Ion-species in pore fluids with opposite effects on limestone fracturing

Abstract

At ten percent of sedimentary rocks, limestones are common geo-energy reservoirs. Being highly soluble, limestones are prone to fluid-assisted deformation and their mechanical behaviour likely susceptible to fluid chemistry. In this study, we saturated limestone samples with 0.4 M MgSO₄ or 0.4 M Na₂SO₄ CaCO₃-saturated solutions (naturally present in many reservoirs) or a reference CaCO₃-saturated solution for 1, 50 or 200 days prior to mechanical testing. Triaxial deformation tests were then performed at 7, 30, and 70 MPa of confining pressure room temperature, under drained conditions. Our results show that exposure to one different cation impacts the strength of this rock (up to [Formula presented] of dry rock strength) and its failure dynamics, associated with different microstructural damage distribution. A 200 day exposure to MgSO₄ promotes strengthening whilst similar exposure to Na₂SO₄ leads to weakening. We posit that these strength changes may be related to changes in surface charges on the mineral surfaces. More data on fluid–rock interaction will be key to fully understand fracture propagation in natural carbonate formations.