faults; Fractures; Otway Basin; Penola Trough; Stress modelling; Stress rotation; UDEC

Indexed keywords

3DEC; DISTINCT ELEMENT METHOD; FAULT ROCK; FAULTS; OTWAY BASIN; PENOLA TROUGH; STRESS ROTATION; UDEC;

FLOW OF FLUIDS; ROCKS; ROTATION; THREE DIMENSIONAL;

FRACTURE;

DISTINCT ELEMENT METHOD; DRILLING; FAULT GEOMETRY; FAULT PLANE; FAULT ZONE; FLUID FLOW; FRACTURE NETWORK; PREDICTION; SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS; STRESS FIELD;

AUSTRALASIA; AUSTRALIA; OTWAY BASIN; PENOLA TROUGH;

EID: 65549106014     PISSN: 13540793     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1144/1354-079309-796     Document Type: Article

References (69)

1. Axen, G. 2008. Available on the World Wide Web at http://www.nmt.edu/ mainpage/news/2008/12june01.html.
2. Bandis, S.C., Barton, N. & Lumsden, A. 1981. Experimental studies of scale effects on shear behaviour of rock joints. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Science, 18, 1-21.
3. Bandis, S.C., Lumsden, A. & Barton, N. 1983. Fundamentals of Rock Joint Deformation. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Science & Geomechanical Abstracts, 20, 249-268.
4. Barton, C.A. & Zoback, M.D. 1994. Stress perturbations associated with active faults penetrated by boreholes: Possible evidence for near-complete stress drop and a new technique for stress magnitude measurement. Journal of Geophysical Research, 99(B5), 9373-9390.
5. Barton, C.A., Zoback, M.D. & Moos, D. 1995. Fluid flow along potentially active faults in crystalline rock. Geology, 23(8), 683-686.
6. Bell, J.S. 1996. In situ stresses in sedimentary rocks (Part 2): Applications of stress measurements. Geoscience Canada, 23(3), 135-153.
7. Boult, P.J. 1999. Mapping in PEP 111 (Taurus and Tower prospects) using FAPS control. Unpublished report. Boral Energy Resources, South Australia.
8. Boult, P.J., Camac, B.A. & Davids, A.W. 2002. 3D Fault Modelling and Assessment of Top Seal Structural Permeability - Penola Trough, Onshore Otway Basin. Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Journal, 42, 151-166.
9. Boult, P.J., Lyon, P., Camac, B.A. & McKirdy, D.A. 2004. Subsurface plumbing of the Penola Trough: Otway Basin. In: Eastern Australasian Basins Symposium (EABS) II Conference Proceedings, 483-498.
10. Boult, P.J., Lyon, P., Camac, B.A., Hunt, S.P. & Zwingmann, H. 2008. Unravelling the complex structural history of the Penola Trough - revealing the St. George Fault. In: Eastern Australasian Basins Symposium (EABS) III Conference Proceedings, 81-94.
11. Bretan, P., Yielding, G. & Jones, H. 2003. Using calibrated shale gouge ratio to estimate hydrocarbon column heights. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 87(3), 397-413.
12. Brown, E.T. (ed.) 1981. Rock characterisation testing and monitoring ISRM suggested methods. Pergamon Press, Oxford.
13. Byerlee, J.D. 1978. Friction of rocks. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 116, 615-626.
14. Camac, B.A., Hunt, S.P. & Boult, P.J. 2004. Sensitivity analysis for fault and top seal integrity at relays and intersections using a 3D distinct element code: Case study examples given from the Bonaparte Basin, Timor Sea and the Otway Basin, South Australia. Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Journal, 44, 481-496.
15. Camac, B.A., Hunt, S.P. & Boult, P.J. 2006. Local rotations in borehole breakouts Observed and modeled stress field rotations and their implications for the petroleum industry. International Journal of Geomechanics, 6(6), 399-410.
16. Chantraprasert, S., McClay, K.R. & Elders, C. 2001. 3D Rift fault systems of the Western Otway Basin, SE Australia. Paper presented at the Eastern Australian Basins Symposium, 25-28 November, Melbourne, Australia.
