A 3D numerical model for studying the effect of interface shear failure on hydraulic fracture height containment

• Interface shear failure is considered.
• A 3D fluid-solid coupling model is used.
• The model was verified by field measured data.
• Interface slippage will occur when the shear strength is small.
• A new understanding of fracture propagation is provided.

Prediction of hydraulic fracture geometry is a difficult challenge and of great importance in oil engineering. Based on finite element method, a 3D fluid–solid coupling model is established with ABAQUS code for simulating hydraulic fracturing problems. A typical fracturing process of a well in Daqing Oilfield in China is performed with the model. The obtained bottomhole pressure curve almost coincides with the field measured data, and thus the accuracy of the model is verified. The effect of interface shear failure on fracture height containment is studied. The results indicate that when the shear strength of interface is lower than a critical value, obvious slippage between barrier layer and pay layer occurs, the fracture tip becomes blunted, and thus the fracture height is controlled. Our work can provide a new understanding of complex crack propagation in rock and will benefit the design of hydraulic fracture treatment in Oilfield.