Centrifuge modelling of energy geostructures in soil: A review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Centrifuge modelling of energy geostructures in soil

T2 - A review

AU - Zhao, Rui

AU - Shao, Cong

AU - Knappett, Jonathan Adam

AU - Leung, Anthony Kwan

AU - Liang, Teng

AU - Zhan, Liangtong

AU - Chen, Yunmin

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Authors

PY - 2025/9

Y1 - 2025/9

N2 - Energy geostructures integrate heat exchange pipes of ground source heat pump systems within traditional underground structures, serving the dual purpose of extracting geothermal energy and supporting above-ground structures. The interaction between geothermal structures and soil involves heat transfer, pore pressure evolution and soil skeleton deformation, exhibiting a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical response. Although detailed numerical and analytical models have been developed to analyze the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of energy geostructures in soil, significant challenges remain in validating this coupled response. Centrifuge modelling provides prototype confining stresses in reduced-scale models, providing an alternative to field measurements with more controllable conditions and at lower cost. This paper reviews the current state of the art of centrifuge modelling of energy geostructure–soil interaction, with a particular focus on (i) scaling laws; (ii) evaluations of existing heating and cooling systems; (iii) soil modelling, including material selection and model preparation; and (iv) scale modelling of energy geostructural elements. Each section emphasizes the challenges of centrifuge modelling and presents identified solutions to these challenges. Finally, the prospect for future studies is discussed, highlighting the potential to enhance understanding of the underlying mechanisms controlling thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of geothermal structures in soil.

AB - Energy geostructures integrate heat exchange pipes of ground source heat pump systems within traditional underground structures, serving the dual purpose of extracting geothermal energy and supporting above-ground structures. The interaction between geothermal structures and soil involves heat transfer, pore pressure evolution and soil skeleton deformation, exhibiting a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical response. Although detailed numerical and analytical models have been developed to analyze the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of energy geostructures in soil, significant challenges remain in validating this coupled response. Centrifuge modelling provides prototype confining stresses in reduced-scale models, providing an alternative to field measurements with more controllable conditions and at lower cost. This paper reviews the current state of the art of centrifuge modelling of energy geostructure–soil interaction, with a particular focus on (i) scaling laws; (ii) evaluations of existing heating and cooling systems; (iii) soil modelling, including material selection and model preparation; and (iv) scale modelling of energy geostructural elements. Each section emphasizes the challenges of centrifuge modelling and presents identified solutions to these challenges. Finally, the prospect for future studies is discussed, highlighting the potential to enhance understanding of the underlying mechanisms controlling thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of geothermal structures in soil.

KW - Centrifuge modelling

KW - Energy geostructures

KW - Energy piles

KW - Hypergravity effects

KW - Temperature effects

KW - Thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105011663848

U2 - 10.1016/j.gete.2025.100719

DO - 10.1016/j.gete.2025.100719

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:105011663848

SN - 2352-3808

VL - 43

JO - Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment

JF - Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment

M1 - 100719

ER -