An attempt is made to investigate the effect of macro fractures on the acoustic properties of sedimentary rocks. Experimental measurements are carried out on intact and jointed samples of Berea sandstone and two tight gas sandstones.

The experimental data shows that the presence of fractures does not cause significant changes in the P and S wave velocities i.e. the dynamic moduli, but measurable and consistent variation occurs in amplitude data clearly showing the importance of attenuation measurements in detecting fractures. Considerable reduction is also observed in the static moduli when fractures are present.