Shale dynamic properties and anisotropy under triaxial loading:: Experimental and theoretical investigations

This paper is concerned with the experimental identification of the whole dynamic elastic stiffness tensor of a transversely isotropic clayrock from a single cylindrical sample under loading. Measurement of elastic wave velocities (pulse at 1 MHz), obtained under macroscopically undrained triaxial loading conditions are provided. Further macroscopic (laboratory scale) interpretation of the velocity measurements is performed in terms of (i) dynamic elastic parameters; and (ii) elastic anisotropy. Experiments were performed on a Callovo-Oxfordian shale, Jurassic in age, recovered from a depth of 613 m in the eastern part of Paris basin in France. Moreover, a physically-based micromechanical model is developed in order to quantify the damaged state of the shale under loading through macroscopic measurements. This model allows for the identification of the pertinent parameters for a general transversely isotropic orientational distribution of microcracks, superimposed on the intrinsic transverse isotropy of the rock. It is directly inspired from experimental observations and measurements. At this stage, second- and fourth-rank tensors alpha(ij) and beta(ijkl) are identified as proper damage parameters. However, they still need to be explicited in terms of micromechanical parameters for the complex case of anisotropy. An illustration of the protocole of this microstructural data recovery is provided in the simpler case of isotropy. This microstructural insight includes cavities geometry, orientation and fluid-content. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.