Experimental Analysis of Thermo-Mechanical Effects on Geothermal Piles

The growing global population necessitates sustainable energy solutions to meet escalating energy demands. Geothermal energy, abundant and continuous, ranks as a leading alternative after solar energy. Integrating geothermal energy into building systems requires specialized structures. For shallow geothermal applications, thermo-active piles offer a cost-effective and efficient solution regarding both investment and operational expenses. Distinct from traditional piles, these energy piles enable thermal exchange between the pile and surrounding soil, supporting building heating, cooling, and hot water needs. Their design mandates a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical analysis. This study presents a numerical model of a field-scale energy pile experiment conducted in Houston, Texas, validated through stress and temperature data collected during the experiment.