Geotechnical thermal analysis

Estimating the thermal regime including the depth of freeze or thaw beneath roads, airstrips, building foundations and embankments is an essential element in geotechnical thermal design. Numerical methods such as finite difference and finite element techniques are usually used to model complex geometries, spatial and time dependent boundary conditions, and spatial and temperature dependent thermal properties. However, for many problems one-dimensional semi-analytical methods provide sufficient insight to meet design requirements. This paper will focus on the boundary conditions and basic thermal calculation techniques required to carry out thermal analysis.