Transient temperature distribution in insulated pavements—predictions vs. observations

Based on a finite difference technique, computer programs have been developed whereby temperature variations in layered systems as a function of position and time may be computed under conditions of both one- and two-dimensional heat flow by conduction. No limitations are imposed on the number of layers, or on the form of the initial and boundary temperature conditions. Variations in thermal properties of the materials with temperature and location, and the non-linear relation between amount of water frozen as a function of temperature, are directly taken into account. Comparison of predictions with actual measurements demonstrate that accurate forecasts of temperature distributions as a function of time can be made when prevailing ambient conditions are known. Even if the site conditions can be evaluated only approximately sufficiently reliable predictions can be made for design purposes.