Research on high-precision one-dimensional geomechanical modeling of shale oil reservoirs

HOU Shuoyang; WANG Xiaoqiong; XIAN Chenggang; GE Hongkui; ZHONG Yi

doi:10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025094

Volume 32 Issue 2

Apr. 2026

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Article Navigation > Journal of Geomechanics > 2026 > 32(2): 1-13

HOU S Y，WANG X Q，XIAN C G，et al.，xxxx. Research on high-precision one-dimensional geomechanical modeling of shale oil reservoirs[J]. Journal of Geomechanics，x（x）：1−13 doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025094

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Research on high-precision one-dimensional geomechanical modeling of shale oil reservoirs

doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025094

HOU Shuoyang^{1, 2
,},
WANG Xiaoqiong^{1
,
,},
XIAN Chenggang^1
,,
GE Hongkui^1
,,
ZHONG Yi^3
,

1.
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
2.
College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
3.
CNPC Engineering Technology R & D Company Limited, Beijing 102206, China

Funds: This research was financially supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project for New Oil and Gas Exploration and Development (Grant No. 2025ZD1401403), and the General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42374132).

More Information

Received: 2025-07-30
Revised: 2025-11-29
Accepted: 2025-12-03

Available Online: 2026-03-19

Published: 2026-04-28

Abstract

Abstract

Objective The sweet spot intervals of shale oil reservoirs exhibit rapid vertical variations, are characterized by centimeter-scale thin interbeds and well-developed bedding planes, and possess strong anisotropy. Traditional isotropic models are therefore inadequate for detailed geomechanical modeling and characterization, posing significant challenges for reservoir stimulation and hydraulic fracturing design. Methods Geomechanics is key to the cost-effective development of oil and gas reservoirs with complex geological features. To establish a high-precision 1D geomechanical model, anisotropy experiments on shale oil reservoirs were conducted in the laboratory, perform 1D geomechanical modeling using well log data to analyze geomechanical characteristics. Results Systematically obtaining the anisotropic rock mechanical parameters of shale. Based on the rock mechanics experimental results and the anisotropic model, the depth-wise anisotropic stiffness matrix of the formation was derived from acoustic logging data, thereby obtaining anisotropic characterizations of mechanical parameters such as Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and compressive strength. Based on the acoustic-density log curves, the unloading characteristics of the study block were identified. Pore pressure was calculated using the Bowers unloading theory and calibrated with field Modular Formation Dynamics Tester data. By integrating a high-precision anisotropic rock mechanics model with pore pressure data, a higher-accuracy two-way horizontal principal stress field was derived using an anisotropic elastic model. This enabled the construction of a high-precision 1D anisotropic geomechanical model, demonstrating significantly improved accuracy compared to the isotropic model. Conclusions This study established an anisotropic 1D geomechanical modeling workflow, which provides a theoretical basis and technical support for oil and gas reservoir stimulation and fracturing program design. Systematic laboratory experimental studies on shale oil reservoir anisotropy were conducted to obtain the anisotropic rock mechanical parameters of the shale. These parameters were used to provide anisotropic rock mechanical data for the 1D geomechanical modeling. Based on the high-precision anisotropic rock mechanical model and pore pressure, the anisotropic elastic model was employed to determine the two-way horizontal principal stress with higher accuracy. The precision was significantly improved by approximately 7% compared to the isotropic model. The model was validated against field data such as well history records, revealing the distribution characteristics of anisotropic geomechanical parameters and in-situ stress along the wellbore. [ Significance ] The research findings serve as a foundational basis for the integration of Geo-engineering Integration, providing theoretical guidance and technical support for reservoir stimulation and hydraulic fracturing design.
- shale oil reservoir,
- rock mechanics,
- geomechanical,
- anisotropic,
- 1-D geomechanical modeling

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