Thermal Properties of Soil in Relation to Foundation Stability and Heat Transfer in Subsurface Environments
Radhiyullah Armi (a*), Rachmad Almi Putra (b), T. Andi Fadly (a), Fajriani (b), Sabrian Tri Anda (b), Afrahun Naziah (b), M. Ari Fahril (b), Adriya Egi Widana (b), Rahmatilla (b)

a) Department of Physics, Science and Technology Faculty, Universitas Samudra
Jl, Prof. Dr. Syarief Thayeb, Meurandeh, Kec. Langsa Lama, Kota Langsa, Aceh 24416
*radhiyullah[at]unsam.ac.id

b) Department of Geophysics, Science and Technology Faculty, Universitas Samudra
Jl, Prof. Dr. Syarief Thayeb, Meurandeh, Kec. Langsa Lama, Kota Langsa, Aceh 24416

Abstract

Understanding soil thermal properties, particularly thermal conductivity, is crucial for assessing foundation stability and subsurface heat transfer in various engineering applications. Despite the increasing importance of thermal analysis in geotechnical engineering, there remains a gap in the application of high resolution, field measurement techniques in small scale or localized areas, such as urban campuses, where thermal conditions may vary significantly due to environmental factors. This study utilizes the state of the art transient line source method for measuring soil thermal conductivity, using the TCR24 device, known for its high resolution and accuracy. The research was conducted at Universitas Samudra, located in Kota Langsa, Aceh, Indonesia, a region with varying soil compositions and environmental conditions. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the thermal properties of the soil in relation to foundation stability and heat transfer behavior in subsurface environments. By quantifying the thermal conductivity of local soil, the research aims to provide insights into how thermal properties influence foundation design, particularly in areas with variable thermal fluxes. Methodologically, TCR24 was employed to measure thermal conductivity at several locations on the university campus. The results are analyzed in the context of how heat transfer within the soil affects the long term stability of structures, especially in Langsa tropical climates , where temperature fluctuations and soil moisture variations are significant. The findings have direct implications for improving foundation design strategies, enabling more accurate assessments of heat transfer in geotechnical systems, and contributing to better informed decisions in civil engineering projects in regions with similar soil and climate conditions.

Keywords: Thermal conductivity, Soil Thermal Conductivity, Heat Transfer, Thermal Analysis

Topic: Applied Physics and Chemistry