This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D5334 − 22a´1

Standard Test Method for

Determination of Thermal Conductivity of Soil and Rock by
Thermal Needle Probe Procedure1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5334; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected dry density units in October 2023.

1. Scope* commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope

1.1 This test method presents a procedure for determining of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
the thermal conductivity (λ) of soil and rock using a transient methods for engineering design.
NOTE 1—This test method is also applicable and commonly used for
heat method. This test method is applicable for both intact determining thermal conductivity of a variety of engineered porous
specimens of soil and rock and reconstituted soil specimens, materials of geologic origin including concrete, Fluidized Thermal Back-
and is effective in the lab and in the field. This test method is fill (FTB), and thermal grout.
most suitable for homogeneous materials, but can also give a 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
representative average value for non-homogeneous materials. safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.2 This test method is applicable to dry, unsaturated or responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
saturated materials that can sustain a hole for the sensor. It is priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
valid over temperatures ranging from <0 to >100°C, depending mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
on the suitability of the thermal needle probe construction to 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
temperature extremes. However, care must be taken to prevent dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
significant error from: (1) redistribution of water due to thermal ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
gradients resulting from heating of the needle probe; (2) Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
redistribution of water due to hydraulic gradients (gravity mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
drainage for high degrees of saturation or surface evaporation); Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(3) phase change of water in specimens with temperatures near
2. Referenced Documents
0°C or 100°C.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
as the standard. No other units of measurements are included in
Fluids
this standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Practice D6026. Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the Construction Materials Testing
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce- D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for cords in Geotechnical Data
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to 3. Terminology
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms
used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
2
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as D5334 – 22. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D5334-22AE01. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
 D5334 − 22a´1
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 6.6 Drilling Device—(for rock specimens) A drill capable of
3.2.1 heat input, n—power consumption of heater wire in making a straight axial hole having a diameter equivalent to
watts per unit length that is assumed to be the equivalent of that of the needle and to a depth equivalent to the length of the
heat output per unit length of wire. needle.
3.2.2 thermal epoxy, n—heat conductive resin material hav- 6.7 Balance—A balance that meets the requirements of
ing a value of λ > 0.5 W/(m·K). Guide D4753 and has a readability of 0.01 g for specimens
3.2.3 thermal grease, n—heat conductive lubricating mate- having a mass of up to 200 g and a readability of 0.1 g for
rial having a value of λ > 1.5 W/(m·K). specimens with a mass over 200 g. However, the balance used
may be controlled by the number of significant digits needed.
4. Summary of Test Method
7. Specimen Preparation
4.1 Thermal conductivity is determined by a variation of the
line source test method using a needle probe having a large 7.1 General Specimen Preparation Guidelines:
length to diameter ratio to simulate conditions for an infinitely 7.1.1 The main factors affecting the accuracy of a thermal
long, infinitely thin heating source. The probe consists of a conductivity reading include the density and water content of
heating element and a temperature measuring element and is the sample, the size of the specimen, the sensitivity and
inserted into the specimen. A known current and voltage are accuracy of temperature measurements, the amount of heat
applied to the probe heating element over a period of time and applied, and the relative conductivities of the needle and the
the temperature rise is recorded. The temperature decay with sample. Annex A1 contains more information for configuring
time after the cessation of heating can also be included in the the test.
analysis. Thermal conductivity is obtained from an analysis of 7.1.2 Because the density and water content of the sample
the temperature time series data during the heating cycle and are major factors in its thermal conductivity, take care to make
(optionally) the cooling cycle, by comparing it to a theoretical the specimen the same density and water content as the
curve using non-linear least-squares inversion technique. material it represents, whether that is the undisturbed soil or the
installed state of a backfill. As a general reference, a density of
5. Significance and Use more than 2000 kg/m3 is necessary for resistivity to be under
5.1 The thermal conductivity of intact soil specimens, 50 °C·cm/W.
reconstituted soil specimens, and rock specimens is used to 7.1.3 The specimen radius needs to be large enough that a
analyze and design systems involving underground transmis- heat pulse is not reflected off the outside boundary, and so that
sion lines, oil and gas pipelines, radioactive waste disposal, the surroundings do not factor into the reading. The diffusivity
geothermal applications, and solar thermal storage facilities, of the sample determines how fast heat can travel through it,
among others. Measurements can be made on site (in situ), or independent of its conductivity or the temperature difference at
samples can be tested in a lab environment. the source. By assuming that a 99 % heat reduction at distance
NOTE 2—The quality of the result produced by this standard is r is sufficiently small to have a negligible effect on the reading,
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the curves delineating the minimum size of the specimen (that is,
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the the radius, and also the approximate length beyond the end of
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance
the needle) can be derived empirically from Eq 3 parameter-
with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results. Reliable ized by the diffusivity (D) of the specimen, time duration (t) of
results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of the reading including heating and cooling if included, and the
evaluating some of those factors. radius of the needle. Fig. 1 plots three such curves generated
for probe sizes selected to span common needle radii. Given
6. Apparatus the product of the sample diffusivity (D) and reading time
6.1 Thermal Needle Probe—A device that creates a linear duration (t) on the x-axis, the minimum specimen radius can be
heat source and incorporates a thermocouple or thermistor to read off the y-axis. In addition, a power law equation approxi-
measure the variation of temperature at a point along the line. mates the results for each of the curves. For other needle radii,
The construction of a suitable device is described in Appendix interpolation or generating a new curve may be appropriate.
X1. r 5 3.971~ D t ! 0.4382□□a 5 2mm (1)
6.2 Constant Current Source—A device to produce a con-
r 5 3.5453~ D t ! 0.4526□□a 5 1.2mm
stant current.
6.3 Temperature Readout Unit or Recorder—A device to r 5 3.2392~ D t ! 0.4623□□a 5 0.64mm
record the temperature from the thermocouple or thermistor where:
with a readability of 0.01 K or better.
r = distance from the heated needle (mm) (minimum radius
6.4 Digital Multimeter (DMM)—A device to read voltage of the specimen),
and current to the nearest 0.01 V and 0.001 A. D = thermal diffusivity of the specimen (mm2/s),
6.5 Timer—A clock, stopwatch, digital timer, or integrated t = time from the beginning of heating to the end of the test
electronic timer capable of measuring to the nearest 0.1 s or (s), and
better for the duration of the measurement. a = radius of the needle.

