Investigations of Two-Layer Earth Parameters at Low Voltage: Measurements and Calculations

Abstract

Problem statement: The two-layer soil model at low magnitude voltage is assumed to be accurate for the measurement and calculation of the earth resistance of a combined grid-multiple rods electrode. The aim of this study is to measure and calculate the earth resistance of a combined grid-multiple rods electrode buried in a two-layer soil and to confirm the simplicity and accuracy of the used formula. Approach: Soil resistivity was measured using Wenner four point method. Advanced earth resistivity measurement interpretation techniques which include graphical curve matching based on master curves and an advanced computer program based on a genetic algorithm are used in this study. Results: Based on the resistivity data, the earth resistance value was calculated using the formulas obtained from the literature. Measurements of the earth resistance of the earthing system were also conducted using the fall of potential method. Conclusion/Recommendations: A very good agreement was obtained between the measured and calculated earth resistance values. This research is the first time ever conducted where the measured earth resistance values are compared directly with the calculated earth values.