a b s t r a c tTo promote the utilization of ground-source heat pumps, a new methodology to calculate the lowtemperature geothermal potential (LTGP) of a region is presented. The methodology is applicable worldwide, and it considers both closed-and open-loop systems. This new approximation for closedloops calculates the admissible heat flux exchange with the ground according to an analytical solution of the heat transport equation in porous media. Open-loop systems are calculated as a function of a sustainable removable water flux and the temperature difference between groundwater and a referenced external body. The automated calculation in the setting of a GIS platform has allowed the performance of multilayered 3D mapping of the low-temperature geothermal potential for both types of exploitations considering all of the available information. An example of the application of the methodology in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (Spain) is also presented. Finally, a finite element analysis has been performed to quantify the accuracy of the method and the influence of heat advection processes in the LTGP.
Monitoring is required when dewatering underground construction sites to anticipate unexpected events and preserve nearby existing structures and/or buildings. The most accurate and widespread monitoring method to measure displacements is leveling, a point-like surveying technique that typically allows for tens of discrete in situ sub-millimeter measures per squared kilometer. Another emerging technique for mapping soil deformation is the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) method, which is based on SAR images acquired from orbiting satellites. This remote sensing technique can provide better spatial point density than leveling, more extensive spatial coverage and lower-cost acquisitions. This paper analyses, compares and discusses leveling and advanced multi-temporal InSAR measurements when they are used to measure the soil deformation induced by the dewatering associated with underground constructions in urban areas. This comparison, which has not been considered in previous works, is of paramount importance to ascertain the most suitable technique (or combination of techniques) in these contexts. To do so, an experiment was performed in the future railway station of La Sagrera, Barcelona (Spain), in which leveling and advanced multi-temporal InSAR were used to quantify ground deformation by dewatering. The results showed that soil displacements measured by leveling and InSAR were not always consistent. In the context of soil deformation measurements produced by dewatering in urban areas, InSAR measurements appear to be more accurate for investigating soil deformation, whereas leveling was more appropriate for quantifying the real impact on the nearby buildings.
6Construction processes require monitoring to ensure safety and to control the new and existing GB-SAR is suitable to monitor deformation phenomena in soil and structures.
25 GB-SAR precisely quantified wall displacements induced by dewatering.
26 GB-SAR complements the traditional monitoring techniques.
27 Traditional data and numerical models confirmed the GB-SAR measurements.
28 GB-SAR can help to understand structure deformations and identify vulnerable areas.
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