2
 D5334 − 22a´1

FIG. 1 Minimum Radius of a Specimen

7.1.4 There are many ways to get an estimate of the

specimen’s diffusivity. It can be measured directly with an
instrument designed for that purpose. Alternately, it can be
calculated from a previous measurement of the thermal Con-
ductivity and the specimen’s volumetric heat capacity (ρscs) in
MJ/(m3·K) according to the equation:
λ
D5 (2)
ρ sc s

where:
D = diffusivity (m2/s),
λ = conductivity (W/(m·K)),
ρs = density (kg/m3), and
cs = specific heat (J/(kg·K)).
Another option is to estimate it from a graph of diffusivity
values, such as the one in Fig. 2(1).3
7.1.5 The specimen length needs to be greater than or equal
to that of the sensor needle. If the specimen and needle are
close to the same length, then the nature of the material
contacting the end of the specimen may adversely affect the FIG. 2 Diffusivity Values for Select Soil Types
reading; highly conductive materials affect the reading more
than insulating materials. An addition to the sample length
equal to its minimum radius would provide a sufficient security 7.2.1 Cut a section of a sampling tube containing an intact
measure. soil specimen diameter compliant to 7.1. Consider cutting the
section in a way that facilitates determining the volume of the
NOTE 3—The specimen dimensions are specified as if the specimen was
in the shape of a cylinder, with the needle to be inserted (and a hole to be specimen and preserves the integrity of the sample.
drilled if necessary) along the axis of the cylinder. In actuality, as long as 7.2.2 Seal the specimen to prevent water loss and redistri-
the specimen can circumscribe a cylinder of the specified radius and bution during storage or measurement.
length, the shape of the specimen is immaterial.
7.3 Reconstituted Soil Specimens:
7.2 Intact Soil Specimens (Thin-Walled Tube or Drive Speci- 7.3.1 Compact the specimen to the desired dry density and
mens): gravimetric water content in a thin-walled metal or plastic tube
that complies with the size guidelines in 7.1 using an appro-
3
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to the list of references at the priate compaction technique (compaction and water content
end of this standard. both affect the thermal conductivity). For further guidance on

