Priest, Jeffrey A.McKean, Scott Harold2017-09-142017-09-1420172017McKean, S. H. (2017). Geomechanical Properties of the Montney and Sulphur Mountain Formations (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/26288http://hdl.handle.net/11023/4103Accurate modelling of hydraulic fracturing is critical for improving the cost efficiency and societal acceptance of unconventional hydrocarbon exploitation. This thesis investigates the geomechanical inputs required to improve hydraulic fracturing using X-Ray fluorescence, helium pyncnometry, microhardness, point load strength testing, unconfined compressive strength testing, Brazilian testing, multi-stage triaxial testing, and ultrasonic pulse transmission. The Montney Formation and its outcrop equivalent, the Sulphur Mountain Formation, are studied. Static and dynamic experimental results are interpreted and compared using a transversely isotropic framework. The Sulphur Mountain samples were more brittle and heterogeneous than Montney samples, which were harder and failed in a more stable fashion. Heterogeneity was a stronger control on failure, strength, and elastic constants than anisotropy caused by layering. Complex failure mechanisms were observed in Brazilian and triaxial tests and yielded insights into fracture propagation processes, inhomogeneity, and stress concentrations.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.GeologyApplied MechanicsEnergyEngineering--Civilhydraulic fracturingtriaxial testingultrasonic pulse transmissionheterogeneityAnisotropyFailureBrazilian testingmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/26288