In situ stress characteristics of the NE Sichuan basin based on acoustic emission test and imaging logging

Abstract This study presents the distribution rule of in situ stress in the northeast Sichuan basin and its relationship with fracture. Sixty-seven sets of core samples of 21 Wells from the terrigenous clastic rock formation (Shaximiao, Qianfoya, Xujiahe) and marine carbonate formation (Jialingjiang, Leikoupo, Feixianguan) in the northeast Sichuan basin were tested by acoustic emission experiment. The in situ stress variation with the depth was established and the corresponding regression analysis was done. The horizontal principal stress direction of terrigenous clastic rock formation and marine carbonate rock formation was obtained by combining the dual diameter data of 6 wells and the imaging logging data of 3 wells. The results show that the vertical stress in the northeast of Sichuan basin has a linear relationship with the depth, and there is little difference between the vertical stress and the overburden weight of rocks. The maximum and minimum horizontal principal stress and horizontal shear stress increase with the burial depth. The divergence degree of horizontal shear stress with depth greater than 3000 m is greater than that of the stratum smaller than 3000 m. The horizontal stress plays a dominant role in the northeast Sichuan basin. With the increase in depth, the influence of tectonic stress field decreases and the vertical stress increases. Impacted by Dabashan and Qinling plate tectonic movement, the direction of in situ stress in marine carbonate strata is nearly east–west. The direction of maximum horizontal principal stress in terrigenous clastic rock formation is basically northwest–southeast. The imaging logging data show that the fracture direction is consistent with the horizontal principal stress direction, and the present in situ stress direction is favorable to the secondary reconstruction of natural fractures, and the fractures keep good opening. The distribution law of in situ stress in northeast Sichuan basin shows σ H > σ V > σ h , indicating that the fault activity in this area is dominated by strike-slip type, the tectonic stress field is dominated by horizontal tectonic stress, in addition that the stress state is conducive to reverse fault activity.