Fracture Height Calculator
Estimate hydraulic fracture height growth using the Simonson/PKN simplified model with upper and lower stress barriers.
Formation & Fracture Parameters
Fracture penetrates barrier when P_net > stress contrast
h_up = h_pay/2 * (P_net / sigma_upper) when P_net < sigma_upper
Results
Total Fracture Height
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Upward Growth
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Downward Growth
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Containment Ratio (Up)
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Containment Ratio (Down)
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Containment Status
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Fracture Height vs. Net Pressure
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How this was calculated
Simonson model: Height growth controlled by ratio of net pressure to stress contrast. When P_net >= sigma, fracture breaks through the barrier.
Upward/downward: h = (h_pay/2) * (P_net/sigma) when contained. Grows rapidly when uncontained.
Practical: Stress contrasts of 500-1000 psi typically provide good containment.
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Book a free strategy call →Understanding Fracture Height Growth
Fracture height containment is critical in hydraulic fracture design. An uncontained fracture growing into water zones results in excessive water production and wasted proppant. The stress contrast between pay zone and barriers is the primary containment mechanism.
The net pressure drives fracture propagation. As it increases during pumping, the fracture grows in length and height. If net pressure approaches the stress contrast at a barrier, the fracture begins to grow into that barrier.
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