Aly Abdelaziz

Postdoctoral Researcher

Biography

Aly Abdelaziz is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Professor Grasselli’s Geomechanics Group in the Civil & Mineral Engineering Department at the University of Toronto in Canada where he received his PhD in 2023. Aly holds a Bachelor of Science in 2007 in Civil – Structural Engineering from Benha University in Egypt. Aly has over eight years of professional experience in the field of geotechnical investigation and construction monitoring and material testing in an accredited laboratory in Dubai. His current research broads several interests which include numerical representation of synthetic rock using spatial Voronoi tessellations and measuring influence of machines on strains during testing. He also worked on true-triaxial hydraulic fracturing test to develop an understanding of rock stimulation in the context of fracture type as well as its complexity. In addition, he constantly strives to bridge gaps between his professional knowledge and the academic world to achieve balance between academic practice and industry standards.

June 2023
June 2023

Postdoctoral Position

Started as a Postdoctoral Researcher with Grasselli's Geomechanics Group
June 2023
June 2023

PhD Graduate

Graduated with a PhD with thesis titled "Stress, Strain, and Failure in Heterogeneous and Anisotropic Rock"
June2023
June2023

Conference Paper

Published a Conference Paper in SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference 2023 titled "Mechanical Characterization, Anisotropy, and Failure Pattern of Unconventional Reservoirs for Wellbore Stability and Fracture Enhancement"
May 2023
May 2023

Award

Received the CGS-SOS Murty Devata scholarship
August 2022
August 2022

Journal Paper

Published a Journal Paper in Advances in Geo-Energy Research titled "Understanding hydraulic fracture mechanisms: From the laboratory to numerical modelling"
July 2022
July 2022

Award

Received the 2022 Student Level ARMA Service Award
May 2022
May 2022

Invited Talk

Invited talk on "Experimental Testing Under In Situ Stress Conditions and the Importance of Standards to Determine What Dictates the Resultant Geometry of Rock Failure: Fracture Propagation vs. Rock Structure/Fabric?" as part of the Geological Controls and Fracture Mechanics - Considerations for the Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide, Hydrogen, Methane and Compressed Air.
January 2021
January 2021

Book Chapter

Published a Chapter in Challenges and Innovations in Geomechanics titled "Modelling Failure in Layered Geological Formations - FDEM: A Micro-mechanical Approach that Bridges Across Scales"
December 2020
December 2020

Journal Paper

Published a Journal Paper in Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering titled "How believable are published laboratory data? A deeper look into system-compliance and elastic modulus"
November 2020
November 2020

Conference Paper

Published a Conference Paper at ISRM Specialized Conference CouFrac2020, 11 - 13 November, 2020, Seoul. Korea titled "FDEM: a laboratory calibrated, micro-mechanical approach that bridges across scales"
September 2019
September 2019

Conference Paper

Published a Conference Paper at Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 30 September - 2 October, Calgary, Alberta, Canada titled "Unconventional Shale Hydraulic Fracturing Under True Triaxial Laboratory Conditions, the Value of Understanding Your Reservoir"
May 2019
May 2019

Nomination

Nominated as a Event Organizer in the Executive Committee of the Canadian Geotechnical Society - Southern Ontario Section (CGS-SOS)

May 2019
May 2019

Internship

Summer Internship at PETRONAS Canada Ltd. as a Summer Student in the Unconventional Center of Excellence (UCoE).

September 2018
September 2018

NSERC PSD Award

Received the Postgraduate Scholarships - Doctoral from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada with the project titled "Applications of the implications of micromechanical properties on the macromechanical properties of rocks."
July 2018
July 2018

Award

Received the Winter/Spring 2018 School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Conference Grant.

July 2018
July 2018

Journal Paper

Published a Journal Paper in Computers and Geotechnics titled "Grain based modelling of rocks using the combined finite-discrete element method"
June 2018
June 2018

Journal Paper

Published a Conference Paper at 52nd U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, 17-20 June, Seattle, Washington (ARMA) titled "Investigating Frictional Behavior of Micro-Cracks Using Grain Based Modelling in the Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method (FDEM)"
May 2018
May 2018

Award

Won first place at the responsible development of unconventional resources (REDEVELOP) Challenge. Led a group of 3 highly qualified personnel (HQPs) to address the problem of "Supplying liquefied natural gas to remote communities: Freeze or go full steam ahead?"
December 2017
December 2017

Candidacy

Became a PhD candidate.

