Mechanisms of water adsorption into partially saturated fractured shales: An experimental study

The experimental results of this study are explained by two proposed mechanisms; capillary hydration and surface-osmotic hydrations that can combine to influence the amount of water uptake into partially saturated shales. The results show that the crack initiation is a strong function of confining stress and cracks are formed parallel to weak structures of the rock (bedding planes and laminations). The results also reveal that the mineral hydration controls the permeability (and consequently water flow) of existing fractures within the shale sample.