Applied Rock Mechanics - ARM

Understanding the stress, strain, and failure mechanics of rocks and their response to earth stresses can lead to enormous economic benefits in all phases of petroleum reservoir development. Over the last ten years, rock mechanics has emerged as a critical technology capable of lowering financial risk in drilling and well completions, qualifying exploration and development opportunities, and improving hydrocarbon productivity. Rock mechanics is a vital decision-making tool for high-angle and horizontal drilling, unconventional reservoirs, deepwater drilling, massive hydraulic fracturing, and completing poorly cemented formations. Borehole instability, casing shear, subsidence, stuck pipe, and sand control issues cost the petroleum industry many billions of dollars annually. New theory and experimental methods as well as straightforward computer modeling techniques have provided insight into developing prospects in complex geological basins and harsh drilling environments. In Applied Rock Mechanics, students are provided with basic theory, laboratory demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and computer modeling demonstrations. In addition to a comprehensive manual, software is provided for the student to perform wellbore stability calculations. The practical application of rock mechanics is emphasized. Applied Rock Mechanics is designed to familiarize engineers and geoscientists with the necessary tools for immediate field application.