Services
Mechanical Earth Model (MEM)
Unlock deeper insight into subsurface behavior with advanced Mechanical Earth Models (MEMs) and Pore Pressure Cubes — essential tools for safe, efficient, and cost-effective oilfield development.
We build MEMs from 1D to 4D, depending on project complexity and data availability. Most MEMs, even today, are 1D, determined along well trajectories. Building 3D model links the seismic interpretation to a comprehensive stratigraphic model including structurally complex surfaces such as faults, salt domes and lenses.
We also deliver high-resolution Pore Pressure Cubes, derived from seismic inversion and calibrated with well data. These 3D volumes provide a continuous view of overpressure distribution, enabling proactive risk management in drilling and development planning.
MEM selected references:
Sosa Massaro, A., Frydman, M., Lombardo, E., Canatelli, A., Arguello, J., Barrio, T., Marchal, D., Teran, C., Hryb, D., Díaz, E., Cruz, L., Paris, M. & Nawratill, A.“Transecta geomecánica de la formación vaca muerta. Un nuevo proyecto de coopetición”. 11th Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development Congress (CONEXPLO) organized by the Argentine Oil and Gas Institute (IAPG): Mendoza, Argentina: 8-11 November 2022. – Best geomechanics article award
Sosa-Massaro, N. Espinoza, M. Frydman, P.E. Benitez, T. Speranza; “Caracterización Geomecánica de Laboratorio Aplicado a la Formación Vaca Muerta”. 10th Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development Congress (CONEXPLO) organized by the Argentine Oil and Gas Institute (IAPG): Mendoza, Argentina: 5-9 November 2018. – Best geomechanics article award
Marcelo Frydman et al;;. “Comprehensive Determination Of The Far-field Earth Stresses For Rocks With Anisotropy In Tectonic Environment”; SPE-180965-MS; SPE Argentina Exploration and Production of Unconventional Resources Symposium; Buenos Aires; Argentina; 1-3 June 2016.
Serra de Souza, A.L.; Braz de Souza, J.A.; Meurer, G.B.; Naveira, V.P.; Chaves, R.A.P.; Frydman M. and Pastor, J.; “Integrated 3D geomechanics and reservoir simulation optimize performance while avoiding fault reactivation in deepwater Brazil”; World Oil magazine, April 2014
Marcelo Frydman et al; “How Geomechanics Predicts Reservoir Stress Levels”; The Edge – The Publication of Petrotechnical Excellence; http://www.hub.slb.com/display/index.do?id=id3439317; April 2013.
Serra de Souza, A.L.; Braz de Souza, J.A.; Meurer, G.B.; Naveira, V.P.; Chaves, R.A.P.; Frydman, M.; Pastor, J. and Chaves, M.; “Reservoir Geomechanics Study for Deepwater Field Identifies Ways To Maximize Reservoir Performance While Reducing Geomechanical Risks”; SPE 160329; SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition held in Perth, Australia, 22–24 October 2012.
Frydman, M. ; “Depth of damage concept”; GRASP 2011 – Joint Workshop of the Geomechanics, Rock Physics, Acoustics, Anisotropy, Sonic and Passive Seismic Eureka Communities; Houston, September 13-16, 2011.
Portugal, R.; Frydman, M.; Silva, V. and Pastor, J.; “Quantitative discrimination between pore pressure and saturation effects on depleted reservoir from time-lapse seismic data”; USA/South America Symposium on Stochastic Modeling and Uncertainty Quantification; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 1-5, 2011.
Ruslan, M.Z.B.; Frydman, M.; Garcia, g.; Benavides, M., Sepulveda, M., and Arevalo A.M.; “Integrated Approach: Perforation System Optimization for Sand Prevention”; SPE 128569-MS; SPE Latin American & Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Lima, Peru, 1–3 December 2010.
Torres, M.; Frydman, M.; Goddyn, X.; Medina, R.; Baker, A.; Bravo Nino, O.; “Geomechanics Aspects of the Oriente Basin, Ecuador, South America”; SPE 138914; SPE Latin American & Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Lima, Peru, 1–3 December 2010.
Breasley, C.J.; Fuduk J.C.; Bize E.; Boyd, A.; Frydman, M.; Zerilli, A.; Dribus, J.R.; Moreira, J.L.P.; Pinto; A.C.C.; “Brazil’s Presalt Play”, Schlumberger Oilfield Review, Autumn, 2010.
Frydman, M. et al; “No Drilling Surprises Process and the value of the real time update, a case history in Camisea/Peru”; VIII Simposio Bolivariano Petroleum Exploration in the Subandean Basins, Cartagena, Colombia, September 21-24, 2003.
