1.

INTRODUCTION: The Earth Resistivity Test (ERT) of soil was carried out at site for Ayana Solar Power Project . with
the aim to determine an average value of electrical resistivity of soil for design of safe earthing system. The Earth
resistivity field test was done in at location given as directed by the client.

2. PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The purpose of this investigation is to determine an average value of electrical
resistivity of subsurface for design of safe earthing system with the help of Microprocessor based electrical resistivity
meter model _________________.

3. GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION: Geophysical investigation was carried out as per IS: 3043-1987 on the basis of Earth
Resistivity meter model no. DET-Auto. Wenner’s four-electrode method is used to determine the earth resistivity.

4. WENNER’S CONFIGURATION: This is one of the most commonly used arrays proposed by Wenner in 1916. Four
electrodes A, B, M, and N are placed at the surface of the ground along a straight symmetrically about a point O. The
observation point in such a way that the distance between AM = MN =NB = a., Where ‘a’ is called electrode separation
see fig. 1. Current ‘I’ is sent generally through outer electrodes A and B and the potential difference (V) is measured
between M and N. The instrument multification factor is f. Apparent Resistivity,  = 2aR (As per IS: 3043 – 1987,
Clause No. : 36.3.1.2)

5. Survey Procedure: Resistivity sounding is used to make investigations along the depth. In this method the center of
configuration is kept fixed and measurements are made by successively increasing electrode spacing. The apparent
resistivity values obtained with increasing values of electrode separations are used to estimate the thickness and
resistivity of the subsurface formations. In Wenner’s configuration all the four electrodes are arranged in a line at a
equal distance ‘a’ between the consecutive electrodes. Measurements were taken at 1m,2m,3m & 5.0m. Current is
sent through the outer electrodes and the potential difference is measured between the inner electrodes. The
Resistance (R = V/I) is measured for each electrode separation and apparent resistivity is calculated by multiplying
value of ‘R’ with Wenner configuration factor (2a), where ‘a’ is the uniform distance between the elctrodes. The
computation of the sounding data is discussed in the subsequent section.

6. Computation of Earth Resistivity: When the earth resistivity readings for different electrode spacing in a direction are
within 20 to 30%, the soil is considered to be uniform. When the spacing is increased gradually from low values, at a
stage, it may be found that the resistivity readings are more or less constant irrespective of the increase in the
electrode spacing. The resistivity for this spacing is noted and taken as the resistivity for that direction. In a similar
manner, resistivity for at least one equally spaced direction from the center of the site are measured. These resistivity
are plotted in a graph sheet in the appropriate directions choosing a scale. A closed curve is plotted on the graph
sheets jointing all the resistivity points plotted to get the polar resistivity curve. The area inside the polar resistivity
curve is measured and equivalent circle of the same area is found out. The radius of this equivalent circle is the average
resistivity of the site under consideration. The average resistivity thus obtained may be used for the design of the
earthing grid at that particular depth.

7. Results: I. The electric resistivity test of the site were performed in _______at location as suggested by client. II.
Measured surface resistivity data is attached separately. III. Average Resistivity / Equivalent Radius from polar curve is
_______ ohm-m.

8. LIMITATION The Electrical resistivity testing has been carried out at the location chosen by the client. In general
resistivity values are influenced by water, presence of dissolved ions in soil media and nature of strata.
Recommendations made in the report are hence valid only for tested locations only. However if there is any change in
subsoil conditions and properties at places beyond chosen test locations, the soil consultants to be contacted for
further guidance.
Sample Reporting

DETERMINATION OF EARTH RESISTIVITY

LOCATION: SUB- STATION CO-ORDINATES: N- 1950579.220 E- 79279.919

TEMPERATURE: 36.4°C HUMIDITY: 47%

PROJECT NO.: 2017060007

METHOD OF RESISTIVITY SURVEY : Wenner's Method as per IS:3043-1987

Results of Electrical Resistivity Wenner Method (IS-3043)