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Institute For Oil & Gas Training
OGI-1431 New

Borehole Image Analysis for In-Situ Stress Evaluation Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
16 Nov 2026
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Overview

The Borehole Image Analysis for In-Situ Stress Evaluation Training Course provides specialised technical knowledge and practical interpretation skills for evaluating subsurface stress conditions using borehole image logs. Developed by Institute For Oil & Gas Training, this programme focuses on Borehole Image Analysis for In-Situ Stress Evaluation, enabling oil and gas professionals to identify borehole failure features, determine in-situ stress orientation and improve the reliability of geomechanical interpretations.

Understanding the in-situ stress regime is essential for safe and efficient well planning, drilling operations, wellbore stability assessment and reservoir development. Subsurface formations experience different stress conditions depending on their geological history, burial depth, tectonic setting, pore pressure and mechanical properties. These stresses influence wellbore deformation, drilling performance, fracture development and the overall behaviour of reservoir formations. Inaccurate stress interpretation creates operational uncertainty, particularly when drilling through structurally complex formations or developing reservoirs with changing mechanical characteristics.

Borehole image logs provide valuable information about geological structures and stress-related features along the wellbore. Electrical and acoustic imaging technologies capture detailed representations of the borehole wall, allowing specialists to examine fractures, bedding planes, breakouts, drilling-induced tensile fractures and other geological or mechanical features. Correctly distinguishing these features is fundamental to interpreting the present-day stress field and understanding the relationship between borehole conditions and regional tectonic stresses.

This training course addresses the technical skills gap between acquiring borehole image data and converting that information into reliable subsurface stress interpretations. Participants examine how borehole failure features develop under different stress conditions and how their orientation provides evidence for estimating maximum horizontal stress and minimum horizontal stress. The programme also considers the influence of well trajectory, borehole geometry, formation properties, drilling practices and image quality on interpretation accuracy.

Particular attention is given to identifying reliable stress indicators and separating genuine stress-related features from natural geological discontinuities and operational artefacts. This distinction is important because fractures, breakouts and drilling-induced fractures do not necessarily have the same origin or interpretation. Specialists must evaluate their morphology, orientation, distribution and relationship with other available geological and petrophysical information before assigning stress significance.

The course connects borehole imaging interpretation with practical subsurface stress analysis. Participants examine the principles of stress orientation determination, image-log quality assessment, borehole failure mechanisms and integration of geomechanical information. They also explore how image-derived interpretations contribute to wellbore stability models, drilling decisions, reservoir characterisation and field development planning.

For organisations operating in exploration, development drilling and production environments, reliable stress evaluation supports more informed engineering decisions. Understanding the orientation and behaviour of the in-situ stress field helps technical teams assess wellbore instability risks, evaluate fracture systems, improve well trajectory decisions and communicate geomechanical uncertainties effectively.

The Borehole Image Analysis for In-Situ Stress Evaluation Training Course is designed for professionals who work with borehole imaging, formation evaluation, structural geology, petrophysics and geomechanics. It combines technical principles with industry-based interpretation exercises to develop the ability to evaluate image-log evidence and communicate defensible stress interpretations. Through Institute For Oil & Gas Training, participants strengthen the connection between borehole imaging data, geological understanding and operational decision-making.

Objectives

  • Explain the fundamental principles of in-situ stress and their importance in oil and gas exploration, drilling and reservoir development.

  • Understand the relationship between vertical stress, maximum horizontal stress and minimum horizontal stress.

  • Identify the principal types of electrical and acoustic borehole imaging technologies used in formation evaluation.

  • Assess borehole image quality, coverage and resolution before undertaking stress interpretation.

  • Recognise natural fractures, bedding features, borehole breakouts and drilling-induced tensile fractures.

  • Distinguish stress-related borehole failure features from geological discontinuities and drilling-related artefacts.

  • Interpret breakout orientations and their significance for determining the maximum horizontal stress direction.

  • Evaluate drilling-induced tensile fractures as indicators of the present-day stress regime.

  • Understand the relationship between borehole orientation, stress magnitude and observed failure patterns.

  • Evaluate the influence of formation strength, pore pressure and well trajectory on borehole failure development.

  • Apply systematic methods for identifying and evaluating reliable stress indicators.

  • Integrate borehole image observations with geological, petrophysical and geomechanical information.

