Investigation of thermal stresses in energy walls induced by non-uniform temperature distribution
Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, cilt.47, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 47
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.gete.2026.100856
- Dergi Adı: Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Geobase, INSPEC
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Energy geostructures, Energy walls, Non-uniform temperature distribution, Thermally induced stresses, Thermo-mechanical analysis
- Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Energy geostructures, such as energy piles and energy walls, combine structural support with renewable heating and cooling functions. Although previous studies have extensively examined their thermo-mechanical behavior, most assumed uniform temperature distributions, overlooking the non-uniformities caused by fluid circulation within embedded pipes. These non-uniform temperature fields produce complex, three-dimensional thermal stress distributions, significantly influenced by both external and internal mechanical constraints. This study investigates thermally induced stresses in energy walls under realistic, non-uniform temperature distributions during heat injection and extraction scenarios through a validated three-dimensional numerical model using COMSOL Multiphysics. The results reveal significant circumferential, radial, and axial stresses shaped by temperature gradients and structural constraints. Pronounced compressive stresses develop around heated pipe regions during heat injection, while notable tensile stresses dominate areas adjacent to pipes during heat extraction. Additionally, considerable tensile stresses are observed at critical interfaces, such as building-facing surfaces and soil-wall boundaries. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating realistic, spatially varying temperature distributions and corresponding mechanical constraints into the structural analysis and design of energy geostructures to ensure their safety, reliability and long-term sustainability. Considering these effects will enhance the accuracy of structural assessments and contribute to improved long-term performance of energy geostructures.