3
 D5334 − 22a´1
the effect of the various compaction techniques on thermal depth equal to the length of the probe. Make sure the thermal
conductivity, refer to Mitchell et al. (2). probe shaft is fully embedded in the specimen and not left
7.4 In Situ Soil Specimens: partially exposed. See Note 4.
7.4.1 Dig a pit or trench to the depth of the desired NOTE 4—If it is necessary to drill a hole in the specimen, drill the hole
after measuring the mass. The diameter of the hole should be equivalent
measurement. Prepare a flat, even soil face for sensor insertion. to the diameter of the needle probe to make sure there is a tight fit. To
7.4.2 Make sure to make the thermal measurements soon provide better thermal contact between the specimen and the probe, the
after excavating or exposing the soil face to avoid non- probe may be coated with a thin layer of thermal grease. A device such as
homogenous moisture conditions due to evaporation from the a drill press may be used to drill the hole and to insert the probe in a
straight line, thus increasing contact between the specimen and probe, and
exposed face.
reducing void spaces.
7.5 Rock Specimens:
9.4 Allow the specimen to stabilize at the selected testing
7.5.1 Select the specimen to comply with the size guidelines
temperature and allow the probe to come to equilibrium inside
in 7.1, to avoid fractures and inconsistencies, and follow
the specimen. Stability and equilibrium can be estimated by
provide a good locale to drill a hole for the needle that will give
observing the temperature over a period of time.
a representative reading.
9.5 Connect the heater wire of the thermal probe to the
8. Verification of Apparatus constant current source. (See Fig. 3.)
8.1 Every month or after 50 readings check that the appa- 9.6 Connect the temperature measuring element leads to the
ratus is working correctly. Evaluate the integrity and condition readout unit.
of the sensor/needle. Observe a reading and confirm that the
temperature values are reasonable, that they increase in a 9.7 Apply a known constant current to the heater wire.
smooth non-decreasing curve during the heating cycle, and that 9.8 Record the Current (nearest 0.001 A) and/or Voltage
the expected amount of heating is taking place (using a known (nearest 0.01 V) across the heater as needed to compute the
sample would be helpful). power.
8.2 Yearly, conduct the test specified in Section 9 using one 9.9 Record time and temperature readings for at least 20-30
of the verification standards specified in 8.2.1. steps throughout the heating period.
8.2.1 Verification Standard—One or more materials with
known values of thermal conductivity in the range of the 9.10 Turn off the constant current source.
materials being measured, which is typically 0.2 < λ < 5 9.11 If cooling data are to be included in the analysis, record
W/(m·K), with size and shape compliant to 7.1. Suitable the time and temperature readings for at least 20-30 steps
materials include dry Ottawa sand, Pyrex 7740, fused silica, throughout a cooling period equivalent in duration to the
Pyroceram 9606 (3), glycerine (glycerol) with a known thermal heating cycle.
conductivity of 0.285 W/(m·K) at 25°C (3), or water stabilized
with 5 g agar per liter (to prevent free convection) with a 9.12 Use a suitable method to determine thermal conduc-
known thermal conductivity of 0.606 W/(m·K) at 25°C (3). tivity. (See Section 10, Calculations and Data Analysis.)
(See Appendix X2 for details on preparation of verification 9.13 Determine and record the initial gravimetric water
standards.) content in accordance with Test Method D2216 and calculate
8.2.2 The measured thermal conductivity of the verification the dry density (or unit weight) of a representative sample of
specimen should agree within 5.0 % of the published value of the specimen.
thermal conductivity, or within 65.0 % of the value of thermal
conductivity determined by an independent method. 10. Calculations and Data Analysis
8.2.3 For purposes of comparing a measured value with
specified limits, round the measured value to the nearest 10.1 Theory:
decimal given in the specification limits in accordance with the 10.1.1 If a constant amount of heat is applied to a zero mass
provisions of Practice D6026. heater over a period of time, the temperature response is:

