Thermal Resistivity & Conductivity Testing

Atlas Engineering and Technology Group offers specialised thermal resistivity and conductivity testing services for soils, backfills, and other construction materials. Accurate assessment of these properties is critical for the successful design, installation, and long-term performance of various infrastructure projects.

Thermal resistivity and thermal conductivity testing determine how efficiently a material transfers heat. In civil and electrical infrastructure projects, understanding these properties is critical for:

• Selecting suitable backfill around underground power cables and pipelines
• Designing earthing systems and thermal trenches
• Verifying compliance with project-specific or Australian Standard limits

Key Applications and Importance

Thermal property data is vital in numerous engineering applications, including:

• Underground Power Cables: The ampacity (current-carrying capacity) of underground power cables is significantly influenced by the thermal resistivity of the surrounding soil or thermal backfill. High resistivity can lead to overheating, reducing cable lifespan, and potentially causing failures. Our testing helps ensure optimal heat dissipation for reliable power networks in Sydney.
• Geothermal Systems: Efficient design of ground-source heat pump systems relies on accurate thermal conductivity values of the subsurface materials to predict heat exchange performance.
• Pipeline Backfills: Managing the temperature of fluids within pipelines and protecting pipelines from thermal stresses requires backfill materials with known thermal properties.
• Building and Pavement Materials: Assessing the thermal performance of insulation, concrete, and aggregates for energy efficiency and durability.
• Controlled Low-Strength Materials (CLSM): Evaluating CLSM and other stabilised materials used as backfill for their thermal performance.

Our Thermal Resistivity and Conductivity Testing Capabilities

Atlas Engineering and Technology Group provides comprehensive laboratory and in-situ testing services in accordance with recognised industry standards.

Our testing services cover a range of needs:

• Laboratory Thermal Dry-out Curves: We assess the thermal resistivity of soils and backfill materials across various moisture contents and densities to develop characteristic thermal dry-out curves. This is crucial as the soil's thermal resistivity highly depends on its moisture content.
• In-situ Thermal Resistivity/Conductivity Testing: On-site measurements provide data on undisturbed soil conditions, reflecting actual site conditions.
• Testing of Diverse Materials:
  • Native soils
  • Imported fill and backfill materials
  • Cement Bentonite (CB) Slurries
  • Sands, aggregates, and stabilised materials
  • Concrete and grout samples