  • Assess interpretation uncertainty and recognise limitations associated with incomplete or ambiguous image data.

  • Communicate in-situ stress orientation interpretations and their operational implications to multidisciplinary teams.

  • Apply borehole image analysis findings to wellbore stability assessment and subsurface engineering decisions.

Training methodology

The Borehole Image Analysis for In-Situ Stress Evaluation Training Course follows an applied, industry-focused methodology that connects borehole imaging principles with the practical requirements of subsurface geomechanical evaluation. Institute For Oil & Gas Training structures the programme around the workflows used by well log analysts, petrophysicists, structural geologists, geomechanics specialists and drilling engineers.

The delivery approach combines specialist technical presentations, image interpretation exercises, geological case studies, guided technical discussions and practical problem-solving activities. These methods help participants understand the physical mechanisms behind borehole failure features and apply that knowledge to the interpretation of actual and representative borehole image data.

Borehole Image Interpretation Exercises

Participants examine representative electrical and acoustic borehole images to identify natural fractures, bedding features, breakouts and drilling-induced tensile fractures. These exercises develop their ability to recognise characteristic image patterns, assess feature orientation and distinguish geological structures from stress-related damage.

In-Situ Stress Evaluation Case Studies

Industry-based case studies demonstrate how borehole image observations contribute to evaluating maximum horizontal stress and minimum horizontal stress orientations. Participants examine different stress indicators and assess the geological and operational factors that influence interpretation confidence and reliability.

Stress Interpretation Simulations

Guided interpretation scenarios allow participants to evaluate borehole failure patterns under different assumed stress conditions. They consider wellbore orientation, formation properties and stress relationships when examining the development and orientation of breakouts and drilling-induced fractures.

Geological and Geomechanical Integration

The programme incorporates structural geology, formation evaluation and geomechanical concepts to demonstrate how image-log interpretations support wider subsurface assessments. Participants examine the relationship between borehole observations, regional structural trends, fracture systems and available well data.

Group Technical Exercises

Collaborative exercises encourage participants to compare interpretations, discuss alternative geological explanations and assess the reliability of identified stress indicators. These activities strengthen technical communication and promote consistent interpretation practices across multidisciplinary teams.

Operational Problem-Solving Scenarios

Participants examine practical situations involving wellbore instability, uncertain stress orientation, conflicting image features and incomplete image coverage. They develop structured approaches to evaluating available evidence and communicating interpretation limitations to drilling and subsurface teams.

Practical Application and Technical Integration

The methodology emphasises practical application rather than theoretical knowledge alone. By connecting image-log observations with geological and mechanical principles, participants develop a systematic approach to subsurface stress analysis and the application of borehole imaging in operational decision-making.

Organisational impact

Organisations operating in exploration, drilling, field development and production benefit from improved interpretation of subsurface stress conditions. The Borehole Image Analysis for In-Situ Stress Evaluation Training Course strengthens the technical capability required to convert borehole imaging observations into practical geomechanical information.

Improved Wellbore Stability Assessment

A better understanding of borehole failure features enables technical teams to identify stress-related conditions that influence wellbore stability. Reliable interpretation of breakouts and drilling-induced fractures supports the evaluation of unstable formations and improves the technical information available to well planning and drilling engineering teams.

More Informed Drilling Decisions

Reliable estimates of in-situ stress orientation support the assessment of well trajectories and their relationship with the prevailing stress field. Organisations gain stronger technical input for evaluating drilling risks, reviewing well designs and investigating instability encountered during drilling operations.

Better Use of Borehole Imaging Data

Borehole imaging programmes generate detailed geological and structural information. The training improves the organisation's ability to extract stress-related information from these datasets, increasing the practical value of existing logging investments and supporting more effective integration between logging and geomechanics teams.

Reduced Interpretation Uncertainty

A systematic approach to identifying stress indicators helps organisations distinguish reliable observations from ambiguous features and operational artefacts. Clear documentation of interpretation confidence and limitations supports transparent technical reviews and reduces the risk of decisions based on unsupported assumptions.

Stronger Multidisciplinary Collaboration

The programme develops a shared technical understanding among petrophysicists, geologists, well log analysts and drilling engineers. This improves communication between departments and supports consistent interpretation of geological and geomechanical information throughout well planning and execution.

