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INSTRUCTORS:
Roman Makhnenko
Hua Yu, Ph.D., PE, M.ASCE
Ehsan Dabbaghi, S.M.ASCE
Shahrzad Roshankhah, PhD, PE
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the Geo-Institute Web Conference 2025.
Shales as Barriers in Geoenergy Projects (23 minutes)
This presentation examines the role of shales as low-permeability barrier materials in geoenergy applications such as carbon dioxide sequestration, hydrogen storage, and nuclear waste disposal. It explains the unique hydro-mechanical properties of clay-rich shales that distinguish them from conventional reservoir rocks, including their low permeability, anisotropy, and sensitivity to saturation conditions. The speaker discusses laboratory and in-situ testing methods used to characterize shale permeability, capillary sealing capacity, and deformation behavior under representative stress, pressure, and temperature conditions. Case studies from CO2 storage projects and underground research laboratories are used to illustrate real-world performance of shale caprocks. The presentation also highlights the importance of coupled processes, including chemical, thermal, and mechanical effects, on long-term barrier integrity. Attendees will gain insight into how shale properties influence leakage risk and storage security in geoenergy systems.
Determination of Elastic Constants and Crack Propagation Thresholds of Brittle Rocks: Insights Across Elastic and Plastic Regimes (27 minutes)
This presentation focuses on improving the determination of elastic constants and crack propagation thresholds in brittle rocks subjected to laboratory loading. It reviews the limitations of commonly used methods for identifying Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and crack initiation and closure stresses, emphasizing issues of subjectivity and inconsistency. A systematic, regression-based approach is introduced to distinguish elastic and plastic regimes in stress–strain behavior more objectively. The method is validated through comparison with existing techniques and experimental data. By addressing both elastic and inelastic deformation stages, the approach provides a more reliable framework for characterizing brittle rock behavior. The findings are particularly relevant for applications in rock engineering design, numerical modeling, and stability analysis.
Rock Mechanics for Underground Hydrogen Storage (20 minutes)
This presentation explores the role of rock mechanics in the emerging technology of underground hydrogen storage as part of the energy transition. It introduces geological storage options such as salt caverns, saline aquifers, and depleted oil and gas reservoirs, highlighting their advantages and challenges. The presentation discusses key rock properties influencing storage performance, including porosity, permeability, strength, and rock–fluid interactions. Experimental techniques used to simulate subsurface hydrogen exposure, such as triaxial testing, high-pressure reactors, CT scanning, and microstructural analysis, are presented. Results demonstrate how hydrogen exposure can alter mechanical properties and microstructure in certain rock types. The talk concludes by identifying research needs related to cyclic loading, caprock integrity, and long-term storage safety.
Mechanisms and Consequences of Failure in Jointed Rock Slopes (22 minutes)
This presentation investigates the failure mechanisms of jointed rock slopes with an emphasis on the role of natural fracture networks. It explains why slope stability cannot be reliably assessed using geometry alone and highlights the importance of internal rock mass structure. Advanced numerical modeling techniques, including finite–discrete element methods, are used to simulate deformation, fracture propagation, and block movement. The study evaluates how different joint orientations and strength reduction approaches influence factors of safety and failure consequences such as runout distance and displaced volume. Results show that conventional strength reduction methods may overestimate stability by neglecting tensile strength and fracture energy degradation. The presentation emphasizes the need for structure-informed and mechanism-based slope stability assessments.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:
- Explain how shale hydro-mechanical properties contribute to their effectiveness as barrier materials in geoenergy projects.
- Describe a systematic method for determining elastic constants and crack propagation thresholds in brittle rocks.
- Discuss the key rock mechanics considerations affecting the safety and performance of underground hydrogen storage systems.
- Identify how joint orientation and fracture properties influence failure mechanisms and consequences in rock slopes.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes are assessed and achieved through passing a 10 multiple-choice question post-test with at least a 70%.
Who Should Attend?
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Engineering Geologists
- Road Designers
- Practitioners
- Geosynthetic Manufacturers
- Contractors
- Graduate Students
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test online and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]