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Stress and strain measured during a compressional test
MetaRock triaxial load frame used for compressional testing

Rock Mechanics Testing

Compressional Testing — Single Stage / Multistage Triaxial

Compressional testing of samples drilled at a chosen orientation — perpendicular, parallel, or inclined with respect to bedding — giving compressive strength, residual strength and mechanical properties from measured stress-strain data.

What the results support

  • Rock characterisation and failure envelope construction
  • Elastic anisotropy characterisation
  • In-situ stress modelling
  • Wellbore stability analysis
  • Hydraulic fracture design
  • Static and dynamic properties, measured together

Sample dimensions: 1″ × 2″ or 1.5″ × 3″. Load press capacity 50,000 lbs, confining pressure rating 15,000 psi. Full core testing available on request.

  • Acoustic velocity is measured throughout the duration of the test, so dynamic mechanical properties come alongside the static measurements rather than from a separate run.
  • Combining the two gives insight into in-situ stress estimates that neither provides alone.
  • Tests can be performed under total or effective stress conditions.
  • Confining pressure cycling before triaxial loading allows estimation of bulk modulus under isostatic loading, while load and unload cycles during triaxial loading give mechanical properties at simulated reservoir conditions.
  • High temperature testing is available in addition to ambient, and compressional testing can be paired with simultaneous porosity or permeability measurement for an integrated programme.
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