9. Procedure ∆T 5 2
Q
4πλ
Ei S D
2r 2
4Dt
0,t # t 1 (3)
9.1 Determine and record the mass of the specimen to the
nearest 0.01 gram (may not be needed for verification).
9.2 Measure and record the length and diameter of the
specimen to 0.1 mm. Take a minimum of three length mea-
surements 120° apart and at least three diameter measurements
at the quarter points of the height. Determine the average
length and diameter of the specimen (may not be needed for
verification).
9.3 Insert the thermal needle probe down the axis of the
specimen by pushing the probe into the specimen. If the
specimen is dense, insert the needle into a hole predrilled to a FIG. 3 Thermal Probe Experimental Setup

4
 D5334 − 22a´1
where: Because these equations (generally with t0 = 0) are easily
t = time from the beginning of heating (s), inverted to obtain conductivity, they are almost universally
∆T = change in temperature from time zero (K), used to obtain thermal conductivity from probe temperature
Q = heat input (heat per unit length of heater, W/m), data.
r = distance from the center of the heater (m), 10.1.5 Blackwell (5) produced an exact solution in the
D = thermal diffusivity (m2/s), Laplace domain for the finite probe sizes actually used for
λ = thermal conductivity (W/(m·K)), measurements. Knight et al. (6) transformed that solution to the
Ei = exponential integral, and time domain using the Stefest algorithm. Using the Blackwell/
t1 = heating time (s). Knight model in inverse mode to find thermal conductivity is
10.1.2 The change in temperature after the heat input is difficult and opaque, but their model allows us to compare Eq
turned off is given by: 5 and Eq 6 to actual probe performance. Conclusions from
those comparisons are:
∆T 5 2
q
4πλ F S D S
2Ei
2r 2
4Dt
1Ei
2r 2
4D ~ t 2 t 1 ! DG t.t 1 (4) (1) Eq 5 and Eq 6 model finite probes better than Eq 3 and
Eq 4, so no advantage is gained by using exponential integrals.
10.1.3 The behavior of finite diameter and finite length (2) Eq 5 and Eq 6 model probe performance accurately at
probes can be approximated using these same equations, but D long times (5 - 10 min), even when t0 is set to zero; however,
and λ may not represent the actual diffusivity and thermal the signal to noise ratio is much worse than for short time data
conductivity of the specimen. because temperature changes are so small.
10.1.4 The most direct and precise method to calculate (3) Eq 5 and Eq 6 accurately model finite size probe
thermal conductivity is to use Eq 3 and Eq 4 directly with the performance at relatively short times (1 min) if t0 is selected to
time series data collected as described in Section 9. Eq 3 and minimize deviations between model and measured values.
Eq 4 cannot be solved for λ and D explicitly, so a non-linear Allowing t0 to vary in this way removes effects of probe
least-squares inversion technique is used. A simplified analysis, specific heat and the specimen’s diffusivity.
which gives adequate results, approximates the exponential
10.2 Simplified Method 1:
integral in Eq 3 and Eq 4 by the most significant term of its
series expansion from De Vries (4): 10.2.1 Remove the thermal drift (see Annex A1).
10.2.2 Selecting an appropriate data range, determine the
Q
T5 ln~ t1t 0 ! 1C 0,t # t 1 (5) slope, Sh of a straight line representing temperature versus ln t
4πλ
for the heating phase, and, if used, the slope, Sc of a straight
T5
Q
4πλ
lnS t1t 0
t 2 t 1 1t 0 D
1C t.t 1 (6)
line representing temperature versus ln[t/(t–t1)] for the cooling
phase (see Fig. 4).
where: 10.2.3 Compute thermal conductivity using Eq 7, where S is
t = time from the beginning of heating (s), either Sh or Sc. If log10(t) was used instead of the natural log
T = temperature at time t (K), (ln(t)), then employ the correction factor in the second half of
Q = heat input (heat per unit length of heater, W/m), Eq 7, where S10 is the heating or the cooling slope.
λ = thermal conductivity (W/(m·K)), 10.2.4 If using both the heating and cooling curves, average
t1 = heating time (s), the two values of conductivity.
t0 = time offset (s), and Q 2.3Q
C = temperature axis intercept (a constant) (K). λ5 5 (7)
4πS 4πS 10

