Mechanical Earth Models

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1D and 3D Mechanical Earth Models (MEMs) or Geomechanical Earth Models (GEMs) are static geological descriptions of the main parameters used in gemechanical analyses for field development issues. They are the geomechanical equivalent of the petrophysical or static geological models.

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Petroleum Geomechanical Engineers (PGEs) use the parameters in these MEMs to address practical design issues such as wellbore stability, sand production production, hydraulic fracturing design for well-based analyses, and for field-wide dynamics models for subsidence and compaction and 4D time-lapse seismic analysis.

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These models can be divided into two components:

• Stress-based characterisation of the reservoir and overburden (magnitudes and directions)

• Mechanical property and strength behaviour of the reservoir and overburden.

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These models are the starting point for characterising the sub-surface. Addis and Yassir have experience in developing these MEMs for mainly well-based analyses but also for field-wide analyses. 

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1D-MEMs have been largely commoditised in the oil industry, with the use of standardised workflows. However, these standardised approaches can lead to systematic errors in determining the input parameters used in subsequent analyses and recommendations. Addis & Yassir evaluate the uncertainties involved in the definition of these MEMs and assess the impact of any uncertainties on any subsequent analysis, before recommending the optimum parameters to use in any analysis. 

 

We advise our clients on how to reduce the MEM uncertainties to improve any analyses, and on how to implement the analyses in any well design or field development.