Geomechanics Group

Geomechanics studies deal mainly with coupled problems requiring simultaneous consideration of changes in temperature, pressure, stress, and chemical potential (THMC). Major current challenges in this domain include: accurate delineation of in situ physical properties and conditions (T, [σ ], p), especially for naturally fractured reservoirs; wellbore wall stability predictions in swelling and fractured shale strata; modeling and monitoring of multiple-stage hydraulic fracturing used for development of resources in low-permeability rocks; controlling or exploiting sand ingress into producing wellbores; predicting subsidence accurately enough so that rational design decisions can be made; mitigating or reducing the incidence of casing shear arising from subsidence or thermal reservoir stimulation; understanding and analyzing thermal production processes in viscous oil reservoirs; monitoring of deformations in and around reservoirs being subjected to complex processes; and, a newer development, using the deep sedimentary basin environment for the permanent and secure heat recovery, and disposal of fluid and granular wastes.

Team Members:

1. Seyedbijan Mahbaz (Research Associate, Civil and Environmental Engineering)
2. Alireza Dehghanisanij (Postdoctoral Fellow, Earth and Environmental Sciences)
3. Ruiqiang Li (PhD Candidate, Earth and Environmental Sciences)
4. Milad Mosharafi (PhD Candidate, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering)
5. Ali Ghavidel (PhD Candidate, Civil and Environmental Engineering)

Additional information can be found below:

https://uwaterloo.ca/geomechanics-group/