True triaxial experiment and FDEM simulation on the controlling effect of coal-measure rock interfaces on hydraulic fracture propagation

Jun-qiang Ma , Si-yuan Wei , Xue-hua Li , Guo-wei Dong , Qiang-ling Yao , Yu-xin Yuan , Hong-sheng Wang

Journal of Central South University ›› : 1 -24.

PDF
Journal of Central South University ›› :1 -24. DOI: 10.1007/s11771-026-6256-8
Research Article
research-article
True triaxial experiment and FDEM simulation on the controlling effect of coal-measure rock interfaces on hydraulic fracture propagation
Author information +
History +
PDF

Abstract

This study integrates true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments with FDEM numerical simulation to systematically investigate the control mechanisms of interface strength and inclination angle on hydraulic fracture propagation in coal measure strata under different in-situ stress conditions. The results indicate that the fracture propagation path at the rock interface is jointly controlled by the interface strength coefficient (η), the interface inclination angle (θ), and the vertical stress difference coefficient (k). When fractures propagate from soft rock to hard rock, the interface strength coefficient (η) plays a dominant role. The larger the η, the more likely the hydraulic fracture is to penetrate the interface along the direction of vertical stress. Conversely, when fractures propagate from hard rock to soft rock, vertical stress primarily controls the propagation path. A larger vertical stress difference coefficient promotes interface crossing, while a smaller coefficient tends to cause the fracture to extend laterally along the interface. The interface inclination angle (θ) influences the magnitude and direction of the vertical stress component along the interface. A smaller (θ) facilitates interface penetration by hydraulic fractures, whereas a larger (θ) leads to fracture propagation along the interface. The complexity of the hydraulic fracture network increases with higher (k) and (θ) values. Moreover, the complexity of hydraulic fracture morphology exhibits a non-monotonic trend, initially decreasing and then increasing with rising (k) and (θ). This research provides an important theoretical basis for the design and control of hydraulic fracturing in coal measure strata.

Keywords

coal-measure strata / hydraulic fracturing / rock strata interface / fracture propagation / FDEM

Cite this article

Download citation ▾
Jun-qiang Ma, Si-yuan Wei, Xue-hua Li, Guo-wei Dong, Qiang-ling Yao, Yu-xin Yuan, Hong-sheng Wang. True triaxial experiment and FDEM simulation on the controlling effect of coal-measure rock interfaces on hydraulic fracture propagation. Journal of Central South University 1-24 DOI:10.1007/s11771-026-6256-8

登录浏览全文

4963

注册一个新账户 忘记密码

References

[1]

Dai L-p, Zhao X, Pan Y-set al. . Microseismic criterion for dynamic risk assessment and warning of roadway rockburst induced by coal mine seismicity. Engineering Geology. 2025, 357: 108324. J]

[2]

Xu H-c, Lai X-p, Shan P-fet al. . Energy dissimilation characteristics and shock mechanism of coal-rock mass induced in steeply-inclined mining: Comparison based on physical simulation and numerical calculation. Acta Geotechnica. 2023, 18(2): 843-864. J]

[3]

Guo W-y, Wang X-y, Yin L-met al. . Optimization and engineering practice of large-diameter drilling hole-anchoring hole spacing based on stress relief-support reinforcement cooperative effect. Journal of Central South University. 2025, 32103968-3984. J]

[4]

Tan Y-l, Tan Y, Guo W-yet al. . Calculation model for kinetic energy and rock burst risk evaluation method during roadway excavation. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology. 2025, 35(5): 677-690. J]

[5]

Ji S-t, Lai X-p, Cui Fet al. . The failure of edge-cracked hard roof in underground mining: An analytical study. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 2024, 183: 105934. J]

[6]

Li P, Liu Y, Cai M-fet al. . Contemporary stress state in the Zhao – Ping metallogenic belt, Eastern China, and its correlation to regional geological tectonics. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology. 2025, 12(1): 29. J]

[7]

Ma J-q, Li X-h, Yao Q-let al. . Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracture extension patterns at the interface of coal-measure composite rock mass with Cohesive Zone Model. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2023, 426139001. J]

[8]

Ma J-q, Li X-h, Li Y-het al. . Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracture extension patterns at interfaces of coal-measure rock strata and a new theoretical prediction model. Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory. 2025, 140103063. J]

[9]

Jiang Y-l, Lian H-j, Nguyen V Pet al. . Propagation behavior of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface under different interfacial friction coefficients and a new prediction model. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering. 2019, 68102894. J]

[10]

Zhao H-f, Chen M. Extending behavior of hydraulic fracture when reaching formation interface. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2010, 741–226-30. J]

[11]

JIANG Ting-ting, ZHANG Jian-hua, HUANG Gang, et al. Effects of bedding on hydraulic fracturing in coalbed methane reservoirs [J]. Current Science, 113(6): 1153–1159.

