Accurate prediction of reservoir production in structurally weak geologic areas requires both mechanical deformation and fluid flow modeling. Loose staggered-in-time coupling of two independent flow and mechanics simulators captures much of the complex physics at a substantially reduced cost. Two 3-D finite element simulators—Integrated Parallel Accurate Reservoir Simulator (IPARS) for flow and...

The technology of multiple hydraulic fracture stimulation in horizontal wells has trans‐ formed the business of oil and gas exploitation from extremely tight, unconventional hydro‐ carbon bearing rock formations. The fracture stimulation process typically involves placing multiple fractures stage-by-stage along the horizontal well using diverse well completion technologies. The effective design...

ABSTRACT: The geological storage of CO2 in saline aquifers is believed to be one of the most promising ways to reduce the concentration of the greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Injection of CO2 will, however, lead to dissolution of minerals in regions of lowered pH and precipitation of minerals from transported ions in regions of higher pH. The geomechanical implications of these changes on the...

Biological processes may provide great and previously unexplored opportunities for cost-effective, in situ improvement of the engineering properties of soil. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the changes in geomechanical properties of sand attributable to the formation of calcium precipitates induced through ureolysis catalyzed by Sporosarcina pasteurii (S. pasteurii). Specifically, ...

Storage of CO2 in deep geological formations has been identified as the most likely near-future option to significantly reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta. In order to assess the risks associated with potential leakage of the injected CO2 the factors influencing the potential loss of containment need to be evaluated. Currently, there is a lack of publicly available, high qual...

In volcanic regions, reliable estimates of mechanical properties for specific volcanic events such as cyclic inflation-deflation cycles by magmatic intrusions, thermal stressing, and high temperatures are crucial for building accurate models of volcanic phenomena. This study focuses on the challenge of characterizing volcanic materials for the numerical analyses of such events. To do this, we e...