Compressional and Tensile Strengths of Miocene Sandstones of Eastern Mediterranean

This paper discusses experimental results of compressive and tensile (Flexural, Brazilian and Direct Pull) strength tests conducted on Miocene sandstone samples from Eastern Mediterranean. Compressive and tensile strengths of rocks are very crucial in petroleum industry since evaluation of those properties help to make a good hydraulic fracturing program and also required to control wellbore stability in both vertical and horizontal wells. In the Eastern Mediterranean offshore gas has been discovered in Miocene Sandstones by Israel and South Cyprus Greek Administration. Equivalents of these sandstones are cropping out at Karpaz Peninsula of the Northern Cyprus. Fresh unaltered rock samples from these outcrops have been collected and tested for their mechanical properties in the laboratory. Special emphasis in the study was given to lamination effects on rock strength and on fracture directions.