Thermomechanical Behavior of Soil: Energy Extraction through Pile Foundation

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Increasing energy demands, dwindling fossil fuel reserves and a heightened concern for the detrimental effects of carbon emissions have made it necessary to search for alternate, renewable and clean energy sources. Geothermal energy is a form of clean and renewable energy that can be extracted economically through pile foundations (energy piles). It is estimated that the use of geothermal energy in residential and commercial buildings may lead to 45-80% reduction in CO2 emissions and to 18-56% cost savings. The extraction of geothermal energy through energy piles is very viable in Canada, particularly during the winter months, because the temperature at a few feet below the earth's surface remains stable within a narrow range of 20°-35°C.