Thermal resistivity (conductivity) testing is required to assess the thermal properties of soil and rock, aiding in the design of underground power cables and pipelines, to ensure efficient heat dissipation and prevent overheating.

 

Frontwave Geophysics provides field and laboratory testing services to measure the thermal resistivity of soil and rock. The testing is performed using the transient heat method and is conducted in accordance with ASTM D5334 and IEEE 442 standards.

 

Field testing is performed in trenches and test pits; it provides data under actual site conditions, offering a more representative assessment of in situ thermal properties. It is generally more cost-effective than laboratory testing. The main advantage of laboratory testing is the possibility of obtaining thermal dryout curves representing thermal resistivity as a function of moisture content. Often, a combination of both field and laboratory testing is employed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of soil thermal properties.

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