Centrifuge modelling of 3D energy wall systems embedded in unsaturated soil
Centrifuge modelling of 3D energy wall systems embedded in unsaturated soil
ABSTRACT: In alignment with the global effort in decarbonisation, energy geostructures are gaining increased attention due to the renewable and stable nature of geothermal energy. Heating accounts for the majority of energy consumption in buildings in temperate climates and cooling (air conditioning) is similarly demanding in tropical climates. While there has been significant attention on geothermal piles, studies of energy walls remain limited. This paper will describe the development of novel physical modelling techniques to create reduced-scale (1:25) ground energy diaphragm wall panels that can be used to form an enclosed basement. A model concrete with representative thermo-mechanical properties is used, combined with 3D-printed steel reinforcement cages and embedded silicone pipework. Specifically, the physical models are developed based on a field energy diaphragm wall system recently constructed in São Carlos, Brazil. Additionally, this paper will detail the process of developing a centrifuge model soil representative of a tropical unsaturated soil at the site. This research will provide a modelling approach that provides valuable data to support the advancement of new design methodologies for optimised geothermal solutions in challenging ground conditions, enabling future exploitation of energy walls.
X. Guan; Jonathan A. Knappett; Mike Brown
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 5: Energy geo-structures and foundation systems
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-127