February

ARMA Monthly News

2024

Chief Editor of this Issue: Hui Wu

Thirty years ago, Network Theory hit the mainstream. It was 1994, and against a backdrop of so many world events that seemed so much more important at the time, three college students invented the game called “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon”. The gameplay is simple. Pick an actor. Connect them to another actor via a movie in which they co-starred. The goal: to reach actor Kevin Bacon in six or fewer steps.

I remember hearing fellow students talk about this game and the deeper concept of connectivity it represented. As we played, we all learned how to construct a graph, writing actors on the nodes, movies on the edges, and seeking the shortest path to traverse this representation of connectivity. While it would probably be an overstatement to speak of this moment in culture in revolutionary terms, it is without doubt that the awaking of both culture and science to the power of connections and the tools that can be used to study them and leverage them for gain has been one of the most influential ideas in the past half century.

Fast forward to ARMA in 2024, and I could talk about the importance and power of communicating scientific principles with culture in an accessible and remarkable way. Or I could discuss how Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, which owe so much to Network Theory, are impacting and will continue to revolutionize our world…and Rock Mechanics will surely not be an exception to this revolution. Maybe in future President’s Corners I will explore these topics. But here I want to instead focus on our networks within ARMA.

From its beginning, ARMA has been a place of making connections. For me, fumbling with my small plate of food at a Sunday evening reception after the opening lecture of a U.S. Rock Mechanics Symposium many years ago, ARMA provided the first place someone gave me their business card. And we are certainly a closely-knit network. As an experiment, I think most of us could go to the ARMA website, randomly pick one of our Fellows, and discover we are connected with far fewer than six degrees of separation. 

Our close-knit ARMA network is a wonderful thing. But it also comes with a word of caution. It is now widely recognized that many people are experiencing a shrinking of their professional networks. The inner connections are still there, but without deliberately and consistently caring for those next rings of the circle, the connections atrophy. This is why it is so important to prioritize participation in our professional organizations and, when we do, to make efforts to get out of our comfort zones and avoid the temptation to only “network” with those with whom we are already strongly connected.

Just like all of us, ARMA is a part of a wider network. All of us are edges that connect ARMA to our workplaces, collaborators, and other professional organizations. And just like all of us, ARMA needs to deliberately, strategically, and consistently nurture the expansion and growth of the connections that make us a vibrant community. Besides the continued growth of the intersociety collaboration that is the International Geomechanics Symposium, in 2024 and 2025, you will hear of a growing number of collaborative initiatives between ARMA and other societies. The initiatives will include joint organization of topical workshops. There will be panel discussions and technical showcase sessions at both our symposium and conferences organized by other societies. The wheels of these are turning even as we speak.

As these initiatives are organized and promoted over the coming months and year, I would like to ask all of us to be open to these opportunities. Joint initiatives with other societies are vital to our health as an organization, and I am confident these will be deeply rewarding to those who serve on organizing committees, accept invitations to speak, and prioritize attending. Even better, I would love to hear your ideas of intersociety collaborations you would be willing to lead and/or catalyze as we look to the future. As we are all empowered to be ARMA, let’s look outside, seeking ways we can connect, together building a stronger, more connected ARMA.

Sincerely,

Andrew Bunger, PhD

President, American Rock Mechanics Association

Abstracts for the 58th U.S. Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium have now been submitted. We have a record of 1140 abstracts submitted this year.

The American Rock Mechanics Association welcomes you to the 58th U.S. Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium at the Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, on 23-26 June 2024.

The technical program will focus on advances and innovative applied research in rock mechanics and geomechanics. Technical tours and field trips are planned. Short courses and workshops will be held prior to the symposium.

Papers are due 23 February 2024.

Open for nominations

ARMA Awards are for the following categories:

• Rock Mechanics Research
• Applied Rock Mechanics Research
• Case History
• Dr. N.G.W. Cook PhD Dissertation
• MS Thesis in Rock Mechanics Award
• Outstanding Contributions to Rock Mechanics
• Distinguished Service Award
• Presidential Citations

In addition to its long-standing paper awards, ARMA initiated in 2020 the Distinguished Service Awards that recognize outstanding, significant contributions made by ARMA members, who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to further the services provided by ARMA.

The deadline for submission for all nominations is 30 April 2024.



Click here for further information.

International Geomechanics Symposium: Unlocking the Potential of Sustainable Energy in Saudi Arabia

Al Khobar witnessed a gathering of minds from across the globe as the International Geomechanics Symposium (IGS) 2023 unfolded between October 30th and November 2nd, 2023. Under the theme of "The Role of Geomechanics for Efficient and Sustainable Energy Supply," this landmark event served as a vibrant platform for over 300 leading experts to engage in a stimulating exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Marking its first-ever edition in Saudi Arabia, IGS 2023 resonated deeply with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places sustainability and economic diversification at its core. This strategic alignment drew a record number of participants, with 234 technical presentations, over 100 publications, and the support of 16 sponsors, solidifying the event's significance and impact.