Torres, M.E. and Frydman, M.; Arias, H.; “The use of the Mechanical Earth Model to reduce well cost and drilling risks in overpressured formation, a case history in Putumayo Basin/Colombia”; VIII Simposio Bolivariano Petroleum Exploration in the Subandean Basins, Cartagena, Colombia, September 21-24, 2003.
Lee, D, Cassanelli, J.P., Frydman, M., Palacio, J., Delgado, R., Collins, B.; “Using a Dynamic Mechanical Earth Model and Integrated Drilling Team to Reduce Well Costs and Drilling Risks in San Martin Field”; SPE 84557, SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., 5 – 8 October 2003.
Drilling Geomechanics
Drilling geomechanics focuses on understanding and managing the mechanical behavior of subsurface formations during the drilling process. By integrating data from well logs, seismic, drilling parameters, and mechanical earth models (MEMs), we provide insights that reduce risk and optimize well construction.
Our drilling geomechanics services help operators avoid costly issues such as wellbore collapse, kicks, and lost circulation by providing reliable predictions of:
- Mud weight windows
- Wellbore stability and breakout risk
- Casing setting depths
- Fault and fracture interaction during drilling
We also support real-time monitoring to identify early signs of instability, validate MEM assumptions, and adapt mud weight or drilling parameters in real time.
Whether you're planning a challenging exploratory well, deepwater operation, pre-salt reservoir, tectonic area or optimizing drilling performance in a mature field, drilling geomechanics provides the insight and confidence to drill smarter and safer.
Drilling Geomechanics selected references:
Frydman et al; “Reducing Drilling Risks in Highly Over-pressurized Quintuco-Vaca Muerta Formation, A Case History in Neuquén Basin /Argentina”. SPE-191839-MS; SPE Argentina Exploration and Production of Unconventional Resources Symposium; Neuquen, Argentina; 14 – 16 Aug 2018.
C.A. Pedroso, J.B. Salies, B. Holzberg, M. Frydman and J.A. Pastor; “Risk Mitigation on Deepwater Drilling Based on 3D Geomechanics and Fit-for-Purpose Data Acquisition”. OTC-28160-MS; Offshore Technology Conference Brasil; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 24–26 October 2017.
Frydman et al; “Reducing Fault Reactivation Risk on Deepwater Drilling”. SPE-185619-MS; SPE Latin America and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference; Buenos Aires, Argentina; 17 – 19 May 2017.
Serra de Souza, A.L.; Braz de Souza, J.A.; Meurer, G.B.; Naveira, V.P.; Chaves, R.A.P.; Frydman M. and Pastor, J.; “Integrated 3D geomechanics and reservoir simulation optimize performance while avoiding fault reactivation in deepwater Brazil”; World Oil magazine, April 2014
Shannon Higgins-Borchardt, Tony Krepp, Marcelo Frydman, Jason Sitchler; “New Approach to Geomechanics Solves Serious Horizontal Drilling Problems in Troublesome Unconventional Plays”; URTeC 1560046; Unconventional Resources Technology Conference; Denver, USA, 12-14 August 2013.
Frydman, Marcelo; “Reducing Geomechanics Risks in Deepwater Pre-Salt Brazil”; SPE/SBGf/SEG Workshop on Global Perspectives for Deepwater Presalt Exploration and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 11-12 September 2012.
Frydman, M. “Geomechanical Risks during Produced Water Re-Injection”; SPE ATW – Integrated Water Management – Integration of Wells, Reservoir, Facilities and Environment; Barcelona; Spain; June 20-23, 2011.
Frydman, M. et al; “Reducing Drilling Risks in Highly Overpressurized Formation: A Case History in Nororiente Basin, Argentina”; SPE 108174-PP; 2007 SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 15–18 April 2007.
E. Torres, M. Frydman, D. Casalis, A. Ramirez, M. F. León and E. Villalba; “3D Analysis for Wellbore Stability: Reducing Drilling Risks in Oriente Basin, Ecuador”, 2005 SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 20 – 23 June 2005.
Frydman, M. et al; “No Drilling Surprises Process and the value of the real time update, a case history in Camisea/Peru”; VIII Simposio Bolivariano Petroleum Exploration in the Subandean Basins, Cartagena, Colombia, September 21-24, 2003.
Torres, M.E. and Frydman, M.; Arias, H.; “The use of the Mechanical Earth Model to reduce well cost and drilling risks in overpressured formation, a case history in Putumayo Basin/Colombia”; VIII Simposio Bolivariano Petroleum Exploration in the Subandean Basins, Cartagena, Colombia, September 21-24, 2003.
Frydman, M. et al; “Managing Uncertainties in Wellbore Stability Analysis”; ”; VIII Simposio Bolivariano Petroleum Exploration in the Subandean Basins, Cartagena, Colombia, September 21-24, 2003.
