Observations of hydraulic fracturing in soils through field testing and numerical simulations

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is a potential cause of leakage of earth dams or loss of fluid in drilling and field permeability testing. The effect of hydraulic fracturing on soil grouting is also a major concern. Although hydraulic fracturing has been adopted for decades by the petroleum industry for oil recovery in rock formations, studies on fracturing in soils are relatively few and inconclusive. The aim of this study is to provide further insight into the mechanism of hydrofracturing in soils through a field grouting trial and numerical simulation. We observe hydraulic fracturing in soils during this field trial as predicted by generally accepted groutability requirements. The hydraulic fractures are found vertically developed up to the ground surface. Numerical simulations show the hydraulic fracturing is easier to be initiated in anisotropic stress conditions, where the minor principal stress is the key factor. Numerical simulations also demonstrate significant compressions and shears during injection, suggesting the mechanism of fracturing in soils would be a shearing type. Based on this study, we propose a punching and splitting mode for the hydrofracturing in soils. The equation associated with estimating fracturing pressure is verified, and the results are found to be in good agreement with the cases examined.