FIG. 4 (a & b) Typical Experimental Test Results

5
 D5334 − 22a´1
where: 11.2.7 Type of thermal grease used (if applicable).
Q = heat input (W/m) = 11.3 Record as a minimum the following test specimen data:
R EI 11.3.1 Initial gravimetric water content to the nearest
I2 5 0.01 kg ⁄kg, or 1.0 %.
L L
11.3.2 Dry density (or unit weight) to the nearest 10 kg/m3.
λ = thermal conductivity [W/(m·K)], 11.3.3 The mass of the specimen to the nearest 0.1 g.
S = slope used to compute thermal conductivity if ln( t) is 11.3.4 The average diameter and length of the specimen to
used in analysis, the nearest 1.0 mm.
S10 = slope used to compute thermal conductivity if log10(t) 11.3.5 Time, nearest 0.1 s, and temperature, nearest 0.01 K,
is used in analysis, readings for heating, cooling, or both as necessary
t = time (s), 11.3.6 (Optional) Time versus temperature plot. See Fig. 5
I = current flowing through heater wire (A), for an example of an idealized curve of the data.
R = total resistance of heater wire (Ω), 11.3.7 Slope of the temperature drift measured during
L = length of heated needle (m), and equilibration, if it is used in the analysis.
E = measured voltage (V).
11.3.8 Power per unit length of the heater to the nearest 0.01
10.3 Simplified Method 2: W/m.
10.3.1 Remove the thermal drift (see Annex A1). 11.3.9 Thermal conductivity to the nearest 0.01 W/(m·K).
10.3.2 Collect data as in Method 1. Analyze the data by
adjusting conductivity and initial time t0 in Eq 5 and Eq 6 to 12. Precision and Bias
match the measured temperature data. A non-linear Least 12.1 An interlaboratory study involving line-source
Squares method such as Solver in Excel can be used. The t0 and methods, including needle probes used for rock and soils, was
conductivity combination that gives the best fit identifies the undertaken by ASTM Committee C16 (10). The materials of
conductivity λ of the medium. known thermal conductivity that were evaluated included
10.4 Derivations forming the basis of Eq 5 and Eq 6 are Ottawa sand and paraffin wax (having a thermal conductivity
adapted to soils by Van Rooyen and Winterkorn (7); Von similar to certain soil and rock types). The results indicated a
Herzen and Maxwell (8); and Winterkorn (9). measurement precision of between 610 and 615 %,
respectively, with a tendency to a positive bias (higher value)
11. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s) over the known values for the materials studied.
11.1 The methodology used to specify how data are re- 12.1.1 Subcommittee D18.12 welcomes proposals that
corded on the test data sheet(s)/form(s), as given below, is would allow for a more comprehensive precision and bias
covered in 1.4.1 and Practice D6026. statement covering the full range of soil and rock materials.
11.2 Record as a minimum the following general informa- 13. Keywords
tion (data):
13.1 heat flow; infinite line heat source; needle probe;
11.2.1 Project information, such as project name, number,
temperature; thermal conductivity; thermal probe; thermal
source of test specimens, including other pertinent data that
properties
helps identify the specimen.
11.2.2 Name or initials of the person(s) who prepared and
tested the specimens, including the date(s) performed.
11.2.3 Type of material tested and if soil, indicate if the
specimen was intact or reconstituted. If sample is concrete,
FTB or other engineered material, include the material mix if
known and curing time if known for cemented materials.
11.2.4 Physical description of sample including soil or rock
type. If rock, describe location and orientation of apparent
weakness planes, bedding planes, and any large inclusions or
nonhomogeneities.
11.2.5 The size of the needle (diameter to the nearest 0.1mm
and length to the nearest 1mm).
11.2.6 Method of needle insertion: pushed or pre-drilled. FIG. 5 Typical Record of Data (Idealized Curve)

