PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.

415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION

(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 1 of 10

OWNER:

AL AIN DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

CONSULTANT:
GOPA INTEC

MAIN CONTACTOR:
ENGSOL
PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 2 of 10

TABLE OF CONTENT
SNO DESCRIPTION

1.0 Objective

2.0 Description of works

3.0 Introduction

4.0 Scope and application of works

5.0 Start date and completion date

6.0 List of applicable standards & Reference documents

7.0 Abbreviations & Definitions

8.0 Roles and Responsibility /competency

9.0 Resources /Equipment

10.0 Details of work procedure

10.1 Measuring the Soil Resistivity (Wenner Four Point Method)

10.2 Testing procedure and test format

11.0 HSE Checks
12.0 Safety Checks
13.0 Attachments
PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 3 of 10

1.0 Objective

The method statement describes the procedure for the Measurement of soil resistivity.

2.0 Description of works

This document defines the methods to be adopted to ensure that the works conducted at site are in
compliance with the approved shop drawing and material approvals. That the soil resistivity is
measured in accordance with the approved ADWEA/AADC standard technical specifications,
engineering standards and relevant IEEE standards, using recognized practices that are safe and
compliant with the Project Safety Plan and associated Safety Procedures.

3.0 Introduction

Soil resistivity data is the key factor in designing a grounding system for a specific performance
objective. All soil type conducts electrical current, with some soil type having good electrical
conductivity while majority have poor electrical conductivity.

4.0 Scope and application of works

This document is concerned with the site soil resistivity measurement to be adopted to ensure that all
elements of the work are inspected in accordance with the Project requirements.

The work methods are summarized as follows:

• Preparation of the works

• Setting out of the works.

• Soil resistivity measurement

• Inspection of the work.

5.0 Start date and completion date

2 days from the date of schedule

PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 4 of 10

6.0 List of Applicable standards /Drawing/ Reference documents

Earthing / Grounding System - S-AAA-EARTH-GROUND (Rev.0-2015)

ESE - Engineering Standard Earthing for ADDC

7.0 Abbreviations/Definition

AADC Al Ain Distribution Company

GOPA INTEC Consultant
ENGSOL Contractor
HSP Health and Safety Plan
ITP Inspection and Test Plan
IEEE Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers
PPE Personal Protective Equipment

8.0 Roles and Responsibility /competency

The Project Manager shall be responsible for the following

Project Manager is responsible for overall project execution, quality and safety. Adopt a leading role
with respect to the COMPANY Safety and Quality procedures.
8.1 The HSE Engineer shall be responsible for the following
HSE Engineer shall be responsible for safe working environment & conditions. Coordinate with Site
Engineer potential hazards before works, methods of safe working from new developments.
8.2 QA/QC Engineer for the following
QA/QC Engineer shall ensure all inspections and tests are conducted as per contract specifications
PQP & ITP’s .To ensure all current issues of procedures drawings and standards are available at the
point of use. He ensures full compliance of all works as per contract requirements and approved shop
drawings.
8.3 Project Engineer shall be responsible for the following
To ensure installation is carried out to required Project Specifications and drawings as well as in
accordance with the approved ITP's and QCP's. To ensure that the surveyor has completed setting out
with reference points complying with the approved for construction drawings. Ensuring that all parties
who are required to make any kind of test or inspection are suitably informed as to the overall
programmed of works and daily inspection testing requirement for checking and performing the
installation as per the Specification.
The Store keeper shall be responsible for the following
To ensure issuance of materials to the site with reference to Approved Material.
8.4 The QC Inspector shall be responsible for
Sign and obtain signatures from QA/QC Engineer on the various forms and verifying documents as
required. Accompany the Project Manager / Supervision Consultant representative if required, to
PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 5 of 10

carry out inspections. Identify and reporting to QA/QC Engineer for any non- conformances. Keeping
a daily log of all the Inspection Request submitted by Project Engineer. Carry out statistical analysis of
the Inspection and test results to improve quality control operations on site, to verify testing/ checking
compliance and to advise the Project Engineer of the results.
8.5The Site Engineer shall be responsible for the following
The Site Engineer shall ensure that all works are carried out according to design and approved shop
drawings and method of statement
8.6 The HSE Engineer shall be responsible for the following
The HSE engineer will monitor and implement all HSE related issues. He shall ensure that all necessary
requirements regarding health, safety and environment concerns are met and adhered to. The HSE
engineer shall ensure that all permits and authorization are on hand prior to starting any site operation

9.0 Resources /Equipment

A. Approved testing engineer

9.1 Testing equipment

a) A 4-Pole Digital Ground Resistance Tester

b) At least 4 numbers of probes
c) Four insulated wire conductors
d) Measuring tape
e) Hammer (for driving Probes into the soil)
f) User manual for Ground Resistance Tester/Meter
g) JCB for facilitating pulling rod out

10.0. Details of work procedure

10.1 Measuring the Soil Resistivity (Wenner Four Point Method)

The method for measurement of soil resistivity is the Wenner Four Point Method.

It uses a 4-pole digital ground resistance meter, such as the Megger 5/4 the AEMC 4500 meters,
probes, and conductors.