Enhanced Technical Risk Management

Understanding the causes and orientation of borehole failure features strengthens the technical basis for identifying potential geomechanical risks. Organisations can use improved stress interpretations to support wellbore stability reviews, drilling risk assessments and investigations of unexpected borehole conditions.

More Effective Reservoir Characterisation

Integrating image-derived structural information with formation evaluation data improves the understanding of fractures, discontinuities and structural features. This supports reservoir characterisation and provides additional geological context for development planning and subsurface modelling.

Improved Technical Reporting

Participants develop structured approaches to recording image observations, evaluating stress indicators and presenting interpretation findings. This supports consistent technical reports, clearer engineering recommendations and better knowledge transfer between operational and subsurface teams.

Personal impact

The Borehole Image Analysis for In-Situ Stress Evaluation Training Course strengthens the technical and professional capabilities of individuals involved in borehole imaging, petrophysics, geomechanics and well engineering.

Advanced Borehole Image Interpretation Skills

Participants improve their ability to examine electrical and acoustic borehole images and recognise features relevant to stress evaluation. They develop a clearer understanding of how fractures, breakouts and drilling-induced tensile fractures appear in image datasets.

Stronger Understanding of Stress Orientation

The programme develops practical knowledge of in-situ stress orientation and the relationship between maximum horizontal stress and minimum horizontal stress. Participants gain a structured understanding of how borehole failure patterns contribute to stress direction interpretation.

Improved Technical Judgement

Participants learn to assess the reliability of stress indicators, consider alternative geological explanations and recognise limitations in available image data. This strengthens their ability to produce technically defensible interpretations and communicate their findings effectively.

Greater Geomechanical Awareness

The course expands participants' understanding of the mechanical factors influencing borehole failure, including formation strength, pore pressure, well trajectory and the prevailing stress regime. Participants develop stronger connections between image interpretation and wellbore stability considerations.

Better Integration of Subsurface Data

Participants improve their ability to integrate borehole imaging observations with structural geology, petrophysical information and geomechanical assessments. This supports more comprehensive subsurface interpretations and improves their contribution to multidisciplinary technical projects.

Increased Professional Confidence

Practical exercises and industry scenarios strengthen participants' confidence when discussing image-log observations, stress orientation and interpretation uncertainty with technical colleagues and management teams.

Enhanced Career Development

The knowledge gained supports professional responsibilities in petrophysics, borehole imaging, formation evaluation, structural geology, geomechanics and drilling engineering. Participants strengthen a specialised technical capability relevant to complex oil and gas subsurface projects.

Who should attend

  • Petrophysicists: Professionals responsible for interpreting borehole image logs and integrating imaging information with formation evaluation datasets.

  • Well Log Analysts: Specialists involved in analysing electrical and acoustic image logs and identifying geological and mechanical borehole features.

  • Geomechanics Engineers: Engineers who evaluate subsurface stress conditions and use borehole failure observations in geomechanical assessments.

  • Structural Geologists: Geoscientists responsible for interpreting fractures, bedding, geological discontinuities and structural orientation.

  • Formation Evaluation Specialists: Professionals who integrate imaging, conventional well logs and other formation measurements to characterise subsurface conditions.

  • Drilling Engineers: Engineers who require stress orientation information to support well planning, trajectory assessment and wellbore stability evaluation.

  • Wellbore Stability Specialists: Professionals who assess drilling-related instability and investigate the mechanical behaviour of formations around the wellbore.

  • Reservoir Engineers: Engineers who require an understanding of fracture orientation, structural features and stress conditions during reservoir development.

  • Subsurface Geoscientists: Specialists involved in geological interpretation, structural analysis and the integration of well data into subsurface models.

  • Borehole Imaging Specialists: Technical personnel responsible for image-log acquisition, processing, quality control and interpretation.

  • Exploration and Development Geologists: Geoscientists who evaluate structural conditions and formation characteristics in exploration and development projects.

  • Technical Team Leaders and Supervisors: Professionals responsible for reviewing subsurface interpretations, coordinating technical teams and supporting engineering decisions.

  • Asset and Subsurface Managers: Managers who oversee geological, petrophysical and geomechanical activities and require a stronger understanding of image-derived stress information.

Course outline

This module establishes the geological and geomechanical foundations required for borehole image analysis and in-situ stress evaluation. Participants examine the origin of subsurface stresses, the principal stress components and their influence on wellbore conditions.

