Course Details

Objective

By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand

• Understand the concept of soil resistivity and its importance in electrical engineering and grounding systems.
• Learn about different methods for measuring earth resistivity (Wenner, Schlumberger, and others).
• Gain practical experience in conducting earth resistivity tests and interpreting results.
• Understand how resistivity data impacts the design of grounding systems and electrical safety.
• Learn how to assess the suitability of soil for grounding and make decisions on improving system performance.
• Develop skills to analyze soil resistivity data and integrate findings into electrical system designs.

Content

Day 1: Introduction to Earth Resistivity and Its Importance

• Understanding soil resistivity: definition, factors affecting resistivity (moisture, temperature, soil type)
• Importance of earth resistivity in grounding system design
• Role of resistivity in electrical safety and system reliability
• Basic electrical principles related to earth resistance and grounding
• Applications of resistivity testing in power systems, substations, telecommunications, and renewable energy projects

Day 2: Methods for Measuring Earth Resistivity

• Overview of different testing methods for soil resistivity: Wenner, Schlumberger, and fall-of-potential
• Detailed explanation of the Wenner method: equipment, setup, and procedure
• Detailed explanation of the Schlumberger method: equipment, setup, and procedure
• Introduction to the fall-of-potential method for measuring ground resistance
• Understanding the equipment used in resistivity testing (e.g., ground resistance meters, electrodes)

Day 3: Conducting Earth Resistivity Tests

• Preparing for soil resistivity testing: selecting test locations, preparing electrodes, and setting up the test configuration
• Step-by-step guide to performing resistivity tests using the Wenner and Schlumberger methods
• Interpreting test results: calculating resistivity, understanding readings, and factors influencing accuracy
• Practical demonstrations of testing techniques
• Troubleshooting common issues during testing (e.g., electrode contact, measurement errors)

Day 4: Interpreting Earth Resistivity Data

• Analyzing resistivity data and converting it into useful information for grounding system design
• How to use resistivity data to determine the optimal depth and spacing for grounding electrodes
• Understanding soil resistivity profiles and how they influence ground potential rise (GPR) and fault currents
• Designing grounding systems based on resistivity data: grounding electrode placement, electrode design, and material selection
• Case studies on using resistivity test data for different types of electrical systems

Day 5: Advanced Topics and Practical Applications

• Advanced topics in resistivity testing: multi-layered soil resistivity, variation of resistivity with depth
• Using resistivity data for improving electrical system performance: reducing ground resistance, enhancing safety
• Best practices for conducting regular resistivity tests and maintaining effective grounding systems
• Regulatory standards and safety considerations in earth resistivity testing
• Review of practical applications, Q&A session, and closing remarks

NOTE:

Pre-& Post Tests will be conducted.

Case Studies, Group Exercises, Group Discussions, Last Day reviews, and assessments will be carried out.

Methodology

A highly interactive combination of lectures and discussion sessions will be managed to maximize the amount and quality of information and knowledge transfer. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. You will also be encouraged to raise your own questions and to share in the development of the right answers using your own analysis and experiences.  Tests of multiple-choice type will be made available on daily basis to examine the effectiveness of delivering the course.

Very useful Course Materials will be given.

• 30% Lectures
• 30% Workshops and work presentation
• 20% Group Work& Practical Exercises
• 20% Videos& General Discussions