Beschreibung:
<jats:p>A large scale laboratory testing facility for hydraulic fracturing studies is strongly recommended. The theory behind the fracturing mechanism is well developed, the field utilization of the method is multifaceted and rapidly growing; yet laboratory verification of many of the assumptions and theoretical results is lacking. The main reason for the scarcity of experimental work is that until now only small size specimens (linear dimensions approx. 10 cm) could be tested in existing facilities, a size not suitable for studying fracture extension and control. Large scale testing of 1 m³ rock samples should provide the experimental backing that is missing in our interpretation of fracturing events.</jats:p>