A Computer Program for Driven-Rod Resistance Measurements In Two-Layer Earth Models

AbstractThe measurements of ground resistance obtained by the fall-of-potential method may be rough when the auxiliary current electrode cannot be placed far from the electrode to be tested. In this case, in order to measure the ground resistance with a better precision, the potential electrode must be placed in a particular position. The positions suggested by IEEE Standards 81-1983 are based on the simplifying ?ohypotheses which are not always acceptable. This paper presents a new computing procedure which simulates the fall-of-potential method and eliminates the assumption of point source. In this way the possibility of determining the correct position of the potential electrode is given also when the electrode under test penetrates in the second layer of the soil model. Graphs of the potential electrode positions for driven-rods of different dimensions are supplied.