Rock mass strength and elastic modulus of the Buntsandstein: An important lithostratigraphic unit for geothermal exploitation in the Upper Rhine Graben

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Michael J. Heap
  • Alexandra R.L. Kushnir
  • Jamie I. Farquharson
  • Patrick Baud
  • Thierry Reuschlé

External Organisational units

  • University of Canterbury
  • Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, USA
  • Université de Strasbourg

Abstract

Geothermal exploitation in the Upper Rhine Graben increasingly targets the interface between the granitic basement and the overlying Buntsandstein unit. Results from deformation experiments are combined with structural assessments to provide reservoir-scale wet and dry strength and elastic modulus profiles for the Buntsandstein at Soultz-sous-Forêts (France). Our analysis finds five zones characterised by low strength and elastic modulus. The strength and elastic modulus of “massive” zones are lower when the rock is wet (i.e. water-saturated), highlighting the importance of performing wet deformation experiments for geothermal rock mass assessments. These data and methods can be used to provide assessments of other geothermal sites within the region to assist prospection, stimulation, and optimisation strategies.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)236-256
Number of pages21
JournalGeothermics
Volume77.2019
Issue numberJanuary
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 10 Oct 2018
Externally publishedYes