One of the most remarkable features of IGS 2023 was the unprecedented level of collaboration among nine prestigious societies. Joining forces were the American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA), Dhahran Geoscience Society (DGS), Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA), Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), China Society of Rock Mechanics and Engineering (CSRME), and European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE). This unified front showcased the unwavering global commitment to advancing the field of geomechanics.

On behalf of Saudi Aramco, Dr. Mohammad Duhailan of Exploration and Dr. Ghaithan Al Muntasheri of EXPEC ARC welcomed all professional societies and attendees from 33 countries to AL Khobar and shared company’s dedications and efforts in achieving Vision 2030.

The symposium kicked off with a flagship legacy program, “Rock with Fellows”. The acclaimed ARMA Fellows shared their know-hows on a wide range of geomechanics topics, including Prof. Priscilla Nelson on Underground Resources for a Sustainable Future, Maurice Dusseault on Subsurface Energy Storage Geomechanics, John McLennan on Geothermal, Mark Zoback on Geomechanics Challenges of Massive Scale CO2 Sequestration, and Ahmed Abu-Sayed on Mining Waste Disposal. Through keynotes, technical discussions, campus visit, and interactions with faculties and students from ARMA chapters, the Fellows have clearly demonstrated what ARMA stands for: excellency, professionalism, and dedication.

Beyond its historical significance, the IGS 2023 also broke new ground by introducing dedicated programs on mining and geothermal energy. This expansion reflected the evolving landscape of geomechanics, acknowledging its growing relevance beyond the traditional oil and gas domains. The symposium delved into a diverse range of topics, sparking insightful discussions and igniting further research endeavors. Some key areas covered included:

•      CO₂ Sequestration: Exploring innovative solutions for capturing and storing carbon emissions, a crucial step in mitigating climate change.

•      Hydrogen: Evaluating the potential of geomechanics in the development and utilization of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source.

•      Mining: Addressing geomechanical challenges and exploring sustainable practices in the mining industry.

•      Geothermal Energy: Discussing the application of geomechanics in harnessing the vast potential of geothermal energy resources.

•      Petroleum Exploration and Production: Sharing best practices and cutting-edge technologies in geomechanics to optimize oil and gas production, a vital component of the global energy landscape.

Looking beyond the success of the 2023 event, the excitement continues as the IGS sets its sights on the future. The next chapter unfolds in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 18th to 21st, 2024. This further eastward expansion reflects the growing global reach of geomechanics and its increasing importance in the international energy landscape. The 2024 symposium promises to be another landmark event, fostering dialogue, promoting collaboration, and driving innovation in the field of sustainable energy.

With its commitment to knowledge sharing, collaborative efforts, and advancements in geomechanics, the International Geomechanics Symposium is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for energy.

InterPore 2024

The InterPore 2024 conference will be held in Qingdao, China between 13-16 May 2024. The conference will focus on “porous media and biology.” This includes occurrence and applications of biology in living organs, plants, and in medicine, as well as in soil, oil and gas reservoirs. It will include theories and (bio)physics, experiments, imaging, mathematics, and modeling.

Click here for more details.

43rd International Conference on Ground Control in Mining

The 43rd International Conference on Ground Control in Mining gives you the chance to participate in a forum designed to promote communication in ground control research among consultants, regulators, manufacturers, and mine operators to expedite solutions to ground control problems in mining.

The Conference will be held in Canonsburg, PA between 22 and 25 July 2024. Final papers are due 21 February, 2023.

Click here for more details.

5th ICITG - International Conference on Information Technology in Geo-engineering

The Joint Committee 2 (JCT2) on Representation of Geo-engineering Data of FedIGS cordially invites you to the 5th International Conference on Information Technology in Geo-engineering (5th ICITG).

The conference will take place from 5-8 August 2024 at the Colorado School of Mines, Colorado, USA. Full Papers must be submitted no later than 29 February, 2024.

Click here for more details.

International Gas Union (IGU)

The 29th World Gas Congress (WGC2025) will be held in Beijing, China, 19–23 May 2025.

Abstract themes are:

• Theme 1: Supply, demand, market and prices
• Theme 2: Gas narratives under the new context
• Theme 3: New momentum for LNG
• Theme 4: Digital transformation
• Theme 5: New gases in energy transition (includes hydrogen, synthetic methane, CCUS
• Theme 6: Methane emission mitigation
• Theme 7: Best practices through the whole value chain

Underground energy storage and CO₂ sequestration will be featured under Theme 5.

The Call for Abstracts is currently open until 30 May 2024.

Click here for more details.

85th EAGE Annual 2024

We look forward to welcoming you to the 85th EAGE Annual set to unfold in the vibrant city of Oslo on 10-13 June 2024! The programme includes a state-of-the-art conference, exhibition, workshops, short courses, field trips, and community & student activities. Early registration deadline​: 15 March 2024.