The module introduces electrical and acoustic borehole imaging technologies, their applications and their contribution to formation evaluation. Emphasis is placed on understanding image characteristics, data quality and the importance of establishing a reliable geological context before interpreting stress-related features.

  1. ISRM Suggested Methods

    • Introduces recognised rock mechanics procedures for investigating and characterising rock stress.

    • Provides technical context for understanding stress measurement and the mechanical behaviour of rock formations.

    • Supports the interpretation of stress-related observations alongside geological and borehole imaging information.

    • Reinforces the importance of understanding measurement limitations and the conditions influencing stress interpretation.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the fundamental principles of in-situ stress in subsurface formations.

    • Differentiate between vertical stress, maximum horizontal stress and minimum horizontal stress.

    • Describe the influence of tectonic setting, burial history and pore pressure on subsurface stress conditions.

    • Explain the principles and applications of electrical and acoustic borehole imaging.

    • Identify the main components and characteristics of borehole image datasets.

    • Assess image coverage, resolution and quality before interpretation.

    • Explain the relationship between geological structures, wellbore orientation and stress evaluation.

    • Establish a geological and geomechanical context for subsequent image interpretation.

This module examines the development and appearance of borehole failure features under different in-situ stress conditions. Participants investigate how mechanical stresses around the wellbore produce identifiable patterns in electrical and acoustic image logs.

Particular attention is given to borehole breakouts and drilling-induced tensile fractures as important stress indicators. The module also examines natural fractures, bedding features and other discontinuities to establish the distinctions required for reliable interpretation.

  1. ASTM D7012

    • Defines recognised test methods for determining compressive strength and elastic moduli of intact rock core specimens.

    • Provides mechanical property information relevant to understanding rock strength and deformation behaviour.

    • Supports the evaluation of formation mechanical characteristics used in geomechanical assessments.

    • Provides supporting laboratory data for interpreting the mechanical conditions associated with borehole failure.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the mechanisms responsible for stress-related borehole failure.

    • Identify characteristic borehole breakout patterns in image logs.

    • Recognise drilling-induced tensile fractures and understand their relationship with the stress field.

    • Differentiate natural fractures from drilling-induced features.

    • Examine bedding planes and structural discontinuities in borehole images.

    • Evaluate the orientation, distribution and morphology of borehole failure features.

    • Understand how formation strength and elastic properties influence borehole failure.

    • Assess the significance of different stress indicators in subsurface interpretation.

    • Recognise image artefacts and geological features that create interpretation uncertainty.

This module focuses on the interpretation of borehole image evidence to determine the orientation of the present-day horizontal stress field. Participants examine the relationship between borehole breakouts, drilling-induced tensile fractures and the directions of maximum horizontal stress and minimum horizontal stress.

The module develops a systematic approach to stress orientation determination using image-derived observations. It also considers the influence of well trajectory, borehole geometry, local geological conditions and data quality on the interpretation of stress directions.

  1. World Stress Map Guidelines

    • Provides a recognised framework for compiling and evaluating information on present-day tectonic stress orientations.

    • Uses stress indicators from different geological and measurement sources to characterise regional stress patterns.

    • Applies quality assessment principles to evaluate the reliability of stress orientation information.

    • Supports comparison between local borehole-derived interpretations and regional stress observations.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the relationship between borehole failure orientation and the principal horizontal stress directions.

    • Interpret breakout orientations as indicators of maximum horizontal stress direction.

    • Evaluate drilling-induced tensile fracture orientations as complementary stress indicators.

    • Determine in-situ stress orientation from suitable borehole image observations.

    • Understand the influence of well deviation and borehole trajectory on stress interpretation.

    • Compare stress orientation evidence from different image-log intervals.

    • Assess the consistency of stress indicators across available datasets.

    • Identify geological and operational factors that affect stress orientation interpretation.

    • Communicate the confidence and limitations associated with estimated stress directions.

This module examines how image-derived stress observations contribute to broader subsurface stress analysis and geomechanical evaluation. Participants consider the relationship between borehole failure, rock mechanical properties, pore pressure and the stress environment surrounding the wellbore.

The module also focuses on integrating borehole imaging results with laboratory measurements, conventional well logs, geological interpretation and available geomechanical information. The objective is to develop a more complete understanding of the evidence supporting stress interpretation and its relevance to engineering assessments.

