Influence factor analysis and calculation model for thermal/electrical resistivity of geomaterials

Abstract This study revealed that heat flow and current through geomaterials had many similarities with respect to transfer theory and calculation model. Most of the influence factors were intertwined in a complex correlation with thermal/electrical resistivity. Solid particles and the contacted paths among them were the main conduction channels of heat/current as geomaterials in a dry state. Salt content of pore fluid had a great influence on electrical conduction of geomaterials, whilst this influence was absent in the issue of thermal conduction. Degree of saturation was a combined factor, and its correlation with thermal/electrical resistivity could be depicted by using power function. The calculation model of thermal/electrical resistivity was finally developed and verified. The accuracy of predicted results of silty sand was acceptable and its RMSE value was 11.31 K cm/W. The proposed model had an underestimation in thermal resistivity of clay, which was probably due to the complexity of mineral components.