CPT correlations for thermal properties of soils

• Published in: Acta geotechnica Vol. 16; no. 2; pp. 635 - 646
• Main Authors: Vardon, P. J., Peuchen, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-02-2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Clay; Complex Fluids and Microfluidics; Cone penetration tests; Correlation; Engineering; Foundations; Geoengineering; Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences; Heat conductivity; Heat transfer; Hydraulics; Organic soils; Properties; Research Paper; Soft and Granular Matter; Soil; Soil conductivity; Soil properties; Soil Science & Conservation; Soil types; Soils; Solid Mechanics; Specific heat; Thermal conductivity; Thermal energy; Thermal properties; Thermal resistance; Thermodynamic properties; Heat capacity; Thermal conductivity; Correlations; CPT
• ISSN: 1861-1125; 1861-1133
• DOI: 10.1007/s11440-020-01027-2

Obtaining in situ thermal properties of soils is often difficult and time-consuming. Here, cone penetration test (CPT) correlations are proposed and validated for thermal properties of saturated ground, i.e. thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity, giving continuous profiles of the parameters, in a substantially reduced time. The proposed correlations utilise the characteristics of existing CPT correlations. The volumetric heat capacity correlations show good agreement with laboratory hot disc tests, and the thermal conductivity correlations proved successful for a range of soil types, including organic soils, clays and sands, although with a reasonable scatter. Empirical adjustment was required for the thermal conductivity of soils showing high (normalised) cone resistance. Utilising thermal CPT (T-CPT)-derived thermal conductivity point values in conjunction with the thermal conductivity correlations offers accurate and continuous site-specific profiles.