Thermal effects on the hydraulic conductivity of a granular geomaterial
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Schnaider Bortolotto, Marina
Taborda, david MG
O'Sullivan, Catherine
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Geotechnical challenges arising from thermal loading are associated with many engineering applications such as ground source energy systems (5℃-40℃) and nuclear waste disposal (in excess of 100℃). The effects of temperature on soils have been the subject of limited research, particularly in terms of the fundamental characterisation of the non-isothermal behaviour of granular geomaterials. This study describes challenges associated with determining the hydraulic conductivity (k_ℎ) of such materials at different temperatures using a bespoke temperature-controlled triaxial apparatus. A methodology is proposed for interpreting thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) tests on isotropically consolidated specimens and is applied to data obtained for a uniform sand. It is shown that the intrinsic head losses of the system need to be minimised in order to obtain reliable measurements; this requires a detailed calibration procedure. The developed approach is used to determine the hydraulic conductivity at ambient temperature and at 40℃, showing that the increase in k_ℎ with temperature is mostly due to the reduction in the viscosity of water. A detailed analysis of the volumetric response of the sample during heating is also carried out.
Editor(s)
Rahman, Prof Md Mizanur
Jaksa, Professor Mark
Date Acceptance
2021-08-27
Citation
Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2, General, pp.5017-5022
ISBN
9780994626141
Publisher
2022 Australian Geomechanics Society
Start Page
5017
End Page
5022
Journal / Book Title
Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
Volume
2, General
Copyright Statement
Copyright Australian Geomechanics Society
Sponsor
Commission of the European Communities
Grant Number
813202
Source
20th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 2022
Subjects
granular material
head loss
hydraulic conductivity
thermal loading
thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
2022-05-01
Finish Date
2022-05-05
Coverage Spatial
Sydney, Australia