17. Couples, G. 2005. Seals: The role of geomechanics. In: Boult, P. & Kaldi, J. (eds) Hedberg 2 - Evaluating fault and cap rock seals. Proceedings of the AAPG Hedberg Conference, 1-5 December 2002, Barossa Valley, South Australia. American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Hedberg Series, 2, 87-108.
18. Cundall, P.A. 1971. A computer model for simulating progressive large scale movements in blocky rock systems. Paper No. II-8. In: Proceedings of the Symposium of the International Society of Rock Mechanics, Nancy, France, Vol. 1.
19. Cundall, P.A. 1988. Formulation of a Three-Dimensional Distinct Element Model - Part I: A scheme to detect and represent contacts in a system composed of many polyhedral blocks. International Journal of Rock Mechanics, Mining Science & Geomechanics Abstracts, 25, 107-116.
20. Cunha, A.P. 1990. Scale effects in rock mechanics. In: Proceedings of the first international workshop on scale effects in rock masses., 7-8 June, Loen, 3-31.
21. Dee, S.J., Yielding, G., Freeman, B., Healy, D., Kusznir, H.J., Grant, N. & Ellis, P. 2007. Elastic dislocation modelling for prediction of small scale fault and fracture network characteristics. In: Lonergan, L., Jolly, R.J.H., Rawnsley, K. & Sanderson, D.J. (eds) Fractured Reservoirs. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 270, 130-155.
22. Dewhurst, D.N., Jones, R.M., Hillis, R.R. & Mildren, S.D. 2002. Microstructural and geomechanical characterization of fault rocks from the Carnarvon and Otway Basin. Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Journal, 42, 167-186.
23. Edelbro, C. 2003. Rock Mass Strength - A Review. Technical Report for the University of Technology, Lulea, Department of Civil Engineering, Division of Rock Mechanics.
24. Flodin, E.A. & Aydin, A. 2003. Evolution of a strike-slip fault network, Valley of Fire State Park, southern Nevada. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 116(1), 42-59.
25. Hall, G.C. & Holyland, P.W. 2001. The Use of Numerical Modeling in Exploration by Placer Dome Inc. Paper presented atAGU Chapman Conference on Exploration Geodynamics, 1924 August, Western Australia.
26. Hardebeck, J.L. & Hauksson, E. 2000. The San Andreas Fault in Southern California: A weak fault in a weak crust. Paper presented at the 3rd Conference on Tectonic Problems of the San Andreas Fault System, Stanford, California.
27. Hart, R., Cundall, P. & Lemos, J. 1988. Formulation of a Three-Dimensional Distinct Element Model - Part II: Mechanical calculations for motion and interaction of a system composed of many polyhedral blocks. International Journal of Rock Mechanics, Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts, 25, 117-126.
28. Holyland, P.W. & Ojala, V.J. 1997. Computer-aided structural targeting in mineral exploration: two- and three- dimensional stress mapping. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 44, 421-432.
29. Homberg, C., Hu, J.C., Angelier, J., Bergerat, F. & Lacombe, O. 1997. Characterisation of stress perturbations near major fault zones: insights from 2-D distinct-element numerical modeling and field studies (Jura mountains). Journal of Structural Geology, 19(5), 703-718.
30. Hunt, S.P. & Boult, P. 2005. Discrete element stress modelling in the Otway Basin, Australia. In: Kaldi, J. (eds) Hedberg 2 - Evaluating fault and cap rock seals. Proceedings of the AAPG Hedberg Conference., 1-5 December 2002, Barossa Valley, South Australia. American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Hedberg Series, 2, chapter 14.
