Modelling approaches to predicting thermal conductivity of soils at high temperatures

Three predictive models are tested against soil thermal conductivity data at high temperatures: two (deV-1 and deV-2) are modifications of the original de Vries model, and the third is the Gori model. Model deV-1 results correlated very closely for 30, 50 and 70°C, and moderately close for 90°C. Generally, this model does not require the use of a mass transfer enhancement factor. The Gori model results correlated well at 30 and 50°C. Model deV-2 results correlate well above field capacity, and provide the best predictions at full dryness. Model deV-1 is recommended for computer modelling of heat and moisture movement in soils at high temperatures.