Abstract: Fracture porosity and permeability variations with increasing effective stress, are measured and determined by laboratory testing of rock cylindrical core plugs of various types (carbonate, silico-clastic, shale, e.g.) and dimensions. The testing can be implemented for both natural and induced fractures propagating axially in the rock core plug. The testing begins with initial testing, sample preparation and obtaining measurements on an intact plug to define matrix properties in the rock core plug. A rock core plug with defined matrix properties is then after further preparation, subjected to an axial shear fracture (natural or induced) propagating through its body. Measurements are then obtained from the plug with an axial shear fracture (natural or induced) propagating through its body to determine fracture properties.

Abstract: Fracture porosity and permeability variations with increasing effective stress, are measured and determined by laboratory testing of rock cylindrical core plugs of various types (carbonate, silico-clastic, shale, e.g.) and dimensions. The testing can be implemented for both natural and induced fractures propagating axially in the rock core plug. The testing begins with initial testing, sample preparation and obtaining measurements on an intact plug to define matrix properties in the rock core plug. A rock core plug with defined matrix properties is then after further preparation, subjected to an axial shear fracture (natural or induced) propagating through its body. Measurements are then obtained from the plug with an axial shear fracture (natural or induced) propagating through its body to determine fracture properties.