A Workflow for Wellbore Closure in Salt Formations Using Chronos: From Laboratory Testing to Numerical Simulation

Abstract

Understanding wellbore closure in salt formations requires an integrated approach that links laboratory characterization, material calibration, and advanced numerical simulation. This study presents a comprehensive workflow developed for halite from the Starks Dome (Louisiana, USA), combining experimental testing and finite-element modeling using the in-house program Chronos. Laboratory tests provided the mechanical parameters, including density (2.20 g/cm³) and unconfined compressive strength (17.85 MPa), as well as time-dependent creep data under triaxial conditions. These results were used to calibrate constitutive models implemented in Chronos, enabling accurate simulation of stress redistribution and wellbore closure during long-term exposure to high temperature and pressure. The proposed workflow ensures consistency between laboratory behavior and numerical predictions, offering a robust framework for evaluating casing integrity and long-term well stability in salt formations. The methodology can be extended to other viscoplastic geomaterials where creep and time-dependent deformation govern the mechanical response.