Click here for more details.

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

According to the review, with enhanced geothermal, companies can access geothermal heat in new locations at depths much greater than existing geothermal wells. Enhanced geothermal techniques can also be used to create what are essentially giant underground batteries for the grid. By building up or relieving pressure in the wells, it can save up energy when demand is low and boost generation when it rises. However, the technology is not without potential risks, such as seismicity. Many field EGS projects are still in the experimental phase, but it’s increasingly clear that enhanced geothermal is a hot topic in the energy world. 

Heat Pumps

As reported in the review, global sales of heat pumps grew by 11% in 2022, the second consecutive year of double-digit growth, though that rate may have slowed in 2023. Europe saw the most dramatic shift, with a 40% growth in heat pump installations through 2022, largely driven by the energy crisis stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war and by efforts to move away from natural gas. 

Asia is another hot spot, with China leading global installations and China and Japan together accounting for more than half of new patents filed on heat pump technology since 2010. 

In total, heat pumps have the potential to cut global emissions by 500 million tons in 2030—as much as pulling all cars in Europe today off the roads. That would require the total number of heat pumps installed to reach about 600 million by the end of the decade.

Please tell us what you think should be featured here next month using news@armarocks.org. Thank you!

ARMA Student Chapter at the University of Utah

Join us for a journey through a century of rock mechanics in our workshop, "Rock Mechanics Through the Past One-Hundred Years." Professor Sidney Green will share his extensive experience in the field and insights into its evolving role in engineering. Feb 2, 2024 at 12 PM MDT.

Network and learn from a distinguished professional!

ARMA Student Chapter at the University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota's ARMA student chapter is buzzing with excitement after a phenomenal session with Dr. Richard Schultz! His presentation, "Underground Hydrogen Storage: The Missing Link in Low-Carbon Energy Systems," was more than just informative – it was an interactive journey into the future of clean energy.

Also, Dr. Leen Weijers VP of Engineering at Liberty Oilfield Services, a distinguished authority in shale well optimization, shared his expertise on January 30th. He delved into his presentation on "Overcoming Near-Wellbore Tortuosity in Shale Wells," shedding light on this pivotal aspect of efficient well operations.

ARMA Research Contest 2024!

The ARMA Student Council is excited to invite nominations for the ARMA Research Contest 2024, creating a platform for the global community of ARMA university chapters to showcase their groundbreaking research. This contest provides a unique opportunity to recognize the innovative endeavors taking place across various academic disciplines.



Join us and enjoy cutting-edge research contributions from around the world.

Dr. Mark P. Board received the Daniel C. Jackling Award at this year's SME conference, in recognition of a career spent assisting operations across the globe to develop safer and more profitable mining methods based on the principles of rock mechanics.

Dr. Mark P. Board holds a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering from the University of Minnesota and has over forty years of experience in the application of rock engineering in the mining industry. Dr. Board is Vice President – Technical Services for Hecla Mining Company in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Previously, he was Director of Mining and Seismic Studies for Bechtel Corp. at the Yucca Mountain Project, and also worked as a mining consultant for Itasca Consulting Group in Minneapolis and Denver for 25 years. His primary area of expertise is the design of deep mines and caving operations. Dr. Board is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering.

ARMA Future Leaders Program



Dear ARMA Members, Student Chapters, and other affiliates,

Future Leaders aim to launch collaborations on various research, practice, and educational projects among different or similar organizations (universities, companies, and government).

To know more about this ARMA group’s work and exchange ideas, join us online every other Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM US Mountain Time for an excellent lecture on emerging topics.

Below is the online meeting info for the FL Lecture:

https://westernuniversity.zoom.us/j/99355457319

University of Edinburgh

University of Utah

The University of Utah's geotechnical engineering program is pleased to announce three open Ph.D. positions starting fall of 2024. These positions will delve into various research areas through a combination of experimental and computational studies:

• Multi-physics and multi-scale behavior of granular materials and jointed rocks
• Wave propagation in heterogeneous geomaterials
• Non-destructive evaluation of fractures

We invite MS graduates in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Geophysics who meet the following qualifications and reside in the United States to reach out to Dr. Shahrzad Roshankhah at Shahrzad.roshankhah@utah.edu or Dr. Kami Mohammadi at kami.mohammadi@utah.edu.

Required qualifications:

• Strong quantitative background (BS and MS Technical GPA>3.5),
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills,
• Strong in programming and Finite Element Analysis, or image analysis and operating laboratory transducers.

Equally crucial, we are actively seeking individuals who embody qualities such as curiosity, enthusiasm, diligence, ethics, tenacity, and professionalism to contribute to the vibrant and collaborative environment of our research teams.

University of North Dakota

The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering is accepting applications for the Howard Hamm Distinguished Professor in Petroleum Geology. The position is open rank.

Details can be found here.

Other Job Boards

DOE Carbon Capture