Interaction between tensile fractures under varying orientations in Indiana Limestone

Abstract

The interaction between fractures and the associated effects are studied in fields like geothermal engineering, seismology, volcanology and geo-engineering. Fractures can massively influence the permeability and porosity in a rock formation, reducing resistance to flow. However, to improve permeability, multiple fractures must connect to each other. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of a stress field under varying orientations and how it influences new and existing fractures. Brazilian disc tests were filmed and performed on 18 Indiana limestone samples, after which 13 samples were fractured a second time under orientations varying from 20° to 90°. Afterwards, video footage of the tests was used to study fracture propagation and fracture roughness. Analysis of the results showed that four distinct types of fracture behaviour occurred. Each type was generally displayed between certain angles. Case 1, under 30° shows reactivation of the original fracture. Case 2, between 30 and 45°, shows largely reactivation of the primary fracture but new secondary fractures towards the ends of the sample. Case 3, between 45 and 60°, shows the primary fracture closing and formation of secondary fractures near the centre of the disk. Case 4, from 60° onwards, shows the primary fracture close completely while a new fracture forms perpendicular and independent of the first. The results imply that initiating a stress field in a certain orientation has differing consequences. A stress field more parallel towards the original fracture causes reactivation of the fracture, without much impact on the permeability. However, a stress field initiated perpendicular to the primary fracture causes a new fracture to form, independent of and straight through the primary fracture. This is likely to increase permeability and therefore reduce resistance to flow.