ABSTRACT

The Thermal Cone Penetration Test (T-CPT) records temperature dissipation during an interruption of the Cone Penetration Test (CPT) to determine the thermal properties of the ground, taking advantage of heat generated in the cone penetrometer during normal operation. This paper compares two interpretation models for thermal conductivity. It is found that the thermal conductivity can be accurately determined. Care must be taken of the initial heat distribution and sensor location within the temperature cone to achieve accurate results. Furthermore, laboratory test data are presented that show that the full-displacement push of a penetrometer into sandy strata has limited influence on thermal conductivity values.