A new stochastic methodology to simulate non-planar fractures.

@inproceedings{henrionGM08,
 abstract = { Faults and fractures are known to signi
cantly alter the circulation of 
uid in reservoirs, either
acting as seals or conduits. Characterization and modeling of the spatial distribution of fractures,
as well as their properties (e.g. geometry, connectivity, aperture, etc.) can therefore have a great
impact on recovery prediction of natural water and hydrocarbon accumulations. This paper intro-
duces a new methodology to simulate discrete fracture networks (DFN). The Geometry of faults and
joints patterns are related to physical processes of fracture initiation, propagation, interaction and
termination which can be described by Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM). The motivation
of the proposed method is to mimic these processes to generate more realistic fracture patterns. The
mechanicals principles are however replaced by geostatistical rules. DFN simulation constrained by
local fracture intensity is used to seed fracture planes with an initial direction of propagation and
intended 
nal dimensions. Fracture intensities and orientations are derived from the geomechanical
model, while the 
nal dimensions are drawn from a model of fracture length and height distribu-
tions. Growth of initial fracture segments is then simulated using variogram-based geostatistics.
At each step, fracture tips are visited in random order and propagated in a direction determined
by sequential Gaussian co-simulation, using orientations of closest fractures and those predicted by
the geomechanical model as auxiliary data. Eventually, fracture termination occurs when fractures
reach their intended 
nal dimensions or collide either with other fractures or bedding planes. },
 author = { Henrion, Vincent AND Caumon, Guillaume AND Viard, Thomas },
 booktitle = { Proc. 28th Gocad Meeting, Nancy },
 title = { A new stochastic methodology to simulate non-planar fractures. },
 year = { 2008 }
}