3-D geometric description of fractured reservoirs

Traditional stochastic modeling of fracture networks usually failed because it required unaccessible statistics and may not be able to honor available local data. This paper presents an algorithm for the 3D geometric simulation of fractured reservoirs. It is based on geological rules of fracture propagation and interaction. It is part of a methodology which aims at integrating diverse data about the fracture system in the subsurface. This information can come from well cores and logs, analog outcrops, geomechanical stress studies, seismic surveys; it may be quantitative or qualitative, and have different degrees of reliability.