31. Hunt, S.P., Camac, B.A. & Boult, P. 2004. A parametric analysis and applications of the discrete element method for stress modelling. Paper presented at the eNZ Conference. Proceedings of the Rock Mechanics Associations of Australia and New Zealand.
32. Itasca, 2003. 3DEC Theory and Background Manual. Itasca Consulting Group Inc., Minneapolis.
33. Jensen-Schmidt, B., Cockshell, C.D. & Boult, P.J. 2002. Structural and tectonic setting. In: Boult, P.J., Hibburt, J.E., Boult, P.J. & Hibburt, J.E. (eds) Petroleum Geology of South Australia. Vol 1: Otway Basin (2nd edn). Primary Industries and Resources Group, Adelaide, chapter 5.
34. Jones, R.M., Boult, P.J., Hillis, R.R., Mildren, S.D. & Kaldi, J. 2000. Integrated hydrocarbon seal evaluation in the Penola Trough, Otway Basin. Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Journal, 40, 194-212.
35. Kattenhorn, S.A., Aydin, A. & Pollard, D.D. 2000. Joints at high angles to normal fault strike: an explanation using 3-D numerical models of fault perturbed stress fields. Journal of Structural Geology, 22, 1-23.
36. King, G.C.P., Stein, R.S. & Lin, J. 1994. Static stress changes and the triggering of earthquakes. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 84(3), 935-953.
37. Knipe, R.J. 1992. Faulting processes and fault seal. In: Larsen, R.M., Brekke, H., Larsen, B.T. & Talleraas, E. (eds) Structural and Tectonic Modelling and its Application to Petroleum Geology. NPF Special Publication, 1, 325-342.
38. Konietzky, H., te Kamp, L., Hammer, H. & Niedermeyer, S. 2001. Numerical modeling of in-situ stress conditions as an aid in route selection for rail tunnels in complex geological formations in South Germany. Computers and Geotechnics, 28, 495-516.
39. Kulwahy, F.H. 1975. Stress deformation properties of rock and rock discontinuities. Engineering Geology, 9, 327-350.
40. Lama, R.D. & Vutukuri, V.S. 1978. Handbook on Mechanical Properties of Rocks. Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.
41. Lovibond, R., Suttill, R.J., Skinner, J.E. & Aburas, A.N. 1995. The hydrocarbon potential of the Penola Trough, Otway Basin. Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Journal, 35(1), 358-371.
42. Lyon, P.J., Boult, P.J., Hillis, R.R. & Bierbrauer, K. 2007. Basement controls on fault development in the Penola Trough, Otway Basin, and implications for fault-bounded hydrocarbon traps. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 54(5), 675-689.
43. Maerten, L., Gilespie, P. & Pollard, D.P. 2002. Effects of local stress perturbations on secondary fault development. Journal of Structural Geology, 24, 145-153.
44. Mair, J.L., Ojala, V.J., Salier, B.P., Groves, D.I. & Brown, S.M. 2000. Application of stress mapping in cross-section to understanding ore geometry, predicting ore zones and development of drilling strategies. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 47, 895-912.
45. McKinnon, S.D. 2001. Analysis of stress measurements using a numerical model methodology. International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences, 38, 699-709.
46. Mildren, S.D., Hillis, R.R. & Kaldi, J. 2002. Calibrating predictions of fault seal reactivation in the Timor Sea. Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Journal, 42, 187-202.
47. Moore, D.E., Lockner, D.A., Tanaka, H. & Iwata, K. 2004. The co-efficient of friction of crysotile gouge at seismogenic depths. International Geological Review, 46(5), 385-398.
48. Morrow, C.A. & Lockner, D.A. 2001. Hayward fault rocks: Porosity, density and strength measurements. USGS Open File Report 01-421.
49. Morrow, C.A., Moore, D.E. & Lockner, D.A. 2000. The effect of mineral bond strength and adsorbed water on fault gouge frictional strength. Geophysical Research Letters, 27(6), 815-818.
