Semiempirical Correlation between P-Wave Velocity and Thermal Conductivity of Frozen Silty Clay Soil

Yadong Ji,Shidong Wang,Kaipeng Zhu,Lei Shi,Dianyan Ning,Chao Lyu,Juan Fan

doi:10.1155/2021/5533696

Abstract

In this study, the thermal conductivity and P-wave velocity of silty clay soil with different water contents are investigated through experiments at different temperatures, and a theoretical correlation between thermal conductivity and wave velocity is established. With temperature decline, the unfrozen water content is reduced and frost heave cracks propagate in soil samples. The variations in thermal conductivity and P-wave velocity are summarized as four phases. The freezing temperature of silty clay soil is between −2°C and −4°C. There is an inversely proportional relationship between thermal conductivity and P-wave velocity for silty clay soil at temperatures below freezing. The experimental results show that the theoretical correlation can well explain the relationship between P-wave velocity and thermal conductivity. These findings provide a possibility for determining the thermal conductivity easily and quickly in geothermal systems and underground engineering projects.

Highlights

Seasonal frozen regions are widely distributed in the civilized world. e structure, physical and mechanical properties, and thermal physical properties of the soil undergo substantial changes due to the freeze-thaw cycle caused by temperature changes throughout the year [1]
Thermal conductivity is an important parameter in the calculation of the temperature field [6, 7]. e analysis and evaluation of soil thermal conductivity during the freeze-thaw cycle have become a focus in engineering and theoretical research. e estimated temperature distribution and freezing degree are essential to the structural health of buildings [8]
Preparation of Soil Samples. e silty clay soil used for the determination of thermal conductivity and P-wave velocity was collected from typical eluvial deposits in farmland in Xuzhou city, Jiangsu Province, China. e basic physical properties and the grain-size distribution of the experimental silty clay soil are shown in Table 1 and Figure 2. e main composition is quartz and kaolinite

Summary

Introduction

Seasonal frozen regions are widely distributed in the civilized world. e structure, physical and mechanical properties, and thermal physical properties of the soil undergo substantial changes due to the freeze-thaw cycle caused by temperature changes throughout the year [1]. E structure, physical and mechanical properties, and thermal physical properties of the soil undergo substantial changes due to the freeze-thaw cycle caused by temperature changes throughout the year [1]. E thawing of the seasonal frozen soil in the cold regions occurs because of the substructures and superstructures, which are contacting the frozen soil. E bearing capacity of foundation decreases, and the consolidation settlement of the superstructures constructed in the cold regions occurs . The temperature field, frost heave, and consolidation and settlement of frozen soil need to be studied in depth [2, 3]. E analysis and evaluation of soil thermal conductivity during the freeze-thaw cycle have become a focus in engineering and theoretical research. Thermal conductivity is an important parameter in the calculation of the temperature field [6, 7]. e analysis and evaluation of soil thermal conductivity during the freeze-thaw cycle have become a focus in engineering and theoretical research. e estimated temperature distribution and freezing degree are essential to the structural health of buildings [8]

Methods

Results

Conclusion