Patent Document ID: 9465140
Application ID: 13918468
Patent Flag: 1

Claim One:
1. A method for predicting strength anisotropy in subsurface formations along a wellpath comprising: receiving a stress model of the subsurface formation in the area of the wellpath; obtaining bulk strength properties of target rock, wherein the bulk strength properties are determined without coring the subsurface strata of interest for the target rock and without performing laboratory strength measurements of the target rock; developing anisotropic failure criteria based on the bulk strength properties, wherein the anisotropic failure criteria are developed using predictive algorithms that relate strength measurements derived from orientated core testing of samples not from the subsurface strata of interest and the degree of strength anisotropy associated with diverse geologic planes of weakness; combining the stress model with the anisotropic failure criteria to develop an anisotropic wellbore stability model which calculates planes of weakness for the target rock; and using the anisotropic wellbore stability model to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.