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The thermo-mechanical impact of long-term energy pile use

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  • Rafai, Mouadh
  • Salciarini, Diana
  • Vardon, Philip J.

Abstract

This paper presents quantitative data from a field test on a new type of energy pile, called a displacement cast in situ energy pile. The test pile was installed in a multilayered soft soils and subjected to a continuous cooling for 3 months, with no mechanical load. Afterwards, the pile was loaded to a specific target of 20 or 60 % of its calculated ultimate bearing capacity and then subjected to up to five thermal cycles. Under zero mechanical load, the results revealed that the compressive/tensile stresses coexist along the pile. Under low mechanical load (20 %), thermal cycles induced irreversible residual contractive strains and stresses as well as a limited pile head settlement. Under high mechanical load (60 %) and extreme operating conditions, i.e., negative temperatures which could have indicated a frozen interface, further irreversible settlements observed at the end of this test. Mechanical pile tests however indicated no impact of stress history (including the freezing test) on the shaft resistance and the overall pile-bearing capacity.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafai, Mouadh & Salciarini, Diana & Vardon, Philip J., 2025. "The thermo-mechanical impact of long-term energy pile use," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:244:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125003556
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122693
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Meibodi, Saleh S. & Loveridge, Fleur, 2022. "The future role of energy geostructures in fifth generation district heating and cooling networks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    2. Tunzi, Michele & Østergaard, Dorte Skaarup & Svendsen, Svend & Boukhanouf, Rabah & Cooper, Edward, 2016. "Method to investigate and plan the application of low temperature district heating to existing hydraulic radiator systems in existing buildings," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 413-421.
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