Soil resistivity measurement is a crucial step in designing an effective earthing system, as it helps determine the electrical characteristics of the soil and the suitability of different grounding methods.
Here's how you can measure soil resistivity:
Select Measurement Method:
There are several methods for measuring soil resistivity, including the Wenner 4-point method, Wenner 3-point method, Schlumberger method, and pole-pole method. Choose the method that is most appropriate for the site conditions and the accuracy required.
Equipment Setup:
Prepare the necessary equipment, including a soil resistivity meter, current and potential electrodes, connecting cables, and auxiliary equipment such as a hammer for driving electrodes into the ground.
Ensure that the electrodes are clean and free of any corrosion or surface contaminants that could affect the accuracy of the measurements.
Electrode Placement:
Determine the spacing and layout of the electrodes based on the selected measurement method and the expected depth of investigation required.
Drive the current electrodes (C1 and C2) into the ground at equal distances from the potential electrode (P) to form a symmetric array. The depth of the electrodes depends on the depth of investigation needed and the soil conditions.