An analytical technique for evaluation of coupled heat and mass flow coefficients in unsaturated soil

This study was done to evaluate a phenomenological approach for determining the coupled heat and water diffusion parameters. This technique requires the use of both theory and experimental data. The transport equation was solved analytically using nondimensional analysis. The calculated diffusion parameters of a compacted sand–bentonite‐based material are presented. The agreement between the back calculated values and the experimental volumetric water content profiles was good. Practical application of the technique is also discussed.