Lee, D, Cassanelli, J.P., Frydman, M., Palacio, J., Delgado, R., Collins, B.; “Using a Dynamic Mechanical Earth Model and Integrated Drilling Team to Reduce Well Costs and Drilling Risks in San Martin Field”; SPE 84557, SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., 5 – 8 October 2003.
Unconventional Reservoirs
Unconventional Geomechanics addresses the unique challenges of developing non-traditional hydrocarbon reservoirs—such as shale gas, tight oil, coalbed methane, and naturally fractured formations. These plays require advanced geomechanical understanding to design effective stimulation, optimize well placement, and ensure long-term well integrity.
Our geomechanics services for unconventional reservoirs are built around high-resolution Mechanical Earth Models (MEMs), tailored to horizontal well environments and stimulation strategies. We integrate log, core, image log, microseismic, and production data.
Key applications include:
- Wellbore stability in lateral sections
- Pore pressure and rock strength variability
- Fracture barriers and landing zone mechanics
- Casing deformation analysis
Whether you're in the early appraisal phase or managing a mature unconventional asset, our solutions help maximize recovery while reducing operational risk.
Unconvetional Reservoirs selected references:
Vítolo, Martín , Frydman, Marcelo , Fernandez, Juan José, Quintana, Leandro , Lanusse, Ivan , Tomassini, Federico Gonzalez, Palacio, Juan Pablo, Lazzari, Victoria , Moler, Alfredo , and Sofia Marinari. “Hydraulic Fracture Geometry Improvements Through Oriented Perforations: Case Study in Vaca Muerta Formation.” Paper presented at the SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, USA, June 2025. doi: https://doi.org/10.15530/urtec-2025-4243849
Fernandez, J.J., Vítolo, M., Frydman, M., Tomassini, F.G., Lazzari, V., Palacio, J.P. and Noguera, I.L., “Integrated workflow for Intrapad well interference characterization – Case Study from Vaca Muerta development at Mata Mora Norte Field”; IV Symposium on Exploration & Production of Unconventional Resources; 20-22 March 2023 Buenos Aires, Argentina. – Invited speaker – award
Medina, P., Frydman, M., Eiff, J., Moine, M., Mujica, J. & D’hers, S. “Numerical Modeling of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Using Finite Element Analysis in Shale Reservoirs”. Proceedings of the XLII Ibero-Latin-American Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering and III Pan-American Congress on Computational Mechanics, ABMEC-IACM (CILAMCE-PANACM 2021). Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, November 9-12, 2021.
Medina, P., Jin, M., D’hers, S., & Frydman, M. (2020, November 25). Numerical Modeling of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation in Tectonically Stressed Shale Reservoirs. Unconventional Resources Technology Conference. doi:10.15530/urtec-2020-1342 .
Fischer and M. Frydman; “An Integrated Geomechanical Modeling Approach to Investigate Casing Integrity Incidents in The Vaca Muerta Formation”. 10th Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development Congress (CONEXPLO) organized by the Argentine Oil and Gas Institute (IAPG): Mendoza, Argentina: 5-9 November 2018.
Altman, D. Pederiva, R. Mehranfar and M. Frydman. “Understanding Production Drivers in the Vaca Muerta Shale Using an Integrated Reservoir Simulation Approach”. URTeC: 2902306; , Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC) DOI 10.15530/urtec-2018-2902306, 2018.
Prioul, R. Nolen-Hoeksema, M.E. Loan, M. Herron, R. Akkurt, M. Frydman, L. Reynolds, M. Sanchez, G. Gary, H. Karg, J. Caniggia,. “Using cuttings to extract geomechanical properties along lateral wells in unconventional reservoirs”. GEOPHYSICS. 1-65. 10.1190/geo2017-0047.1, 2018.
Marcelo Frydman; “Geomechanics considerations for hydraulic fracturing stimulation in tectonically stressed shale reservoirs”; URTeC 1560046; SPE 3rd South American Oil and Gas Congress; Maracaibo, Venezuela, 27-30 October 2015.
Velez, E.; Vasquez, J.; Frydman, M.; Janampa, H. and Meza, O.; “Novel Approach for Fracture Characterization in a Metamorphic Reservoir”; SPE 138965; SPE Latin American & Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Lima, Peru, 1–3 December 2010.
Rodríguez, M. Frydman, R. Uribe, X. Goddyn and J. Páez; “A new completion design criterion based on sonic 3D anisotropy and Mechanical Earth Model: A case study in Putumayo Basin, Colombia”; XII Congreso Colombiano del Petróleo; ACIPET; Bogotá; Colombia, 23 – 26 October; 2007