Feasibility study for collecting site soil characterization thermal property data for residential construction
According to the theory of heat transfer by conduction, soil thermal conductivity or its reciprocal, thermal resistivity, is the primary variable that influences heat loss or gain from earth contact surfaces such as uninsulated basement walls, ground-coupled water source heat pumps and underground electric cables. The thermal conductivity of soil, however, varies widely depending upon soil texture, density, and above all moisture content. The thermal conductivity of soils can vary in time and space because of changes in moisture content, density and/or soil type. Also, heat flux densities in the soil can provide the driving mechanism for moisture migration and consequent changes in soil moisture. Despite the influence of the above factors on the thermal conductivity of soils, the majority of existing computer models of the energy exchange between earth contact structures and the surrounding soil do not account for variations in soil thermal conductivity. Of the 26 experimental data sets on foundation energy losses and earth contact heat transfer found in the literature, only five of the data sets provide a description of soil and only 2 of the 26 data sets state that the thermal conductivity of the soil was measured. This report discusses the feasibility of collecting thermal property data for use in determining foundation insulation requirements in residential construction. This feasibility study assesses the availability of equipment and a judgment on facility needs. Finally, implementation procedures are recommended. 41 refs., 15 figs., 12 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA); STS Consultants Ltd., Fairfax, VA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 6553898
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/Sub-86-04923/1; ON: DE89005681
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
CONSTRUCTION
SOILS
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
ENERGY CONSERVATION
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
HEAT PUMPS
HEAT TRANSFER
HOUSES
SITE CHARACTERIZATION
SITE SELECTION
SOIL MECHANICS
SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTIONS
BUILDINGS
ENERGY TRANSFER
MECHANICS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
320100* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Buildings