Impact of the Degree of Saturation on the Mechanical Behaviour of the Whitby Mudstone

Conference paper (2019)

Authors

L.A.N.R. Douma Applied Geophysics and Petrophysics - CEG
J. Dautriat CSIRO Energy
J. Sarout CSIRO Energy
D. Dewhurst CSIRO Energy
A. Barnhoorn Applied Geophysics and Petrophysics - CEG
Research Group
Applied Geophysics and Petrophysics (CEG) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Geoscience and Engineering

Research Group

Applied Geophysics and Petrophysics

Abstract

Mudstones are of great interest in the petroleum industry, since they can act as a source rocks, reservoirs and seals. Understanding the mechanical behaviour of these clay-rich rocks is crucial for successful hydrocarbon exploration and production. This study examines the impact of water saturation on the mechanical behaviour of the Whitby Mudstone. Triaxial compression tests are performed on mudstone samples with different water saturations at effective confining pressures of 5 MPa, 15 MPa, 25 MPa, and 40 MPa. The results show that the degree of saturation significantly affects the rock strength and static elastic properties (Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio). The mechanical properties obtained from partially-saturated mudstones should be treated with care when extrapolating them to in situ conditions.

Files

Mo_P12.pdf
(.pdf | 0.621 Mb)