The lamina structure significantly influences the morphology and propagation mechanism of hydraulic fractures in shale reservoirs. To investigate the controlling mechanisms of lamina characteristics on fracture propagation, true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments and numerical simulations were conducted. The experiments utilized acoustic emission (AE) monitoring and CT scanning to reconstruct fracture morphology, combined with macro- and meso-scale mechanical parameter calibration to establish a three-dimensional hydraulic fracture and lamina interaction model. Results indicate that the number and distribution of laminae dominate the fracture propagation path. Moderate lamina density enhances the connectivity between hydraulic fractures and the inter-lamina matrix, forming a complex cross-fracture network. However, excessive lamina density limits longitudinal fracture propagation, reducing the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). Fracture length is inversely proportional to the lamina’s tensile strength, with increased tensile strength causing fractures to preferentially propagate across layers. This study reveals the critical mechanisms of lamina-induced hydraulic fracture propagation, providing theoretical support for enhancing oil and gas extraction efficiency.
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