Hydraulic fracture height growth in layered rocks: Perspective from DEM simulation of different propagation regimes

A propagating fluid driven fracture in a rock mass is expected to interact with geological interfaces on a wide variety of length scales. The vertical growth of hydraulic fractures in layered rocks is of pivotal importance for the successful stimulation in reservoir development. In this study, 2D discrete element modeling is used to investigate the influence of the stiffness and toughness ratio, as well as stress contrast between layers on the hydraulic fracture height growth. In particular, the ultimate goal is to better understand mechanisms of the fracture height containment by contrasts of different rock properties and to quantitatively determine which parameters provide a stronger influence. In addition, the analysis is performed in the context of hydraulic fracture regimes, whereby the dominant dissipation mechanism in the system can either be associated with fracture toughness or viscous fluid flow. As a starting point, we investigated the propagation of a plane strain hydraulic fracture from a low stiffness layer to a high stiffness layer and vice versa, while keeping the stress constant. The influence of stress on hydraulic fracture propagation in layered rocks is investigated afterwards. The numerical results demonstrate that the hydraulic fracture can either directly pass through the geological interface, be arrested at the interface, or stop before reaching the interface. The interface itself is assumed to be perfectly bonded, therefore no slippage is considered. Ability of the hydraulic fracture to approach the interface is first determined by the elastic modulus ratio of the two adjacent layers. Once reached the interface, the further growth is then affected by the toughness ratio between the layers. After that, if the fracture crosses the interface, then it is affected by the stress contrast. The propagation regime has an important influence on the fracture propagation in layered rocks. If the propagation regime is closer to the viscosity dominated, the hydraulic fracture is likely to cross the interface. In contrast, it is more difficult for a fracture to cross the barrier if the propagation regime is near the toughness dominated. A map of fracture crossing behavior versus propagation regime and contrast in properties has been constructed, that can be used to quantify strength of mechanical barriers and to deduce hydraulic fracture height growth behavior for various scenarios.