Assessment of Caprock Integrity Utilising Rock Failure Prediction Methodology for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): A Review

Abstract:

This paper reviews the advancement in assessing caprock failure for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Caprock plays a pivotal role in structural trapping as it acts as a seal to prevent carbon dioxide (CO₂) leakage. However, when a substantial volume of CO₂ is injected into the geological formation, the risk of shear failure associated with certain fractures and faults increases, potentially leading to CO₂ escaping into the atmosphere. Such an outcome directly contradicts the fundamental purpose of CCS, which aims to securely contain CO₂ and prevent its release into the atmosphere, thereby mitigating its impact on climate change. The review highlights Mohr-Coulomb criterion as rock failure prediction methodology to facilitate predict caprock behavior under pressure. This review has identified a gap in understanding the mechanism of structural trapping, particularly on caprock integrity for an effective CCS implementation.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 1184)
• Pages: 37-47
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-tY9GCI
• Online since: November 2025
• Authors: Nur Najwa Syuhada Suhaidi, Farren Foo Kaylyn, Norasyikin Ismail*
• Keywords: Carbon Capture, Carbon Sequestration, CO₂ Trapping, Rock Failure

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