[12]

Zhao K-k, Stead D, Kang H-pet al. . Three-dimensional simulation of hydraulic fracture propagation height in layered formations. Environmental Earth Sciences. 2021, 8012435. J]

[13]

Tan P, Jin Y, Xiong Z-yet al. . Effect of interface property on hydraulic fracture vertical propagation behavior in layered formation based on discrete element modeling. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering. 2018, 1541542-1550. J]

[14]

Wan L-m, Hou B, Meng Het al. . Experimental investigation of fracture initiation position and fluid viscosity effect in multi-layered coal strata. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2019, 182: 106310. J]

[15]

Pan R, Zhang G-q, Li S-yet al. . Influence of the fracture process zone on fracture propagation mode in layered rocks. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2021, 202108524. J]

[16]

Zhang X H, Zhang S C, Zou Y Set al. . Effect of interlaminar difference on height propagation behavior of hydraulic fracture in Lucaogou Shale. 56th U. S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium. June 26–29, 2022. FeSanta, MexicoNew, USA. 2022[C]

[17]

Chen B-b, Qin Y-m, Xu Pet al. . Experimental study on vertical propagation behavior of hydraulic fracture affected by artificial interlayer for thick oil reservoirs. Geofluids. 2022, 2022(1): 2078289[J]

[18]

Zhang J, Xie Z-g, Pan Y-set al. . Synchronous vertical propagation mechanism of multiple hydraulic fractures in shale oil formations interlayered with thin sandstone. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2023, 220111229. J]

[19]

Wang F, Liu W, Wang K-qet al. . Hydraulic fracture propagation in layered rocks: Research combining 3D FEM modeling and laboratory experiments. Computational and Experimental Simulations in Engineering. 2024, Cham, Springer507-525. C]

[20]

Sun H-r, Wang L, Zhang R-xet al. . Criterion for hydraulic fracture propagation behaviour at coal measure composite reservoir interface based on energy release rate theory. Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources. 2024, 101153. J]

[21]

Tan P, Jin Y, Han Ket al. . Analysis of hydraulic fracture initiation and vertical propagation behavior in laminated shale formation. Fuel. 2017, 206: 482-493. J]

[22]

Tan P, Jin Y, Han Ket al. . Vertical propagation behavior of hydraulic fractures in coal measure strata based on true triaxial experiment. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2017, 158: 398-407. J]

[23]

Tan P, Jin Y, Hou Bet al. . Experiments and analysis on hydraulic sand fracturing by an improved true tri-axial cell. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2017, 158: 766-774. J]

[24]

Tan P, Jin Y, Yuan Let al. . Understanding hydraulic fracture propagation behavior in tight sandstone - coal interbedded formations: An experimental investigation. Petroleum Science. 2019, 161148-160. J]

[25]

Wan B-q, Liu Y-c, Zhang Bet al. . Investigation of the vertical propagation pattern of the 3D hydraulic fracture under the influence of interlayer heterogeneity. Processes. 2022, 10(11): 2449. J]

[26]

Guo J-c, Luo B, Lu Cet al. . Numerical investigation of hydraulic fracture propagation in a layered reservoir using the cohesive zone method. Engineering Fracture Mechanics. 2017, 186: 195-207. J]

[27]

Zhang J, Yu Q-g, Li Y-wet al. . Hydraulic fracture vertical propagation mechanism in interlayered brittle shale formations: An experimental investigation. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. 2023, 561199-220. J]

[28]

Wu X-g, Huang Z-w, Long T-det al. . Radial wellbore cross-layer fracturing in multi-lithologic superimposed shale oil reservoirs: A laboratory study. Engineering. 2025, 45: 188-211. J]

[29]

Yan C-z, Xie X, Ren Y-het al. . A FDEM-based 2D coupled thermal-hydro-mechanical model for multiphysical simulation of rock fracturing. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 2022, 149: 104964. J]

[30]

Yan C-z, Zheng H, Sun G-het al. . Combined finite-discrete element method for simulation of hydraulic fracturing. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. 2016, 4941389-1410. J]

[31]

Yan C-z, Zheng Y-c, Wang G. A 2D adaptive finite-discrete element method for simulating fracture and fragmentation in geomaterials. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 2023, 169105439. J]

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Central South University

PDF

0

Accesses

0

Citation

Detail

Sections
Recommended

/