September 2017
September 2017

Award

Received the Queen Elizabeth II/ George Gladstone Gilchrist Graduate Scholarship In Science And Technology
January 2017
January 2017

Program Transfer

Transferred from MASc Program to a PhD Program

September 2016
September 2016

Award

Received the Queen Elizabeth II/ George Gladstone Gilchrist Graduate Scholarship In Science And Technology
January 2015
January 2015

Joined

Joined as a MASc Candidate

Publications

Zhao, Q., Tisato, N., Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., & Grasselli, G. (2023). Numerical investigation of progressive damage and associated seismicity on a laboratory fault. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 167(105392).
Tatone, B. S. A., Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2023). Example framework for evaluation of synthetic rock-like materials as applied to a commercial gypsum cement. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 169.
Sun, L., Tang, X., Abdelaziz, A., Liu, Q., & Grasselli, G. (2023). Stability analysis of reservoir slopes under fluctuating water levels using the combined finite-discrete element method. Acta Geotechnica.
Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., Li, M., Magsipoc, E., Sun, L., & Grasselli, G. (2023). Understanding hydraulic fracture mechanisms: From the laboratory to numerical modelling. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 7(1), 66–68.
Abdelaziz, A. (2023). Stress, Strain, and Failure in Heterogeneous and Anisotropic Rock (PhD Thesis). University of Toronto.
Sun, L., Li, M., Abdelaziz, A., Tang, X., Liu, Q., & Grasselli, G. (2023). An efficient 3D cell-based discrete fracture-matrix flow model for digitally captured fracture networks. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology.
Grasselli, G., Adams, M., & Abdelaziz, A. (2023). Rock Fabric Not Principal Stress Dictates SRV: The Story of How a ∼70 Year Old Discounted Data Point Still Plagues Our Industry and How True Triaxial Testing Finally Confirms It. SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference. Presented at the SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Li, M., Magsipoc, E., Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., Peterson, K., & Grasselli, G. (2023). Fracture Network in a Shale Cube Hydraulically Fractured in the Laboratory. Album of Porous Media (pp. 45–45).
Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2023). Characterizing fracture complexity and fracture type in laminated Montney Formation through laboratory true-triaxial hydraulic fracturing tests. ARMA Hydraulic Fracturing Community Seminar  – September 7, 2023.
Abdelaziz, A., Aboayanah, K. R., Adams, M., & Grasselli, G. (2023). Mechanical Characterization, Anisotropy, and Failure Pattern of Unconventional Reservoirs for Wellbore Stability and Fracture Enhancement. SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, (URTEC-3867635-MS).
Abdelaziz, A., Aboayanah, K. R., Adams, M., & Grasselli, G. (2023). Mechanical Characterization, Anisotropy, and Failure Pattern of Unconventional Reservoirs for Wellbore Stability and Fracture Enhancement. SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference. Presented at the SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Abdelaziz, A. (2023). The Value of Understanding your Reservoir Rock – Hydraulic Fracturing Under True-Triaxial Conditions. NSERC/Energi Simulation Industrial Research Chair in Fundamental Petroleum Rock Physics and Rock Mechanics.
Ghafouri, S. M. H. S., Aboayanah, K. R., Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2022). Numerical Investigation of the Influence of Bedding Plane Thickness and Friction on Cracking Pattern and Mechanical Behavior of Shale under Unconfined Loading Condition Using the Finite-Discrete Element Method (FDEM) (p. 11). Presented at the 56th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, ARMA: American Rock Mechanics Association.
Abdelaziz, A., & Ha, J. (2022). What Dictates the Resultant Geometry of Rock Failure, In-Situ Stresses vs. Rock Structure/Fabric? Learning from Standardized and Novel Experimental Testing. Geological Controls and Fracture Mechanics.
Tatone, B. S. A., Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2022). Novel Mechanical Classification Method of Rock Based on the Uniaxial Compressive Strength and Brazilian Disc Strength. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 55(4), 2503–2507.
Sun, L., Liu, Q., Abdelaziz, A., Tang, X., & Grasselli, G. (2022). Simulating the entire progressive failure process of rock slopes using the combined finite-discrete element method. Computers and Geotechnics, 141, 104557.
Sun, L., Grasselli, G., Liu, Q., Tang, X., & Abdelaziz, A. (2022). The role of discontinuities in rock slope stability: Insights from a combined finite-discrete element simulation. Computers and Geotechnics, 147, 104788.
Aboayanah, K. R., Popoola, A., Abdelaziz, A., Sun, L., Ossetchkina, E., Peterson, K., & Grasselli, G. (2022). Effect of pre-existing cracks on thermal cracking of granitic rocks under confinement. Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, 8(4).
Abdelaziz, A., & Ha, J. (2022). What Dictates the Resultant Geometry of Rock Failure, In-Situ Stresses vs. Rock Structure/Fabric? Learning from Standardized and Novel Experimental Testing. Geological Controls and Fracture Mechanics - Canadian Society of Unconventional Resources.
Li, M., Magsipoc, E., Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., Peterson, K., & Grasselli, G. (2021). Mapping Fracture Complexity of Fractured Shale in Laboratory: Three-dimensional Reconstruction From Serial-section Images. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 55(5), 2937–2948.
Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2021). Modelling Failure in Layered Geological Formations - FDEM: A Micro-mechanical Approach that Bridges Across Scales. In A. Di Donna & D. Sterpi (Eds.), Challenges and Innovations in Geomechanics (pp. 140–155). Presented at the 16th International Conference of IACMAG 2021: Challenges and Innovations in Geomechanics, Springer, Cham.
Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2020). How believable are published laboratory data? A deeper look into system-compliance and elastic modulus. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 13(3), 487–499.
Grasselli, G., & Abdelaziz, A. (2020). FDEM: a laboratory calibrated, micro-mechanical approach that bridges across scales. Presented at the International Conference on Coupled Processes in Fractured Geological Media: Observation, Modeling, and Application - CouFrac2020, Seoul, Korea: ISRM Specialized Conference.
Magsipoc, E., Li, M., Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., Peterson, K., & Grasselli, G. (2020). Analysis of the Fracture Morphologies from a Laboratory Hydraulic Fracture Experiment on Montney Shale (p. 6). Presented at the ARMA/DGS/SEG International Geomechanics Symposium, ARMA: American Rock Mechanics Association.
Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., & Grasselli, G. (2020). Excavation stability in heterogeneous anisotropic shale formation. Presented at the 36th International Geological Congress, Delhi, India.
Li, M., Magsipoc, E., Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., Guo, J., Peterson, K., & Grasselli, G. (2020). Mapping Fracture Complexity in Hydraulically Fractured Montney Shale by Serial Section Reconstruction (p. 9). Presented at the 54th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, ARMA: American Rock Mechanics Association.
Abdelaziz, A. (2020). Update on laboratory testing reliability. NSERC/Energi Simulation Industrial Research Chair in Fundamental Petroleum Rock Physics and Rock Mechanics.
Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., Abul Khair, H., Adams, M., Tan, C. P., Musa, I. H., & Grasselli, G. (2019). Unconventional Shale Hydraulic Fracturing Under True Triaxial Laboratory Conditions, the Value of Understanding Your Reservoir (p. 16). Presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition - ATCE 2019, SPE: Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Li, M., Magsipoc, E., Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., & Grasselli, G. (2019). Mapping Fracture Complexity in Shale Rock.
Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2019). Hydraulic Fracturing Under True Triaxial Laboratory Conditions - Value of understanding your reservoir rock.
Abdelaziz, A. (2019). Fluid-induced Dynamic Fracturing Process - A Laboratory Approach. Energi Simulation Visit.
Abdelaziz, A., Zhao, Q., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Grain based modelling of rocks using the combined finite-discrete element method. Computers and Geotechnics, 103, 73–81.
Qiu, Y., Abdelaziz, A., Peterson, K., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Micromechanical Characterization of Montney’s Lower Triassic Claraia Biostrome.
Ha, J., Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Hydraulic Fracturing under True Triaxial Conditions.
Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Microcracks Orientation and their Effect on Macroscopic Strength.
Qiu, Y., Abdelaziz, A., Peterson, K., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Modelling of concrete weight coating based on micromechanical characterization.
Qiu, Y., Abdelaziz, A., Peterson, K., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Modelling of concrete weight coating based on micromechanical characterization. Presented at the RILEMweek/CONMOD, Delft Netherlands.
Zhou, H., Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Rock Dilation and Its Effect on Fracture Transmissivity (p. 6). Presented at the SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, URTEC: Unconventional Resources Technology Conference.
Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Investigating frictional behavior of micro-cracks using grain based modelling in the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM). Presented at the 52nd U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, Seattle: American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA).
Abdelaziz, A., Thi, H. B., Saad, S., & Fuss, J. (2018). Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) for Remote Communities. Presented at the University of Calgary CREATE ReDeveLoP Annual Innovation Program, Calgary, Alberta.
Zhou, H., Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Rock dilation and its effect on fracture transmissivity. SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference.
Qiu, Y., Abdelaziz, A., Peterson, K., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Modelling of concrete weight coating based on micromechanical characterization. RILEMweek/CONMOD.
Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Investigation of the influence of microstructure on reservoir rock permeability using FDEM numerical modelling. URTeC.
Abdelaziz, A. (2018). Hydraulic fracturing Montney shale cubes in the laboratory. Energi Simulation 2018 Annual General Meeting and Research Chair Technical Symposium.
Abdelaziz, A. (2018). Incorporating microscopic features and behavior into numerical simulations. NSERC/Energi Simulation Industrial Research Chair in Fundamental Petroleum Rock Physics and Rock Mechanics.
Abdelaziz, A., Thi, H. B., Saad, S., & Fuss, J. (2018). Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) for Remote Communities. University of Calgary CREATE ReDeveLoP Annual Innovation Program.
Abdelaziz, A., & Grasselli, G. (2018). Investigating frictional behavior of micro-cracks using grain based modelling in the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM). 52nd U.S. Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium.
Zhao, Q., Abdelaziz, A., He, T.-M., Xia, K., & Grasselli, G. (2017). Understanding progressive rock failure using ultrasonic tomography and numerical simulation. Presented at the ISRM Progressive Rock Failure Conference, Ascona, Switzerland: International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.
Zhou, H., Abdelaziz, A., Zhao, Q., & Grasselli, G. (2017). Simulating realistic rock behaviour using the combined finite-discrete element method.
Zhao, Q., Tisato, N., Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., & Grasselli, G. (2017). Numerical investigation of shear induced damage and associated microseismicity on a rough surface. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.