A Comparison Study and Optimization of Input Parameters for Thermal Conductivity Testing of Concrete
Open Access
Author:
Murtadza, Naufal
Area of Honors:
Civil Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Grady F Mathews, IV, Thesis Supervisor David Scott Witwer, Thesis Honors Advisor Rajarajan Subramanian, Faculty Reader
Keywords:
Sustainable Concrete Thermal Conductivity
Abstract:
Past studies on thermal conductivity of concrete use these three types of methods which include the two linear parallel probe (TLPP), transient plane source (TPS), and hot guarded plate (HGP). The test method requires the test samples to be fixed between hot and cold plates so a constant heat stream can flow over the test samples. This project uses the Transient Plane Source (TPS) method to measure thermal conductivity by sandwiching a singular spiraling flat sensor and probe between two concrete disks. The electric current passes through the probe to increase the heat, and the sensor will measure the thermal conductivity. But factors that are not mentioned in the ACI 122R Guide to Thermal Properties of Concrete and Masonry systems, such as the sensor location and measurement time, may affect the sample's thermal conductivity value since it is related to the thermal diffusivity value. Furthermore, with the increase in demand for a more sustainable concrete, foamed glass aggregate (FGA) is added to the concrete mix for the project as it was previously observed to have insulation capability in concrete. However, further study about FGA is needed to understand how it affects the concrete's expansion. Only a few past studies determine how significant the sensor location, measurement time, and FGA influence the result. Hence, further research is needed to optimize the input parameters of thermal conductivity testing concrete to get the most accurate results.
