This invention, ThermConS describes a system for estimating thermally induced volume change (TIVC) of soils. ThermConS includes a water bath with thermal insulation, an oedometer cell, and a loading assembly with a plunger and loading discs. The soil specimen is placed in an oedometer ring and sandwiched between filter papers and porous discs. An LVDT records vertical displacement due to thermo-mechanical stress. This setup allows for accurate measurement and analysis of TIVC in soils under various thermal and mechanical loadings, providing critical data for applications in geothermal energy, nuclear waste disposal, and construction.
Figure (1) Details of the setup of ThermConS.
The behavior of soils under elevated temperatures is crucial for applications such as geothermal energy utilization, nuclear waste disposal, satellite launch pad design, and underground utilities. The thermal loading in these situations significantly affects soil properties like compressibility, shear strength, and hydraulic conductivity. Despite various analytical and numerical models developed over the last two decades, there remains a need for an invention to validate these models and understand the thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of soils accurately.
- High-Precision Measurement: Integration of a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) for precise measurement of soil displacement
- Advanced Thermal Control: A thermally insulated water bath with annular space filled with thermal wool, integrated heating coils, and thermocouples ensures stable and precise temperature management.
- Enhanced Data Logging: Equipped with a sophisticated data logging subsystem for continuous monitoring and data transmission, facilitating detailed analysis and validation of analytical and numerical models
- Ease of Use: The design of the oedometer cell allows for easy loading and unloading of soil specimens, making the system user-friendly and efficient.
A fully functional laboratory-scale prototype of the system, termed ThermConS, has been successfully developed to investigate thermally induced volume changes (TIVC) in soils. The setup consists of a thermally insulated water bath equipped with heating coils and thermocouples for precise thermal control, an oedometer cell for housing the soil specimen, and a loading assembly featuring a plunger and loading discs for applying mechanical stress. To monitor the specimen’s deformation under thermo-mechanical loading, a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) is integrated into the setup, providing high-resolution displacement measurements. A data logging subsystem is also incorporated for continuous monitoring and digital recording of temperature and displacement data. The prototype has been calibrated using both standard metal discs and marine clay samples, confirming its effectiveness in simulating and measuring the complex thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of soils under varied loading conditions.
A functional prototype has been designed, fabricated, and tested under controlled conditions to replicate thermo-mechanical stress effects on soil specimens. The performance of the system has been evaluated through a series of calibration and testing procedures, demonstrating its capability to accurately capture thermally induced volume changes in soils. These results affirm the system's suitability for further development and potential deployment in geotechnical and infrastructure-related applications.
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This system enhances the safety and efficiency of geothermal energy projects and nuclear waste disposal by providing accurate data on soil behavior under thermal stress. It also contributes to the development of improved construction techniques for satellite launch pads and underground utilities. Moreover, by deepening the understanding of soil behavior, it supports environmental sustainability through safer and more reliable engineering practices.
- Geothermal energy extraction.
- Nuclear waste disposal.
- Design and construction of satellite launch pads.
- Underground utility installation.
Geography of IP
Type of IP
202021015318
478152