Work

Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Model for Energy Piles: Dynamic Interface Behavior and Sustainable Design Implications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study introduces an advanced temperature variation model for the pile–soil interface of single energy piles, developed through extensive numerical simulations across diverse operating conditions. Unlike existing models, it explicitly accounts for thermal interactions at the interface by adopting uniform material properties and initial temperatures, enabling precise heat transfer predictions. An iterative algorithm based on the load transfer method quantifies the pile’s thermo-mechanical response to temperature fluctuations, demonstrating significantly improved accuracy in settlement prediction compared to conventional methods. Validation against two field case studies demonstrates the model’s robustness across varied geotechnical contexts. Parameter analysis identifies soil thermal conductivity and load transfer characteristics as critical factors influencing pile behavior, thereby facilitating design optimization. This approach enhances energy pile efficiency by up to 20%, promoting the utilization of renewable geothermal energy and reducing carbon emissions in infrastructure projects, thus contributing to sustainable geotechnical engineering practices.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15213984

Authors: Chun-yu Cui, Zhong-ren Liu, Wei Cui, Jing-hang Liu, Yang You

Institutions: Shandong Jiaotong University, Shandong University

Language: English

Topic: Geothermal Energy Systems and Applications

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137