Integration of Data Assimilation techniques in geomechanical modelling:
Ensemble Smoother with Multiple Data Assimilation analysis
L. Gazzola, M. Ferronato, M. Frigo, P. Teatini, C. Zoccarato
Dept. of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
The use of Data Assimilation (DA) techniques is receiving an increasing interest in geomechanical applications,
with the aim to assess and reduce uncertainties associated to numerical outcomes by model constrain with
available measurements. In geomechanical simulations, ensemble-based DA approaches are usually preferred.
Among such techniques, Ensemble Smoother with Multiple Data Assimilation (MDA-ES) is usually recognized
to improve the outcomes in nonlinear problems, but its use and parameter definition is still object of research.
In this paper, MDA-ES has been tested in a synthetic case study dealing with the prediction of land subsidence
above a producing hydrocarbon reservoir. Its effectiveness has been investigated varying both the DA
parametrization and the geomechanical properties.
