The Causes of the Parameters Changes of Soil Resistivity

The grounding of electrical installations is primarily concerned with safety; in particular, the prevention of electrical shock risks of human life. As such, a grounding system must be designed, tested and maintained to satisfy this primary aim. This scientific paper presents a survey of soil resistivity and how its value varies from geological and meteorological factors. Soil resistivity is not only a useful measurable that reflects subsurface structure, but also a basic parameter to the design of effective grounding and lightening prevention / protection system. The most significant variations occur from such parameters of soil resistivity as moisture content, chemical composition, porosity, conductivity, temperature, vertical thickness and divisions, etc. Knowledge of soil resistivity at the intended site provides a valuable insight into how the desired ground resistance value can be achieved and maintained over the life of the installation with the minimum cost and effort.