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Andrey V. Patutin
Andrey V. Patutin
Senior Researcher, Ph.D.
Chinakal Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Senior Researcher, Ph.D.
Chinakal Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Novosibirsk
Russia

Articles

Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2023-10-02
  • Date accepted
    2024-11-07
  • Online publication date
    2025-03-20
  • Date published
    2025-03-20

Laboratory studies of hydraulic fracturing of intersecting boreholes in a non-uniform stress field

Article preview

This study focuses on the features of hydraulic fracture propagation in intersecting boreholes in polymethyl methacrylate blocks in a non-uniform stress field. Glycerol aqueous solution and plasticine were used as the working fluids. According to linear fracture mechanics, a stress concentrator at the borehole intersection contributes to the beginning of crack formation, with further crack propagation occurring in the plane containing their axes. The relevance of this study is due to the search for innovative approaches and the development of technological solutions to address the issue of effective longitudinal crack formation and its further propagation in a rock mass under unfavourable stress field conditions. This paper provides a scheme of laboratory stand operation and a general view of the sealing packers used to isolate a specified interval when performing tests. The graphs of glycerol pressure versus injection time are presented, and the breakdown pressure in the blocks is specified. The shape of fractures formed during the indentation of plasticine into the borehole system was investigated. The findings of physical modelling indicate that longitudinal cracks are predominantly formed in the boreholes. The deviation of the crack trajectory from the vertical plane containing the borehole axes is primarily affected by the magnitude of the horizontal compressive stress field rather than the increase in the angle between them. In addition, the angles of inclination of the longitudinal crack plane measured at its intersection with the side face of the block are specified.

How to cite: Patutin A.V., Skulkin A.A., Rybalkin L.A., Drobchik A.N. Laboratory studies of hydraulic fracturing of intersecting boreholes in a non-uniform stress field // Journal of Mining Institute. 2025. p. EDN JFQTTE