Field measurements of soil thermal conductivity

• Published in: Canadian Geotechnical Journal
• Main Author: Goodrich, L. E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1986
• Subjects: Civil and Structural Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology; Canada; permafrost
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/t86-006; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/t86-006

Data representing the seasonal variation of thermal conductivity of the ground at depths within the seasonally active freezing/thawing zone are presented for a number of different soil conditions at four sites across Canada. An inexpensive probe apparatus suitable for routine field measurements is described.In all the cases examined, significant seasonal variations were confined to the first few decimetres. In addition to distinct seasonal differences associated with phase change, quite large changes occurred during the period when the soil was thawed in those cases where seasonal drying was possible. Below the seasonally active zone, thawed soil conductivities did not differ greatly among the three nonpermafrost sites in spite of soil composition ranging from marine clay to sandy silt. The data suggest that, even within a given soil layer, quite significant differences in thermal conductivity may be encountered in engineering structures such as embankments, presumably because of differences in drainage conditions. Key words: thermal conductivity, field measurements, phase relationships, drying, permafrost, clay, silt, peat.