The ITPE technique applied to steady-state ground-coupling problems

Abstract A new analytical procedure called interzone temperature profile estimation (ITPE) is presented and applied to determine the two-dimensional steady-state temperature distribution within earth around a building. The solutions of the governing heat conduction equations are derived for two common ground-coupling geometries: slab-on-grade floors and rectangular basements. A water table at constant temperature is assumed to exist at a given depth below the soil surface. The solutions presented are the first analytic solutions for these geometries capable of considering the effects of both insulation and the presence of a water table on heat flow from these geometries.