Thermal Properties of Soils

Abstract : This monograph describes the thermal properties of soils, unfrozen or frozen. The effects on these properties of water and its phase changes are detailed. An explanation is given of the interaction between moisture and heat transfer. Other influences on soil thermal properties are described, including such factors as soil composition, structure, additives, salts, organics, hysteresis and temperature. Techniques for testing soil thermal conductivity are outlined and the methods for calculating this property are described. The monograph gives the results of an evaluation of these methods whereby their predictions were compared with measured values, thus showing their applicability to various soil types and conditions.