6
 D5334 − 22a´1
ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. BEST PRACTICES (TECHNIQUES FOR BETTER READINGS)

A1.1 Temperature drift: A1.2.3 The recommended heating time ranges from 1 min-
A1.1.1 Minimize or eliminate temperature drift in the speci- ute to 10 minutes. Five (5) minutes of applying heat is typically
men because any amount of temperature drift can affect the long enough to transcend diffusivity and contact resistance
reading. Even if the needle and specimen start at similar effects; 1-minute measurements may require special consider-
temperatures heating can take place from handling the needle ation or handling (see 10.3). Heating power and measurement
or the specimen, and from the friction of inserting the needle. precision also need to factor into the heating time, as does the
Wait for the needle to equilibrate to the specimen and the specimen consistency and conductivity; for example, a shorter
specimen to its environment. Fifteen (15) minutes is not an heating time is acceptable for a saturated sand specimen. For
unreasonable equilibration time if the needle and specimen expected conductivity values between 0.5 and 1.0 W/m/K, a
start at the same temperature. Placing the specimen in a temperature change of 0.5 K to 1.0 K in the first 60 seconds
controlled environment such as an insulated box can reduce should signify that the heater power is sufficient to get an
temperature drift. Be particularly cognizant of residual tem- accurate reading. Higher conductivities may be evaluated with
perature drift from the needle when taking multiple measure- a lower temperature change, and vice versa. Regardless, the
ments in a single specimen. precision of temperature measurements should be 2-3 (or
A1.1.2 The drift can be predicted from temperature mea- more) orders of magnitude greater than the temperature
surements during an equilibration period prior to starting the change.
reading if the reading time is short enough that the drift will
remain constant throughout and then removed prior to the A1.3 Selecting the temperature measurements to use in the
analysis. It can also be identified and separated out using a analysis:
Least Squares method. A1.3.1 Simplified Method 1 evaluates the conductivity from
A1.2 Determining the heater power and heating time: the slope of the heating curve vs. ln(time). The most accurate
estimation is produced by the linear portion of that heating
A1.2.1 The length of the heating period should be appro-
curve. With reference to Fig. 4, do not use early and late
priate to the specimen and to the calculation method. For the
portions of the test (representing transient conditions and
Infinite Line Heat Source model, longer heating periods are
necessary for accurate analyses. Select the heating period and boundary effects, respectively) for the curve fitting.
total heat so that the thermal pulse does not encounter the A1.3.2 For thermal needle probes with a diameter of 2.54
boundaries of the specimen, and so that the thermal pulse does mm or less, exclude from the analysis the first 60 to 120 or
not cause redistribution of water in unsaturated specimens. The more seconds of data from both the heating and, if included,
amount of heat needs to be high enough that the temperature the cooling data (the reading needs to be long enough to
changes can be measured precisely, and also high enough to accommodate discarding that much data). For larger diameter
overcome contact resistance in unsaturated specimens. thermal needle probes it may be necessary to plot the tempera-
A1.2.2 The power (W/m) supplied to the sensor’s heating ture readings on a semi-log plot and identify the duration of the
element and the duration determine the amount of heat applied non-linear portion of initial data to be excluded. These tem-
to the specimen. Applying more heat results in a larger perature data points are most strongly affected by terms
temperature rise, countering the effect of temperature drift and ignored in Eq 5 and Eq 6 and will decrease the accuracy if they
effectively lowering the requirement on temperature measure- are included in the subsequent analysis. Avoid biasing results
ment sensitivity and accuracy. A longer heating time lessens due to subjective selection of the analysis time range by
the effects of specimen diffusivity, contact resistance, and establishing a set of data for a given thermal needle probe
dissimilar needle and specimen conductivities. In wet soil configuration, and use that data set for all related verification
specimens, however, if the heat is too high the measured and thermal conductivity measurements.
thermal conductivity is reduced because the heat causes water
to migrate away from the needle. This is the same phenomenon A1.3.3 For Simplified Method 2, which involves calculating
as the migration that occurs when a soil specimen is stored on the time offset t0, only 10 to 30 seconds of data need be
or near a heat source. excluded because the model fits the data better.

