Hydrogeology and Geomechanics

EART35101 Hydrogeology and Geomechanics 10 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 6 Julian Mecklenburgh Unit coordinator Dawei Hu Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Last part of a Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 <div>The stress analysis techniques explored in this unit are delivered via a suite of paper-based and computer based practical exercises. All necessary mathematics is taught within the unit. After introducing some foundational material on matrix manipulation, we consider what the “state of stress” actually means and use graphical, matrix manipulation and computer methods to evaluate that state of stress from measurements of normal stress and shear stress on a plane or from measurements of principal stresses. We examine how stress analyses may be carried out in geographical coordinate systems and, as a by-product of this, show how operations commonly done with a stereonet may be done instead by manipulating vectors. We will then look at how holes in the ground e.g. boreholes and mine change the stress state around them and the implications.In the second half of the course we use the techniques learned to date to deduce the stresses required for brittle failure in contractional, extensional and strike-slip tectonic settings, and then use this analysis to constrain the magnitude of horizontal stresses in down-borehole settings. Next we will look at fluidflow and its implications and develop some equations and models to predict fluid flow from or into the subsurface.The practical classes are supplemented with lectures describing how the mechanical properties of rocks are determined, and providing an overview of the deformation responses of rocks and soils with particular emphasis on elastic and brittle behaviour. The second half of the course will have lectures describing how we measure and predict fluid flow in the subsurface from experiments and in-situ measurements.</div> <div>The stress analysis techniques explored in this unit are delivered via a suite of paper-based and computer based practical exercises. All necessary mathematics is taught within the unit. After introducing some foundational material on matrix manipulation, we consider what the “state of stress” actually means and use graphical, matrix manipulation and computer methods to evaluate that state of stress from measurements of normal stress and shear stress on a plane or from measurements of principal stresses. We examine how stress analyses may be carried out in geographical coordinate systems and, as a by-product of this, show how operations commonly done with a stereonet may be done instead by manipulating vectors. We will then look at how holes in the ground e.g. boreholes and mine change the stress state around them and the implications.In the second half of the course we use the techniques learned to date to deduce the stresses required for brittle failure in contractional, extensional and strike-slip tectonic settings, and then use this analysis to constrain the magnitude of horizontal stresses in down-borehole settings. Next we will look at fluidflow and its implications and develop some equations and models to predict fluid flow from or into the subsurface.The practical classes are supplemented with lectures describing how the mechanical properties of rocks are determined, and providing an overview of the deformation responses of rocks and soils with particular emphasis on elastic and brittle behaviour. The second half of the course will have lectures describing how we measure and predict fluid flow in the subsurface from experiments and in-situ measurements.</div> <div> The aim of this unit is to provide a dominantly practical introduction to graphical and mathematical techniques that are widely used within the geotechnical industries to evaluate states of stress and fluid flow in the sub-surface. The techniques are applied to estimate stresses in structural geology (stresses on faults, strength with depth), engineering geology (slope stability) and down-borehole settings and to calculate how fluids move in aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs. As such the unit provides a strong foundation for students interested in taking up applied geomechanics at postgraduate level or who are interested in pursuing a career within any parts of the energy, mineral resource and environmental sectors that have an interest in the strength and potential for brittle failure of the rocks that they encounter in their operations</div>  <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2" style="width:496px;"> On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to: </td> <td style="width:72px;"> Developed</td> <td style="width:66px;"> Assessed</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:64px;height:85px;"> ILO 1</td> <td style="width:432px;height:85px;"> explain what is meant by the state of stress at a point, and be able to distinguish different types of stress / pressure states</td> <td style="width:72px;height:85px;"> x</td> <td style="width:66px;height:85px;"> x</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:64px;height:85px;"> ILO 2</td> <td style="width:432px;height:85px;"> add and multiply vectors and matrices, be able to evaluate eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices, be able to use logarithms, and be able to carry out elementary dimensional analysis</td> <td style="width:72px;height:85px;"> x</td> <td style="width:66px;height:85px;"> x</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:64px;height:85px;"> ILO 3</td> <td style="width:432px;height:85px;"> use matrix manipulation and graphical (Mohr circle) techniques to solve for the normal stress and shear stress on a plane from the principal stresses (or vice versa), and be able to include pore fluids in the analysis</td> <td style="width:72px;height:85px;"> x</td> <td style="width:66px;height:85px;"> x</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:64px;height:85px;"> ILO 4</td> <td style="width:432px;height:85px;"> apply stress analysis techniques to assess the possibility of mechanical failure in down-borehole settings</td> <td style="width:72px;height:85px;"> x</td> <td style="width:66px;height:85px;"> x</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:64px;height:85px;"> ILO 5</td> <td style="width:432px;height:85px;"> assess the likely deformation response in any tectonic setting (contractional, extensional, strike-slip) from constitutive equations for elastic deformation, brittle failure and creep</td> <td style="width:72px;height:85px;"> x</td> <td style="width:66px;height:85px;"> x</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:64px;height:85px;"> ILO 6</td> <td style="width:432px;height:85px;"> Describe the main ways permeability is measure in the laboratory and in-situ</td> <td style="width:72px;height:85px;"> x</td> <td style="width:66px;height:85px;"> x</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:64px;height:85px;"> ILO 7</td> <td style="width:432px;height:85px;"> Use simple models to predict producton of fluids from aquifers of hydrocarbon reservoirs</td> <td style="width:72px;height:85px;">  </td> <td style="width:66px;height:85px;">  </td> </tr> </tbody></table>  <div>The content outlined above will be covered in:</div><div>approximately 9 hours of online lectures augmented with 11 seminar sessions and 11 practical classes.