Aseismic slip propagation in fractured rock masses driven by pore-fluid diffusion

F. Ciardo, B. Lecampion

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

We address the coupled hydro-mechanical problem of fluid injection in a fractured rock mass in the limit of negligible matrix hydraulic diffusivity. The fact that fluid-induced aseismic slip may outpace pore-fluid diffusion along a planar fault is also valid in the case of fluid injection into a Discrete Fracture Network. Upon revisiting the problem of self-similar fluid driven shear crack propagation on a planar fault under critically stressed and marginally pressurized regimes, we show via numerical simulations that a critically stressed DFN exhibits fast aseismic slipping path that migrates away from both injection point and fluid front location. This scenario persists regardless the geometrical connectivity of the DFN, since elastic stress interactions between active fractures represents the main driving force for such fast slip propagation. On the other hand, the opposite scenario occurs on a marginally pressurized DFN, where the aseismic slip front is localized near the injection point and well within the pressurized region.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication55th U.S. Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2021
PublisherAmerican Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
ISBN (Electronic)9781713839125
StatePublished - 2021
Event55th U.S. Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2021 - Houston, Virtual, United States
Duration: Jun 18 2021Jun 25 2021

Publication series

Name55th U.S. Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2021
Volume2

Conference

Conference55th U.S. Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston, Virtual
Period6/18/216/25/21

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geophysics

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