Unsaturated soil mechanics in geothermal energy applications

J. S. McCartney, C. J.R. Coccia, N. A. Alsherif, M. A. Stewart, T. Baser, T. Traore, J. C. Goode

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper focuses on the role of unsaturated soil mechanics in different thermal energy applications in geotechnical engineering. These applications include ground-source heat exchangers in geotechnical engineering infrastructure (drilled shafts, diaphragm walls, etc.), injection of excess heat into near-surface thermally active geotechnical systems involving unsaturated soils (embankments, retaining walls with poorly draining backfill), and soil-borehole thermal energy storage systems. In addition to discussing the effects of temperature on soil properties, results from different physical modeling experiments on thermally active geotechnical systems are presented. The results indicate that consideration of inter-relationships between heat transfer, water flow, and mechanical effects leads to opportunities for improving heat transfer in unsaturated soils, as well as for improving the performance of geotechnical systems involving unsaturated soils.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationUnsaturated Soils
Subtitle of host publicationResearch and Applications - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014
PublisherTaylor and Francis - Balkema
Pages835-841
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9781138026896
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014 - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Duration: Jul 2 2014Jul 4 2014

Publication series

NameUnsaturated Soils: Research and Applications - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014
Volume1

Other

Other6th International Conference on Unsaturated Soils, UNSAT 2014
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney, NSW
Period7/2/147/4/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Soil Science

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