Thermocouple data from cone heating test and response infiltration, in Thermocouple recordings data of sandy soil heated by cone heater

This study aimed to examine sandy soil response more realistically to wildfire by using a cone heater capable of applying heat to soil samples in a vertical direction, followed by hydraulic conductivity tests. Surface heating results in varying temperatures at different soil depths, more similar to what is experienced in wildfire.

The cone heater was preheated to 740 °C representing a 50 kW/m2 incident heat flux to the soil surface. Thermocouples were used to monitor the temperature inside the soil samples. During each test, heating was continued until the thermocouple located at 1.27 cm (1 inch) depth (TC1) reached a target temperature of 100 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C, or 400 °C. Temperature data from all thermocouples were recorded at 1-second intervals using a DAQ system connected to LabVIEW software. Once TC1 reached the target temperature, the sample was immediately removed from the heat source, wrapped in aluminum foil, and allowed to cool at room temperature for 24 hours.

After cooling, a Mini Disk Infiltrometer was used to measure the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of soil samples. The water used for the infiltration tests was stored indoors for at least 24 hours prior to use to allow its temperature to equilibrate with ambient laboratory conditions. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, the infiltrometer was configured with a suction setting of 4 cm (1.57 inches), appropriate for sandy soils. Measurements were conducted in accordance with the Mini Disk Infiltrometer user manual. The resulting unsaturated hydraulic conductivity values were collected for each treatment condition with and without organic matter after heating, to enable subsequent comparative analysis of treatment effects.