A multi-scaling approach to predict hydraulic damage of poromaterials

•The paper introduces a numerical procedure of hydraulic damage in geomaterials•Unlike existing phenomenological models, the current procedure is based on homogenization.•The model also relies on a mature description of thermodynamics and linear fracture mechanics.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of hydraulic damage and its numerical integration. Unlike the common phenomenological continuum damage mechanics approaches, the procedure introduced in this paper relies on mature concepts of homogenization, linear fracture mechanics, and thermodynamics. The model is applied to the problem of fault reactivation within resource reservoirs. The results show that propagation of weaknesses is highly driven by the contrasts of properties in porous media. In particular, it is affected by the fracture toughness of host rocks. Hydraulic damage is diffused when it takes place within extended geological units and localized at interfaces and faults.