Efficiency of Geothermal Ground Improvement System
AssigneeLehigh University
InventorMuhannad Suleiman
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Abstract
Provided herein are apparatus, systems and methods for use in ground construction. New ground improvement methods have been developed using pervious concrete piles, the piles having material properties of the pervious concrete, as well as positive response to different vertical loads. The methods produce piles that are superior to aggregate piles in most aspects, and that can be utilized in construction in a wider variety of soils and applications, including in geothermal heat exchange (energy pile) systems.
Claims20
A method of installing a pervious concrete pile, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. Providing a mandrel, the mandrel having a cone-shaped tip on a distal end thereof and an inlet opening on the opposite end thereof, a mandrel body connecting the inlet opening to the cone-shaped tip, the cone tip having means for opening and closing of the cone tip to allow material to pass from the inlet opening of the mandrel, through the mandrel body, and out of the con-shaped tip when the cone-shaped tip is opened;
- b. Providing a vibration mechanism in vibrational contact with the mandrel;
- c. Inserting the mandrel into a geological formation at a preselected location;
- d. After installing the mandrel into the geological formation at a preselected location, delivering a selected amount and type of aggregate and concrete mixture into the inlet opening of the mandrel;
- e. Operating the vibration mechanism for a time sufficient to ensure delivery of the mixture to the cone-shaped tip of the mandrel;
- f. Opening the cone-shaped tip of the mandrel to allow at least some of the mixture to escape from the tip to form a pervious concrete pile adjacent the exterior of the cone-shaped tip;
- and
- g. Withdrawing the mandrel from the geologic formation at a rate sufficient to form a continuous pervious concrete pile within the geologic formation, the continuous pervious concrete pile having a porosity of between about 10% to about 40%, and a permeability coefficient of between about 0.01 to about 2 cm/sec.
A geothermal heat exchange system comprising at least one pervious concrete pile having a porosity of between about 10% to about 40%, and a permeability coefficient of between about 0.01 to about 2 cm/sec.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.