Chapter 3: Rock Mechanics and Fracture Geometry Available to Purchase

Our understanding of hydraulic fracture growth and behavior has changed considerably since Recent Advances in Hydraulic Fracturing (Gidley et al. 1989) was published. Since that time, fracture diagnostic technology has advanced enormously, core recoveries of hydraulic fractures have been obtained, additional tests in mines have been documented, and sophisticated laboratory and modeling studies have helped improve our understanding of fracturing in a complex geologic environment. In addition, fracturing of horizontal wells has skyrocketed and different approaches to both fluid systems and proppants have been developed. As a result, we now see hydraulic fracturing as spanning a spectrum of behaviors ranging from singular planar fractures to complex networks of induced or activated features, any of which can be influenced by specific completion and fracturing approaches. This new reality is particularly true in coalbed methane and shale reservoirs, two resources that were barely on the radar screen at the last writing.