Investigation of controlling parameters on geomechanical properties of the Southern Danish Central Graben chalk

This work presents an analysis of the geomechanical tests carried out on reservoir core samples from the Dan, Halfdan and Kraka fields. Strength and elastic parameters were calculated and are presented against assumed controlling parameters, such as porosity, stratigraphic unit and permeability. Petrophysical analysis of side trims of the tested cores are presented in order to clarify parameters controlling rock cohesion. A detailed analysis of the data revealed a strong relationship between permeability and the native water saturation of the samples, and strength. However the restricted number of geomechanical tests run with samples saturated with water/brine makes it difficult to evaluate the impact of saturating fluid on the strength of the chalk.