Use of digital correlation techniques for investigating behaviour of geothermal driven piles

Abstract

Geothermal energy has established its huge potential as renewable source of energy for general building establishments. A key feature here is the use of energy piles which serve as major energy exchange system which is sustainable and low-cost. Energy piles are basically driven precast piles employed to provide structural support to structures and act as heat exchange units to provide heating / cooling to buildings. The behaviour of energy piles is influenced by temperature, physical and engineering properties of soil. However, uncertainty still exists at pile soil interface irrespective of its heating or cooling conditions. The present study examines the suitability of using digital correlation technique (DIC) namely GeoPIV-RG software to study the soil deformation at pile soil interface in sandy soil. A rectangular test tank made of steel with a size of 60 × 20 × 45 cm is used for experimental studies. Hollow half section aluminum piles closed at the ends with two different pile length to outer pile diameter ratios viz., 10 and 15 of same flexural rigidity are used for the experimental studies. The piles are subjected to sustained loading simulated through Universal testing machine and movements of soil around the pile are captured using a digital camera. The image analysis software named GeoPIV-RG is used to determine the shear strains and soil displacements. Analysis of results indicated that this technique could capture deformation characteristics and surface heave formation in the surrounding infill medium.