</div><div> </div> <div> The, paper-based exercises practical classes are designed to include(1)    exercises that can be completed within the duration of the practical class and which contain the fundamental material each student should know to do well in the assessments, plus(2)    supplementary exercises developing this fundamental material beyond that which will be directly assessed and which can be completed by the interested student between classesThe computer based classes will follow a similar structure with the following:(1)  an introduction to the Matlab or Python commands we will use.(2)  the main exercise that is to be completed during the class.(3)  follow up material to develop understanding.Within each class, helpful hints on solution strategy or practical demonstrations are given, and staff are on hand in the classes to guide students, one-on-one, through the exercises as they work on them. All necessary mathematics (primarily vector and matrix manipulation) is taught within the classes in the traditional way (with pen-and-paper + calculators). Attention is paid to how graphical techniques that have been introduced in previous course units to solve elementary versions of these types of exercise (e.g., using stereonets, Mohr Circles), follow from the mathematics.During the practical classes interim solutions are posted on the board in timely fashion. Worked solutions to all exercises (fundamental and supplementary) are posted on Blackboard after each class. In several instances, reviews of these solutions will be given at the start of the following practical class. Students are encouraged to discuss their work with staff during each practical, and this includes not only the exercises that they are solving in that class but also any exercises that they may have completed between classes. It is through these exchanges that most formative feedback is delivered. Students may also arrange to meet staff outside the practical classes to discuss their work if they wish.At several points during the course, key revision guidance is given both within the class and posted on Blackboard in a folder entitled ‘How to do well in this unit’. This will be underscored prior to each of the two assessments</div>  0 Other 50% 1 Written exam 50% <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width:92px;height:68px;">Assessment type</td> <td style="width:76px;height:68px;">% Weighting within unit</td> <td style="width:85px;height:68px;">Hand out and hand in dates</td> <td style="width:66px;height:68px;">Length </td> <td style="width:246px;height:68px;">How, when and what feedback is provided</td> <td style="width:76px;height:68px;">ILO tested</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:92px;height:101px;">Test[summative]</td> <td style="width:76px;height:101px;">50%</td> <td style="width:85px;height:101px;">Teaching Week 7</td> <td style="width:66px;height:101px;">2.5 hr</td> <td style="width:246px;height:101px;">No formal feedback will be given beyond a detailed mark breakdown issued within the 15 working day period for return of in-course marks. Students may view their script by arrangement</td> <td style="width:76px;height:101px;">1,2, 3, 4</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:92px;height:101px;">Exam [summative]</td> <td style="width:76px;height:101px;">50%</td> <td style="width:85px;height:101px;">Teaching Week 12</td> <td style="width:66px;height:101px;">2.5 hr</td> <td style="width:246px;height:101px;">As an end-of-unit examination, no formal feedback will be given. However, students may view their script, together with a very detailed mark breakdown, after the exam period by arrangement.</td> <td style="width:76px;height:101px;">2, 3, 5, 6, 7</td> </tr> </tbody></table>  <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width:204px;"> Pre-requisite units</td> <td style="width:437px;"> EART20292 Structural Geology (exceptions can be discussed)</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:204px;"> Co-requisite units</td> <td style="width:437px;"> None</td> </tr> </tbody></table>  BSc (Hons) Earth and Plan Scie BSc (Hons) Earth (Geology) Third Year Optional BSc (Hons) Earth and Plan Scie BSc (Hons) Earth (Resources) Third Year Optional MEarthSci (Hons) Ea and Pl Sci MEarthSci (Hons) Earth (Geolo) Third Year Optional MEarthSci (Hons) Ea and Pl Sci MEarthSci (Hons) Earth (Resou) Third Year Optional MEarthSci (Hons) Earth Industr MEarthSci EPS Yr Industry (ER) Third Year Optional MEarthSci (Hons) Earth Abroad MEarthSci EPS Abroad (ER) Third Year Optional MEarthSci (Hons) EPS with Res MEarthSci (H) EPS (ER) with Re Third Year Optional <ul> <li style="margin-left: 14.2pt;">Zoback MD, 2007, Reservoir Geomechanics, Cambridge University Press [recommended]</li> <li style="margin-left: 14.2pt;">Jaeger JC, Cook NGW, Zimmerman RW, 2007, Fundamentals of Rock Mechanics (4th edition), Blackwell [recommended]</li> <li style="margin-left: 14.2pt;">Allmendinger RW, Cardozo N, Fisher DM, 2012, Structural Geology Algorithms: Vectors and Tensors, Cambridge University Press [recommended]</li> <li style="margin-left: 14.2pt;">Karato S-I, 2008, Deformation of Earth Materials: An Introduction to the Rheology of Solid Earth, Cambridge University Press [recommended]</li> <li style="margin-left: 14.2pt;">Poirier J-P, 1985, Creep of Crystals: High Temperature Deformation Processes in Metals, Ceramics and Minerals, Cambridge University Press [recommended]</li> <li style="margin-left: 14.2pt;">Paterson MS, Wong T-F, 2005, Experimental Rock Deformation – The Brittle Field (2nd edition), Springer [recommended]</li></ul> Lectures 11 Practical classes & workshops 18 0 71 Other Scheduled teaching and learning activities: 2 x 1½ hr in-course tests in the practical class timetable slot