Evaluation of Fracture Toughness of Sandstone and Shale Using Digital Image Correlation

Success of a hydraulic fracturing operation depends on the height and width of the induced fractures. One of the critical components controlling fracture size is fracture toughness of the formation. In this work, mode I fracture toughness of Berea Sandstone and Mancos Shale is measured by combining semi-circular bend test (SCB) and digital image correlation (DIC). Experiments were carried out in different notch orientations with respect to bedding. DIC is used to measure full-field displacements and to visualize and quantify fracture process zone (FPZ). Full-field displacements from DIC are utilized in Williams’ series solution to extract critical stress intensity factor, or fracture toughness. Accuracy of measuring fracture toughness using DIC displacements depends on area of interest (AOI), field of view (FOV), and the number of terms of solution ( N ). A parametric study is conducted, allowing to choose an optimal set of these parameters for evaluation of fracture toughness in rock specimens. It is known that fracture toughness values obtained directly from the SCB test, using conventional maximum load method, are underestimated due to the effect of nonlinear behavior caused by the fracture process zone. FPZ length is considered as an increase in the effective crack length. Irwin’s correction for effective crack length is utilized to measure fracture toughness values obtained directly from the SCB test that account for the fracture process zone. Fracture toughness values measured using DIC method and Irwin’s correction method are in a good match for both Berea Sandstone and Mancos Shale. Both methods show higher fracture toughness for samples in arrester orientation. In addition, the results show that FPZ length in Berea Sandstone is much larger than in Mancos Shale.