Prediction criterion and numerical validation for the interaction between hydraulic fractures and bedding planes

Shale is a kind of sedimentary rock with an obvious bedding structure. The effect of the bedding plane on hydraulic fracture initiation, propagation, and complex fracture network formation is remarkable and a major problem in hydraulic fracturing and shale oil and gas development. In this study, a criterion is established to predict the evolution behavior of hydraulic fractures (HF) under different confining pressure differences and intersection angles. This criterion is intended to predict the types of interaction between HFs and bedding planes (BPs): penetrating, slipping, or dilating. The dependence of crossing on the intersection angle and the principal stress difference is quantitatively presented using the criterion. Meanwhile, 20 simulations with principal stress differences of 2, 4, 6, and 8 MPa and intersection angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° were simulated using the RFPA2D-Flow code. Simulation results exhibit good agreement with the criterion results for a wide range of angles. The investigation showed that HFs tend to penetrate BPs under high confining pressure differences and intersection angles and open BPs under low confining pressure differences and intersection angles. In addition to the above two forms, HFs slip due to shear. The criterion can provide relevant reference about the formation of complex fracture networks in shale layers.