Evaluation of temperature controlled oedometer test apparatus

Internationally, geothermal foundations have started to become more common, and their thermal efficiency is being improved. In Sweden, however, energy piles have not been widely used. This is mainly due to the remaining uncertainties in the effect of the thermal cycles on the soft soil response. Under repeated generation and dissipation of excess pore pressures, the microstructure and consequently mechanical properties of soft soils, especially of sensitive (quick) clays that are common in Sweden are significantly alerted. Temperature controlled laboratory tests are required to study the thermal response of soft sensitive clay. This paper introduces a modified oedometer apparatus for the investigation of the temperature dependence of the mechanical properties of clay, with special focus on the creep rate of sensitive clay. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, London.