Experimental determination of the thermal conductivity of soils

Thermal conductivity is one of the soil parameters which becomes more and more important. Precise knowledge of the heat propagation in soil is necessary to optimise and develop applications like geothermal energy or soil freezing. Thermal conductivity is an important characteristic of heat propagation. Several methods are being used for the determination of thermal conductivity, but not all of them are suitable for soil testing. One appropriate method to determine the thermal conductivity of soils is described. An experimental set-up to analyze different factors influencing the thermal conductivity is introduced. Among others the influence of soil type, dry density and degree of saturation is analyzed.