Subsurface Testing and Modeling to Determine Maximum In-Situ Stress Using Thermally Induced Borehole Breakouts

RESPEC studies and models the behavior of mines and storage caverns that exist in the deep subsurface. To model these features, it is necessary to know the pre-existing stress (in-situ) in the rock surrounding them. The Department of Energy has funded a project to develop technology to predict the maximum horizontal in-situ stress from thermally induced borehole breakouts. Experimental thermal breakout tests on boreholes at the Sanford Underground Research Facility were conducted to develop the technology. Finite difference modeling was done on experimental thermal breakout tests to develop the maximum horizontal in-situ stress prediction method.

Presented by:
Matt Jones, Engineer IV, RESPEC
Matt's primary responsibilities at RESPEC include geomechanical analysis. He obtained his BS in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Matt is a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies.

Tyler Artz, EIT, Staff Engineer, RESPEC
Tyler is an instrumentation specialist for RESPEC. He obtained his BS in Mining Engineering and MS in Mining Engineering From South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Tyler is active in the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, currently serving as Black Hills Chapter Treasurer, and the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group. He is a member of SDESd, NSPE and the American Council of Engineering Companies. He also serves on the SDSMT Alumni Board of Directors.

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Subsurface Testing and Modeling to Determine Maximum In-Situ Stress Using Thermally Induced Borehole Breakouts