The Effect of Stress on Permeability of Sandstone Cores

Abstract

A method developed by soil scientists for measuring permeability anisotropy of soils has been adapted for use in studies of sandstone permeability aniso- tropy. Studies on Berea and Bandera sandstone show that permeability of these materials decreases upon application of simulated overburden pressure. Permeability reduction of Berea and Grubb sand- stone cores subjected to simulated overburden pres- sure is shown to be a function of the ratio of radial to axial stress.