Fundamentals of poroelasticity

This chapter is concerned with the formulation and analysis of coupled deformation-diffusion processes, within the framework of the Biot theory of poroelasticity. Four major sections cover the following topics: 1) the constitutive equations, presented in an effort to unify and to relate various approaches proposed in the literature; 2) the linear quasi-static theory of poroelasticity, using a formulation inspired partially by Rice and Cleary's work; 3) analytical and numerical methods for solving initial/boundary value problems; and 4) solution and discussion of some fundamental problems. Other issues such as anisotropy, nonlinearity, and in particular, aspects of the role of pore fluid on rock strength and failure mechanism, are briefly addressed. -from Authors