7
 D5334 − 22a´1
APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. COMPONENTS AND ASSEMBLY OF THERMAL NEEDLE

X1.1 The thermal needle can consist of a stainless steel evacuating flask is used to draw the thermal epoxy up through
hypodermic tubing containing a heater element and a thermo- the needle. The needle is removed from the reservoir and flask,
couple as shown in Fig. X1.1. To construct a 100 mm thermal and a blob of putty is placed at the end of the needle to hold the
needle, hypodermic tubing is cut to 115 mm in length. The end thermal epoxy in place for hardening. After the thermal epoxy
to be inserted into the bakelite head of a thermocouple jack is hardens, the thermocouple wires are soldered to the pins of a
roughened for a length of 15 mm. A thermocouple wire polarized thermocouple jack and the roughened end of the
junction with low thermal conductivity (for example, chromel needle is placed in the bakelite head of the jack. The heater
constantan) previously coated with an insulating varnish is leads are brought out through two holes in the back of the
threaded into the hypodermic needle with the junction 50 mm bakelite head (see Fig. X1.1).
from the end of the needle (see Note X1.1). At the same time,
NOTE X1.1—For rock specimens it may not be possible to drill a hole
a manganin heater element is inserted with approximately to accommodate a 115-mm long thermal needle, or a needle of that length
75-mm long pigtails extending from the top of the needle as may be undesirable for other reasons. In this case a shorter needle may be
shown in Fig. X1.2. The uncut end of the needle is then used. The length of the needle shall not be less than 25.4 mm to avoid
inserted into an evacuating flask through a rubber stopper and boundary effects, and the thermocouple should be located halfway
the other end is placed in a reservoir of thermal epoxy primer between the ends of the exposed needle.
as shown in Fig. X1.2. A vacuum pump connected to the

FIG. X1.1 Typical Probe Components

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 D5334 − 22a´1

FIG. X1.2 Drawing Thermal Epoxy into Hypodermic Tubing

X2. PREPARATION OF VERIFICATION STANDARDS

X2.1 Glycerol: X2.2 Agar Water:

