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Geomechanical restoration methods are dependent on boundary conditions to ensure geological consistency of the restored model in terms of geometry and strain. Classical restoration boundary conditions, such as flattening a datum horizon, may lead to inconsistent displacement and strain fields. We restore a laboratory structural sandbox model with known deformation history to develop guidelines for definition of boundary conditions that produce improved results from geomechanical restorations. The sandbox model has a basal silicone layer, includes synkinematic deposition, and is characterized by structures analogous to those found in suprasalt extensional environments. The deformed geometry is interpreted from three-dimensional tomography imaging, and a time series of cross section tomography images provides a benchmark to quantify restoration error and inform boundary conditions. We confirm that imposing a lateral displacement equal and opposite to far-field tectonic shortening or extension provides a more accurate restoration. However, the amount of displacement may not be known in real cases. We therefore test several established methods, using only the unrestored geometries, to assess the amount of shortening that should be used to guide geomechanical restorations. An accurate estimation is provided by the area–depth method and potentially by a dilatation analysis. Additionally, novel fault-compliance boundary conditions produce improved results in the vicinity of crossing and branching faults. Application of similar methods should produce improved restoration of natural geologic structures.

International audience; Volumetric restoration can provide crucial insights into the structural evolution of three-dimensional (3-D) petroleum systems. A major limitation to its widespread application is the need to include complex architectures and realistic mechanics such as flexural slip. We apply an implicit approach that allows for, including unconformities, thin and/or pinched-out layers in the models but that cannot explicitly localize slip along horizons. To take advantage of this approach while accounting for flexural slip in 3-D restoration, we investigate new geomechanical properties. We consider flexural slip folding as a result of stacked rigid and thin weak layers, which can be modeled using transversely isotropic properties. We compare restorations of an anticline using transversely isotropic properties, isotropic properties, and a stack of rigid isotropic layers with nonfrictional slip between the layers. Our results show that transversely isotropic properties reasonably approximate flexural slip folding. We use these new tools to model the evolution of a complex system located in the Niger Delta toe. The system includes a detachment fold, a fault-bend fold, and a structural wedge formed in series. Growth stratigraphy and erosional surfaces delimit the kinematics of deformation. Regional erosive surfaces, 3-D gradients of fault slip, and vertical variations in mechanical strength motivated the use of our new restoration techniques. Restoring two growth units results not only in reinforcing the interpretation that the area is behaving as a deforming thrust sheet at critical taper, but also in highlighting coeval activity on both the hinterland structures and the toe of the thrust belt.