Thermal and Thermo-Mechanical Response of a Geothermal Energy Pile

Abstract

Geothermal energy pile is an innovative way of reducing carbon footprint of any new building constructed on pile foundations. This technology utilises the pile foundation system for the installation of heat exchanging loops so that heat can be extracted or stored in the ground depending upon the building operation. This paper presents an overview of an investigation conducted on a geothermal energy pile with particular focus on heat performance and side shear resistance. A 0.6 m diameter bored pile, 16 m long, containing three heat exchanging loops was installed in sandy material. Two load cells were installed at two levels within the pile for the purpose of performing the mechanical test. The pile was heated and cooled for various time intervals and tested for static side shear capacity. It was found that the pile consistently provided constant heat exchange rate despite a rise in ground temperature. Side shear capacity of the energy pile was not affected by heating and cooling cycles.