Performance of a model geothermal pile in sand

摘要

An instrumented model geothermal pile was subjected to mechanical loading before and after a sustained heat exchange operation. The model pile was installed in a sand bed prepared within a large soil tank. Thermal load was induced by connecting the circulation tube (embedded within the pile) with a constant temperature water bath. Thermocouples were placed at critical locations within the soil tank and along the pile surface to quantify heat exchange between pile and soil. Mechanical load was applied using a hydraulic jack, and the applied axial load is measured using a load cell placed at the pile head. Pile head and base displacements were measured during each load test using LVDTs. The effect of thermal loading on load displacement behavior of the model geothermal pile is studied using the data acquired during the tests.