50. Morton, J.G.G., Alexander, E.M., Hill, A.J. & White, M.R. 1995. Lithostratigraphy and environments of deposition. In: Morton, J.G.G. & Drexel, J.F. (eds) Petroleum Geology of South Australia, Vol. 1: Otway Basin: Mines and Energy, South Australia Report, 95/ 12, 47-94.
51. Pascal, C. 2002. The interaction of faults and perturbation of slip: Influence of anisotropic stress states in the presence of fault friction and comparison between Wallace-Bott and 3D Distinct Element models. Tectonophysics, 356, 307-322.
52. Pascal, C. & Gabrielson, R.H. 2001. Numerical modeling of Cenozoic stress patterns in the mid-Norwegian margin and North Sea. Tectonics, 20(4), 585-599.
53. Pourjavad, M., Bell, J.S. & Bratli, R.K. 1998. Stress trajectories in the neighbourhood of fault zones. Paper presented at the SPE EUROC Conference, Trondheim, Norway.
54. Ramsay, J.G. 1967. The Folding and Fracturing of Rocks. McGraw-Hill, New York.
55. Reynolds, S.D. & Hillis, R.R. 2000. The Australian Stress Map. Journal of the Geological Society London, 157, 915-921.
56. Ron, H., Beroza, G. & Nur, A. 2000. A mechanical explanation for multiple-fault rupture in the Mojave. Paper presented at the 3rd conference on tectonic problems of the San Andreas Fault System.
57. Rosso, R.S. 1976. A comparison of joint stiffness measurements in direct shear, triaxial compression, and in situ. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Science & Geomechanical Abstracts, 13, 167-172.
58. Su, S. & Stephansson, O. 1999. Effect of a fault on in situ stresses studied by the distinct element method. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Science, 36, 1051-1056.
59. Tamagawa, T. & Pollard, D.D. 2008. Fracture Permeability created by perturbed stress fields around active faults in a fractured basement reservoir. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 92(6), 743-764.
60. Walsh, J.J., Nichol, A. & Childs, C. 2002. An alternative model for the growth of faults. Journal of Structural Geology, 24, 1669-1675.
61. 2 geological storage risk assessment. Abstract presented at the AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Perth, Australia.
62. Watts, N.L. 1987. Theoretical aspects of cap-rock and fault seals for single-and two-phase hydrocarbon columns. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 4, 274-307.
63. Wiprut, D. & Zoback, M.D. 2000. Fault reactivation and fluid flow along a previously dormant normal fault in the northern North Sea. Geology, 28(7), 595-598.
64. Wiprut, D. & Zoback, M.D. 2002. Fault reactivation, leakage potential, and hydrocarbon column heights in the northern North Sea. In: Koestler, A.G. & Hunsdale, R. (eds) Hydrocarbon Seal Quantification. NPF Special Publication, 11, 203-219.
65. Wu, B., Addis, A. & Last, N.C. 1998. Stress estimation in Faulted Regions: The Effect of Residual Friction. Paper SPE/ISRM 47210.
66. Yale, D.P., Rodriguez, J.M., Mercer, T.B. & Blaisedell, D.W. 1994. In-situ stress orientation and the effects of local structure - Scott Field, North Sea. In: Eurorock. Balkema, Rotterdam, 945-953.
67. Yielding, G., Freeman, B. & Needham, D.T. 1997. Quantitative fault seal prediction. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 81(6), 897-917.
68. Zhang, Y.-Z., Dusseault, M.B. & Yassir, N.A. 1994. Effects of rock anisotropy and heterogeneity on stress distributions at selected sites in North America. Engineering Geology, 37(3-4), 181-197.
69. Zhuge, Y., Jin, F. & Hunt, S. 2004. The prediction of damage to masonry houses caused by foundation movements. Advances in Structural Engineering, 7(1), 81-93.