Evaluation of the Modified Cam Clay model in basin and petroleum system modeling (BPSM) loading conditions

Basin and Petroleum System Modeling (BPSM) simulates the evolution of sedimentary basins over geological time spans, a highly complex process in which the mechanical representation of rocks is of the utmost relevance. Through geomechanical analyses, it is possible to quantify properties of the porous media (mainly porosity), simulate the formation of seals and traps and understand the propagation of faults and fractures, as well as their roles in fluid flow, all of which can significantly influence the prediction of hydrocarbons accumulations. However, the traditional mechanical model applied in BPSM simulators is an empirical law developed by geophysicist Lawrence F. Athy in the 1930s, based on a series of simplifications about the mechanical problem that may restrict its application in scenarios where geological processes others than one-dimensional compaction are acting. Thus, a constitutive model that accounts for the influence of three-dimensional states of stress and strain on the mechanical behavior of geological materials may represent a more robust solution in BPSM analyses. In that context, this work evaluates the ability of an alternative representation (Modified Cam Clay Model) to reproduce the mechanical behavior of sedimentary rocks in the deposition and compaction processes observed in BPSM using simplified test cases and Athy's compaction curve as reference.