ABSTRACT
Pore-fluid pressure is known to play a key role in activating of geological faults at a wide range of scale. Elevated fluid pressure within fractures or pores changes mechanical conditions, resulting in fluid-induced seismicity. This paper presents an experimental technique to reactivate fracture plane induced by elevated pore pressure. Fracture plane of Kimachi sandstone was reactivated through a series of incremental sequence of pore pressure under stress conditions controlled by true triaxial test apparatus. Of particular interest is the relationship between pore pressure evolution and mechanical response within the fractured specimen during reactivation. Stress, displacement, and permeability exhibited instantaneous changes at an elevated pore pressure. Hysteresis effect and anisotropic measurements of displacement indicate fracture reactivation of the specimen.
