Numerical analysis of a class of foundation grounding systems

Although foundation grounding systems are known to have very good electrical characteristics, only a limited number of papers dealing with their analysis have been published. A novel theoretical method is proposed for analysis of foundation grounding systems. The method is illustrated by considering a specific system in the form of a horizontal grid, laid in a rectangular concrete foundation. Theoretical results were found to agree favourably with those obtained experimentally on a small-scale model, as well as with the empirical data of other authors. A simple approximate formula for a practical assessment of the grounding resistance of such grounding systems is presented