Month: March 2025

World Oil Magazine Spotlights University of Utah Research on Hydraulic Fracturing

March 3, 2025

Fracturing Smarter: A New Approach to Hydraulic Stimulation in Unconventional Reservoirs

Deep beneath southeastern Utah lies the Cane Creek play, a formation rich in unconventional tight oil. Traditional drilling and fracturing methods have been insufficient in extracting its resources efficiently, plaguing operators with significant challenges for decades.

A study conducted at the University of Utah, recently featured in World Oil Magazine, explores innovative hydraulic fracturing techniques tailored to the unique geological conditions of the Cane Creek play. By leveraging cutting-edge modeling and geomechanical analysis, the study proposes a refined approach to maximize production while improving economic and environmental sustainability.

Authored by Dr. N. Z. Dvory and Dr. B. J. McPherson from Civil & Environmental Engineering (CvEEN), alongside Dr. J. D. McLennan from Chemical Engineering & Energy and Geoscience Institute (EGI), this research breaks down conventional assumptions about natural fractures while building up new strategies for optimizing fracture propagation and stress distribution.

Addressing the Challenges of the Cane Creek Play

The Cane Creek play has long been recognized for its oil potential, yet its complex geological and geomechanical formations make oil recovery difficult. Since the 1990s, horizontal drilling has been the primary approach to the area, but achieving consistent and substantial production has remained a challenge.

This research, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, focuses on leveraging advanced geomechanical insights to develop sustainable and economically viable stimulation strategies. A prevailing belief has been that accessing natural fractures is key to productivity. However, prior studies suggest natural fractures alone may not be the primary driver of successful production.

Cane Creek Oil Play

The Cane Creek Oil Play (Red) in the Paradox Basin (Photo: Utah Geological Survey)

A New Approach to Hydraulic Fracturing

Rather than relying solely on natural fractures for oil flow, CvEEN faculty are exploring how hydraulic fracturing can be optimized by understanding stress distribution and fracture mechanics. The study presents two well and/or stimulation design approaches to influence fracture propagation and production efficiency. The modified well design and stimulation procedure would strategically control stress shadow distribution and, consequently, trigger shear slip along existing fractures, improving permeability and increasing oil flow.

Geomechanical data from two test wells within the Cane Creek formation was applied to a planar fracture modeling approach to simulate stress shadow effects. The findings provide a deeper understanding of how natural fractures and fault shearing potential interact with hydraulic fracturing operations. These insights can help engineers design more effective hydraulic fracturing strategies, enhancing oil production while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs in unconventional reservoirs.

Recognition in World Oil Magazine

The inclusion of this study in World Oil Magazine highlights the significance of the University of Utah’s contributions to advancing geotechnical research.

Read the full study at World Oil Magazine.

 

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Pictured above: Aspen Dalby performs modern dance at the U (credit: Kendall MacMillan). Environmental Sustainability and Expressive Creativity For Aspen Dalby, a love for the delicate balance between people and the environment has been a guiding principle. Growing up in Sandy, Utah, she found harmony in nature—whether hiking in the mountains or exploring Utah’s diverse […]

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Civil & Environmental Engineering Student Spotlight: Aspen Dalby

March 2, 2025

Pictured above: Aspen Dalby performs modern dance at the U (credit: Kendall MacMillan).

Environmental Sustainability and Expressive Creativity

For Aspen Dalby, a love for the delicate balance between people and the environment has been a guiding principle. Growing up in Sandy, Utah, she found harmony in nature—whether hiking in the mountains or exploring Utah’s diverse landscapes. Her appreciation for the ecological rhythm between environment and society shaped not only her approach to engineering but also her passion for dance.

At the U, Aspen launched herself into biology and public health—along with Modern Dance classes—to  embrace her environmental and expressive ambitions. In a public health class, a revelation occurred during a brief lecture on civil engineering: She realized that civil engineers do more than build infrastructure—they design sustainable solutions that bridge the gap between communities and their environments.

“The fact that engineers get to create lasting, meaningful change really left an impression on me,” said Dalby. “I immediately saw how a career in civil engineering could check off both of my boxes—having a positive impact on my community while taking steps to protect the environment.”

With passions newly awakened, she officially set course for civil engineering degree.

From Stages to Streams:

In addition to being able to create a lasting legacy, the tempo of an engineer’s day-to-day also attracted Aspen: getting to work in a lab balances well with also being able to do hands-on fieldwork in the outdoors. She took a liking to this during her time in Dr. Jennifer Weidhaas’s lab as an undergraduate research assistant, focusing on wastewater treatment. Her work involved wastewater sampling to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a project that deepened her appreciation for the intersection of environmental science, public health, and engineering. Through this research, she developed valuable lab skills and was able to manifest her passion by using engineering to address real-world environmental challenges.

Between engineering classes and working in the lab, Aspen continued to pursue her love for dance. Not only did it provide a creative outlet, it also allowed her opportunities to expand her worldview. While pursuing a minor in Modern Dance, she was able to take West African dance classes before her study abroad experience in Ghana, which deepened her cultural understanding ahead of her 2022 journey.

"Learning these dance forms immersed my in the cultural histories and traditions of the people I was about to be among," said Dalby. It was a very intimate way to learn about a people's customs and values."

In Kpong, Ghana, her study abroad program focused on Disease Ecology and Entrepreneurship. Over six weeks, she and her cohort conducted fieldwork, including partnering with the Volta River Authority to collect samples for schistosomiasis testing in the Volta River Region. They also collaborated with the Health2Go initiative, conducting community resource inventory surveys to support self-sufficiency in rural areas. The experience allowed Aspen to integrate her passion for engineering and public health while gaining a global perspective on sustainable development.

Aspen Dalby during her Study Abroad in West Africa

Dalby during her Study Abroad in West Africa.

Modern dance performance. (credit: Kendall MacMillan)

Dalby (right) with her Study Abroad cohort.

From Mountains to Microplastics:

Back in Utah, Aspen recently took her environmental research to the Capitol. In February, she shared her findings on microplastics in wastewater treatment with legislators and industry leaders at the 25th annual Research on Capitol Hill symposium. Her research highlighted how microplastics accumulate in biosolids—a byproduct of wastewater treatment used as fertilizer—and their potential impact on soil health. Standing before policymakers and advocating for environmental awareness was a moment that affirmed her dedication to making a difference through engineering.

Looking to the future, Aspen is excited about opportunities in open-channel water work, stream restoration, and fish passage improvement. She envisions a career focused on environmental site remediation and sustainable infrastructure projects that protect and restore natural ecosystems.

Aspen Dalby exemplifies what it means to be a civil and environmental engineer—merging science, sustainability, and creativity to make a lasting impact. Whether in the lab, on a job site, or through advocacy, she is committed to making the world a better place—one step at a time.

 

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Alumni Spotlight:

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Wooyoung Kim’s Journey in Transportation Engineering Meet Wooyoung Kim, a recent graduate from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who is now making an impact in the field of Transportation Engineering. With a blend of early exposure to civil engineering and hands-on academic experience, Kim is launching his transportation engineering career at Horrocks Engineers, […]

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Hosts Dr. Tianfu Xu at Inaugural Distinguished Seminar Series

Posted: February 9, 2025

Pictured above: Drs. Brian McPherson (left) and Tiafu Xu (right) answer questions in Layton Auditorium after Xu’s Seminar. On February 6, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah launched its inaugural Distinguished Seminar Series, inviting leading experts to share cutting-edge research and advancements in the field. Dr. Brian McPherson, USTAR […]

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Posted: February 5, 2025

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