Geomechanical Characterization of Elastic and Strength Properties in X Field, Niger Delta, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.83080/rejost.vol6no3.289Keywords:
Young’s Modulus, Poisson’s Ratio, Mohr–Coulomb Failure Criterion, Niger Delta, Cohesion, Friction AngleAbstract
The study presents a comparative geomechanical characterization of four wells (A–D) in an onshore Niger Delta field using conventional wireline logs. Gamma ray, density, compressional sonic, shear sonic, resistivity, and caliper logs were integrated to estimate Poisson’s ratio, static and dynamic Young’s modulus, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), cohesion, friction angle, and Mohr–Coulomb failure strength using established rock physics and empirical relationships. Well correlation identified two laterally continuous reservoir units (Sand 1 and Sand 2), although reservoir thickness varies across the field. The estimated geomechanical properties reveal clear lithological variations in formation mechanical behaviour. Poisson’s ratio ranges from approximately 0.29 to 0.43, static Young’s modulus from approximately 5 to 19 GPa, dynamic Young’s modulus from approximately 23 to 50 GPa, UCS from approximately 860 to 3,780 psi, cohesion from approximately 285 to 980 psi, friction angle from approximately 23° to 35°, and Mohr–Coulomb failure strength from approximately 626 to 4,462 psi. Sandstone intervals generally exhibit lower Poisson’s ratio and higher elastic stiffness, compressive strength, cohesion, friction angle, and failure strength than adjacent shale units, indicating greater mechanical competence. Comparative analysis indicates that Well C records the highest maximum values for several elastic and strength parameters, whereas Well B generally exhibits comparatively weaker and more deformable formation intervals. The study provides a field-specific evaluation of the spatial variability of log-derived elastic and strength properties and establishes a comparative basis for reservoir characterization and future geomechanical investigations in the onshore Niger Delta.
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