Investigating the Influence of Water Salinity Concentrations on Thermal Conductivity of Soils for Buried Infrastructure Systems Reliant on Heat Transfer

Thermal conductivity of soils is a critical soil property in geotechnics, which provides essential information about the soil’s ability to conduct heat transfer. Erroneous data can be responsible for the inefficient design of infrastructure systems which rely on heat transfer, such as buried cabling, piping, and geothermal systems. This study investigated the influence of variations in salinity concentrations and soil type on soil thermal conductivity, considering potential implications for areas with a high water table or flooding events, as well as offshore wind projects. A total of 23 experimental tests were performed, and resulting 36 thermal conductivity data points were recorded. The results indicate that the salinity concentration or type of soil on site can increase (silty clay) or decrease (sandy soil) soil thermal conductivity at varying moisture contents during testing, which could provide a more informed, economical design for buried infrastructure that relies on heat transfer through soils.