  1. ASTM D3967

    • Establishes a recognised test method for determining the splitting tensile strength of intact rock core specimens.

    • Provides information about the tensile behaviour of rock materials.

    • Supports the characterisation of mechanical properties used in geomechanical evaluation.

    • Provides supporting laboratory evidence when examining rock failure behaviour and formation strength.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the relationship between stress orientation, rock strength and borehole failure.

    • Evaluate the influence of pore pressure on effective stress conditions.

    • Understand how mechanical properties affect the development of borehole failure features.

    • Integrate image-derived stress indicators with geological and petrophysical information.

    • Assess the contribution of laboratory rock strength data to geomechanical interpretation.

    • Compare stress observations with available well log and formation evaluation datasets.

    • Identify inconsistencies between image-derived evidence and other subsurface information.

    • Evaluate interpretation uncertainty and the limitations of available stress indicators.

    • Prepare a structured interpretation of borehole image evidence for geomechanical assessment.

This module focuses on applying borehole image analysis results to operational and subsurface engineering decisions. Participants examine how reliable stress orientation information supports wellbore stability assessment, drilling strategy development and reservoir characterisation.

The module brings together the concepts developed throughout the programme through integrated interpretation scenarios. Participants evaluate image-derived observations, identify the most reliable stress indicators and communicate their conclusions in a format suitable for technical reviews and multidisciplinary decision-making.

  1. ISO 19901-4

    • Addresses geotechnical and foundation design considerations for offshore structures in the petroleum and natural gas industries.

    • Provides a recognised engineering context for evaluating site-specific geotechnical and geological conditions.

    • Supports the wider consideration of ground conditions and geotechnical information in offshore project design.

    • Provides complementary context for understanding subsurface conditions, although it is not a borehole image interpretation or stress orientation standard.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Apply borehole image interpretation findings to practical subsurface engineering scenarios.

    • Evaluate the operational significance of maximum horizontal stress and minimum horizontal stress orientations.

    • Explain how stress orientation information contributes to wellbore stability assessment.

    • Identify the relevance of borehole failure patterns to drilling risk evaluation.

    • Integrate borehole image observations into broader subsurface interpretation workflows.

    • Assess the limitations of stress interpretations before using them in engineering decisions.

    • Prepare technically structured summaries of image-derived stress information.

    • Communicate stress interpretation findings to petrophysics, geology, geomechanics and drilling teams.

    • Recommend appropriate follow-up investigations when image evidence is incomplete or inconclusive.

    • Apply a consistent and evidence-based approach to borehole image analysis for in-situ stress evaluation.

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the Borehole Image Analysis for In-Situ Stress Evaluation Training Course, attendees receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate recognises participation in the programme and completion of its training requirements. Attendees must satisfy the required attendance criteria and participate in the scheduled course activities to qualify for the Certificate of Completion.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,800

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,800

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,800

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,800

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Borehole Image Analysis for In-Situ Stress Evaluation Training Course about?

The course focuses on interpreting electrical and acoustic borehole image logs to evaluate subsurface stress conditions. It covers borehole failure features, stress indicators, breakout interpretation, drilling-induced tensile fractures and the determination of maximum horizontal stress and minimum horizontal stress orientations.

Who should attend this training course?

The course is suitable for petrophysicists, well log analysts, geomechanics engineers, structural geologists, drilling engineers, formation evaluation specialists and subsurface professionals involved in borehole imaging and stress analysis.

What types of borehole failure features are covered?

Participants study borehole breakouts, drilling-induced tensile fractures, natural fractures, bedding planes and other structural discontinuities. They learn to distinguish stress-related features from natural geological structures and drilling-related artefacts.

How does borehole image analysis help determine in-situ stress orientation?

Borehole image logs reveal characteristic failure patterns associated with the stress field around the wellbore. Breakout orientations provide evidence for determining the maximum horizontal stress direction, while drilling-induced tensile fractures provide complementary information for evaluating the stress orientation.

How is the training delivered, and will participants receive a certificate?

The programme uses technical presentations, practical image interpretation exercises, geomechanical case studies, group discussions and operational scenarios. Upon completion and satisfaction of the attendance requirements, participants receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

Next: 16 Nov 2026

4 dates available

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