X2.1.1 Glycerol (Glycerin) has a published thermal conduc- X2.2.1 Water (deionized or tap) has a published thermal
tivity of 0.285 W/(m·K) at 25°C (3), and therefore falls within conductivity of 0.606 W/(m·K) at 25°C (3), and therefore falls
the low end of thermal conductivities expected in soil and rock. within the range of thermal conductivities expected in soil and
The thermal conductivity of glycerol is affected by the amount rock. However, with most thermal needle probes, the heating of
of water present in the glycerol, so use only anhydrous (99 % the needle will result in free convection in the water that will
or greater) glycerol for verification. It should be noted that cause large errors in the thermal conductivity measurement. To
glycerol will absorb water in both liquid and vapor phase, so
prevent this error, the water specimen should be physically
take care to prevent the sorption of water vapor into glycerol;
stabilized. The preferred method for stabilizing the water is
for example, store glycerol only in sealed containers. Note that
with a 5 g agar/1 L water mixture. The agar should be added to
glycerol is a fluid, and can be subject to mixing by free
convection. Free convection arises from density gradients in hot water and stirred well until the mixture is homogeneous.
fluids caused by thermal gradients in the fluid. If the thermal The mixture should then be brought to a boil, and then
needle probe is heated too much, free convection could occur. re-homogenized in the container that will be used to hold the
Accordingly, glycerol is only appropriate for thermal needle specimen during verification. After cooling back to room
probes that will heat less than 2°C over the course of the temperature, the mixture should be a solid with the consistency
thermal conductivity measurement. 99+% anhydrous glycerol of jelly.
can be obtained from numerous sources, including local
drugstores.

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REFERENCES

(1) Campbell, C. S, and Norman, J. M.,An Introduction to Environmental (7) Van Rooyen, M., and Winterkorn, H. F., “Theoretical and Practical
Biophysics, Second Edition, Springer, New York, NY, 1998. Concepts of the Thermal Conductivity of Soils and Similar Granular
(2) Mitchell, J. K., Kao, T. C., and Abdel-Hadi, O. N., “Backfill Materials Systems,” Highway Research Board, Bulletin 168—Fundamental and
for Underground Power Cables,” Department of Civil Engineering, Practical Concepts of Soil Freezing, 1957, pp. 143–205.
University of California at Berkeley, EPRI EL-506, June 1977. (8) Von Herzen, R., and Maxwell, A. E., “The Measurement of Thermal
(3) Thermal Conductivity of Liquids, CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Conductivity of Deep-Sea Sediments by a Needle-Probe Method,”
Physics, 85th Edition, pp. 6-215, David R. Lide, editor, CRC Press, Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol 64, No. 10, October 1959, pp.
Boca Raton, FL, 2005. 1557–1563.
(4) De Vries, D.A,. 1952. A nonstationary method for determining (9) Winterkorn, H. K., “Suggested Method of Test for Thermal Resistivity
thermal conductivity of soil in situ. Soil Science. 73, (2), 83-89.
of Soil by the Thermal Probe,” Special Procedures for Testing Soil
(5) Blackwell, J.H., 1954, A Transient-Flow Method for Determination of
and Rock for Engineering Purposes, ASTM STP 479, ASTM, 1970,
Thermal Constants of Insulation Materials in Bulk, Journal of Applied
pp. 264–270.
Physics, 25: 137–144.
(6) Knight JH, Kluitenberg GJ, Kamai T, Hopmans JW, 2012, Semiana- (10) Hust, J. G., and Smith, D. R., “Interlaboratory Comparison of Two
lytical Solution for Dualprobe Heat-Pulse Applications that accounts Types of Line-Source Thermal Conductivity Apparatus Measuring
for Probe Radius and Heat Capacity, Vadose Zone Journal, 11, (2). Five Insulating Materials,” NISTIR, 89-3908, 1989.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (2014) that may impact the use of this standard. (January 1, 2022)

(1) Removal of ‘Calibration’ procedures in Section 8, replaced (4) Augmented data to be recorded in the report to include
with ‘Verification’ procedures. A difference in specific heat Needle Size, Type of thermal grease, slope of temperature drift,
between a specimen and the calibration material renders and power to the heating element.
calibration ineffective. (5) Added guidelines for preparing the specimen, including the
(2) Addition of a second method of calculating the thermal minimum radius and length.
conductivity in 10.3. (6) Updated guidelines on selecting reading time, heat, and
(3) Added Annex: Best Practices (Techniques for Better temperature points for analysis.
Readings), pulling material out of procedures and specimen
preparation sections.

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