Courses

This course covers the fundamentals of geomechanics for wellbore applications. It covers the topic of the origin of stresses in the subsurface and how in situ stresses can be understood from wellbore data. Mechanical properties such as rock strength and elastic properties are introduced and their determination in the laboratory as well as from log data is discussed. The origins of pore pressure and how it is measured and estimated is discussed and shown. The course then proceeds to show how all discussed concepts can be put together to build a Mechanical Earth Model and how this is used to examine critical problems in exploration and field development. Throughout the course the theoretical lectures are accompanied by practical exercises using the latest SLB Techlog Geomechanics modules as well as pen-and-paper exercises. 

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course attendees will be able to:

• Use routinely collected and specialized data to make basic geomechanical calculations for wellbore stability and sand production
• Build 1D Mechanical Earth models from data in existing wells
• Perform Wellbore stability predictions and sand production predictions and apply to well planning

Key Learning Elements

Fundamental understanding of well-centric petroleum geomechanics.

• Data requirements for geomechanical studies
• The use of the 1D Mechanical Earth Model in geomechanical studies
• Perform 1D Wellbore stability and sand production predictions