The Structural Analog Module (SAM™) is jointly developed by IFP and
C&C Reservoirs. SAM™ provides web access to 340 digital structural
analog models originally generated by IFP. These models simulate structural evolution in various tectonic 
regimes, including compression, extension, strike-slip, inversion, gravity, transpression, transtension and
reactivation of pre-existing structures. The structural models have been integrated with global field/reservoir a
nalogs by links between the structural analog models and structural settings/trap types of the field/reservoir analogs.
Physical structural analog models have been used for the understanding of
geological structures since early 1800's and have obtained renewed attention in the past two decades.
These models are used mainly to understand mechanisms of deformation and to determine the genetic relation
between imposed boundary conditions and resulted structures. Physical structural modeling has contributed
significantly to the understanding of structural geology and improvement in hydrocarbon exploration.
Modern computer technologies, innovative techniques and new modelling materials have greatly enhanced
the capabilities of physical structural modeling and its application in hydrocarbon exploration.
IFP has implemented the X-Ray Computerized Tomography (CT) technology
to acquire digital images of physical structural models while they are deformed under various boundary conditions,
which simulate various tectonic regimes. The acquired CT digital images of physical models enable the interactive 
analysis on deformation of structural models in 2D, 3D and 4D domains. Over the past 15 years, hundreds of physical
modeling experiments have been conducted and recorded using CT technology at IFP. Some of the key experiments
are now available via joint effort between IFP and C&C Reservoirs through the new
Structural Analogs Module (SAM™) of Digital Analogs™ Knowledge System (DAKS™).
The web-based Structural Analogs Module can be used effectively
by E&P industry for the validation of structural interpretation, understanding of the evolution of various
structural styles and their related hydrocarbon traps, 3D visualization of complex structures and analysis of
fractures, in order to reduce hydrocarbon exploration and development risks. Structural Analogs can be
particularly important in areas where seismic data is unsatisfactory and the structures are complex and
poorly understood.
The Structural Analogs Module come in two phases. Phase I has been completed and is available now.
The deliverable include:
- Structural Analogs model report in pdf format.
The report for each model includes the setting of the structural model experiment, boundary conditions,
CT acquisition parameters and snap shot images of the intermediate and final structural cross sections;
- Evolution of structures at selected cross sections in movie
(.mov and/or .avi) format, which can be viewed using Apple® QuickTime Player;
- Final 3D model in movie (.mov and/or .avi) format, which shows
the cross-section images of the 3D model in dip direction, strike direction as well as in depth slices; and
- Final 3D model in SEG-y format which allows the 3D analog model
to be visualized and analyzed using any 3D seismic interpretation software.
Phase II will provide 3D interpretation of selected structural models,
allowing instant view of 3D structural styles of the interpreted models for complex structures.
The selected 3D Structural Analog models will be interpreted to show key horizons and fault systems in order
to further illustrate the final 3D geometry of the models deformed under various tectonic regimes.
The deliverables will include horizon files, fault files and Acrobat 3D® files that can be viewed using Acrobat
Reader version 7.0 or higher.
E&P companies are invited to participate in the development of Phase II.
Please contact C&C Reservoirs if you have an interest in or any queries about the Structural Analogs module.
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