Abstract
This study is designed to improve the understanding of structural, mechanical and petrophysical characteristics of deformation bands in porous sandstone such as their potential influence on fluid storage or migration in reservoir setting. Structural and petrophysical analysis of band networks from Provence show that permeability of band is mainly controlled by the degree of cataclasis and diagenetic processes at depth. Map-scale analysis of band networks underlines the major influence of tectonic regime on band distribution, organization and permeability. Band associated to normal-fault regime (cataclasis and low-permeability) are located around map-sclae-fault whereas band associated to thurst-fault regime (moderate cataclasis and permeability) are pervasively distributed in all the area. Reverse-sense band are cataclastic and low-permeabiilty around the Roquemaure thrust, which show the potential role of large-scale fault on structural and petrophysical characteristics of bands. This analysis also shows the influence of fault propagation on formation of low permeability catacastic bands. This analysis suggests also granulometry as factor controlling organization of band networks.A mechanical analysis of deformation bands is realized based on results from Provence. Yield envelopes of these materials are calculated from analytical solution. Triaxial tests done on sandstone (L'Etang quarry, Orange) confirm the shape of yield envelope theoretically calculated. Triaxial tests done on the poorly-lithified sands (Boncavaï quarry, Uchaux) show grain size, sorting and packing influencing yield envelope and cataclastic band localization at shallow burial depth. Stress paths are calculated for burial and tectonic event (extension and contraction) using the relationship between main stress and secondary stresses (K0) calibrated from well data. These different results are integrated into a model which allows to estimate type and structural characteristics of bands susceptible to form for a known geological setting.A structural, mechanical and petrophysical model is established form these results. This model is calibrated by permeability data from deformation bands of Provence and results from the mechanical model of strain localization. This model is also confronted to a synthesis of permeability data from literature, which confirms the influence of the different controlling parameters integrated to the model. This model is applied for two sites of uranium exploration/exploitation in porous sandstone reservoirs and validated by field observations.