A transient method for measuring thermal properties of soils

In connection with energy conservation studies by subsurface construction, thermal properties of soils are needed for a wide range of temperature and moisture levels. Because of several disadvantages of steady state methods, including the problem of moisture migration, a transient method has been developed which requires substantially less time than steady state tests, reduces the problem of moisture migration, and provides simultaneously thermal conductivities and thermal diffusivities. The design of the apparatus and the test procedure are discussed. The agreement of sample results with steady state measurements assures reliability of the equipment which will be used for generating a wide spectrum of thermal soil data.