Chemostratigraphy, mechanical stratigraphy, and sample size: influence on micro-mechanical tests for two Barnett Shale cores, Fort Worth Basin, Texas

Abstract

The Barnett Shale is one of many unconventional resources that brings a specific set of challenges and limitations, owing to the fine-grained nature of the formation. Traditional methods of describing lithologic variations and facies are limited within mudstones because subtle changes are often hard to characterize or identify without instrumentation. This study compiled a dataset of ED-XRF and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) data at three inch (7.5 cm) intervals from two Barnett Shale cores. The EOG #1 core taken from Hill County, Texas and EOG #2 core taken from Montague County, Texas. The focus of this study is to evaluate 1) chemostratigraphy and mechanical stratigraphy, 2) Bambino-measured UCS versus sample size, and 3) trends between the Dimpler and Bambino derived values related to sample composition. Results suggest these tools provide key information about composition, rock strength, and facies that cannot be measured by other traditional methods.