It requires four electrodes which are driven down to the same depth and equal distances apart in a
straight line in the soil with four separate lead wires connect the electrodes to the four terminals on
the instrument.

The four-pole test meter injects a constant current through the ground via the two probes (C1&C2).
The current flowing through the earth (a resistivity material) develops a voltage drop resulting from
the current flow and is then measured between the two inner probes (P1&P2).
PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 6 of 10

The electrode (C1, P1, P2, C2) spacing's shall be in equal intervals of 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m... etc.
and the resistivity measurements shall be taken up to 3 meter outside the plot limit and in 8 directions
from center of the plot.

The meter then calculates the amount of current that is flowing through the earth and the voltage
drop across the two center probes. With this information, the meter uses ohms law (R=E/I) to calculate
and display the resistance value in Ohms.
Here,

E = Voltage drop across the electrodes (P1&P2)

I = Injected current through the electrodes (C1&C2)
R = Resistance

This displayed resistance value is in Ohms and must be converted to Ohm-meters, which are the units
of measurement for soil resistivity.

Ohms-meters are the resistance of a volume of earth that is one meter by one meter, or one cubic
meter.

To convert from the displayed ohms to ohm-meters, the meter reading is multiplied by the probe
spacing. The following shows the calculation in a formula in accordance to equation of IEEE-80:

4𝜋 ∗ 𝑎 ∗ 𝑅
𝜌𝑎 =
2𝑎 𝑎
1+ 2 2
− 2
√𝑎 + 4𝑏 √𝑎 + 𝑏 2

ρa = is the apparent resistivity of the soil in Ω-Mtrs.

a = is the distance between adjacent electrodes in Mtrs.
b = is the depth of the electrodes in Mtrs.
R = is the measured resistance in Ω.

Readings are usually taken at probe spacing’s of 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12… meter intervals. The calculated soil
resistivity is the average value of the soil resistivity from the surface to a depth equivalent to the probe
spacing.

Several readings at the different probe spacing’s and at different test points of the site are required.
The more data available to the design team, the more accurately they will be able to design and predict
the grounding system performance.

Reading shall be ideally taken along at least two sides of the site and diagonally from one corner to
the other. A pipe or some underground structure could influence the readings, which should be
avoided by using different function.
PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 7 of 10

The more data available and used in the design provides more confidence in the outcome.

10.2 TESTING PROCEDURES & test Format

The following procedure is generic and will work with all ground resistance tester/meters. However,
the meter’s manual should be consulted for operational details.
By increasing the spacing between adjacent electrodes, the soil resistivity in greater depth is
measured. Generally, it can be assumed that the measured depth is equal to the electrode spacing.
Since homogeneous soil is up to greater depth is rare, soil resistivity will generally vary with increasing
electrode spacing. The values measured will therefore be considered as parent soil resistivity.

The measurement should be carried out in such a way to cover the plot area (plus 3mtr beyond the
plot limit) and cover the area of high voltage equipment of the substation. Considering the size of the
plot, there should be eight test lines with electrodes spacing varying from 1m to 50m. The probe
spacing ‘a’ in the field measurement table shall be followed up to 50m, beyond 50m the spacing
distance shall vary exponentially till it covers the whole plot, (Diagonal length = 70.71 m).

Step 1.

Drive the electrode rods in various locations at same depth. Additional care shall be taken while driving
the rods in the soil.

Step 2.
Install the 4 test probes in the ground equally spaced in a straight line. Generally shorter spacing is
done first.

Step 3.
Using the conductors, connect the C1, P1, P2 and C2 terminals to the electrodes in order from the end,
Care shall be taken as the test result will be invalid if the electrodes are not connected properly. Verify
that the metal strip between meters C1 and P1 terminals and disconnected (as it is used for three-
point testing).

Step 4.
Press the test button and read the digital display.
Record the reading on the soil resistivity field report work sheet at the appropriate location. If the
reading is not stable or displays an error indication, double - check the connection.

For some meters, the range and test current setting may be changed until a combination that provides
a stable reading without indication is reached.
PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 8 of 10

Also, an effective way of decreasing the electrode resistance to ground is by pouring water around it.
The addition of moisture is insignificant for the reading it will only achieve a better electrical
connection and will not influence the overall results.
Also, a longer probe or multiple probes (within a short distance) may help.

Step 5.
Steps 1-5 of this procedure must be repeated at multiple locations on the site to obtain a reliable soil
profile.
Stray currents, buried water pipes, cable sheaths and other factors may interfere and distort the
readings.
Measurements should be taken along 8 directions at each site as a minimum.
Sometimes this may not be feasible, but the more data that can be obtained, the more accurate the
generated soil model will be.
 PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 9 of 10

However, depending on the conditions at site, additional test lines may be required. The actual
location of the measuring lines depends on the condition at site. Nevertheless, as the electrode
spacing is large, the precise measuring line is not decisive.

The values will be noted in following table:

PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 10 of 10

Test Line Calculated

Probe Probe
Apparent
Spacing Depth Average
N S E W N-E S-E W-S W-N Soil
‘a’ ‘b’ R (Ω)
Resistivity
(Mtrs) (Mtrs) (Ω) (Ω) (Ω) (Ω) (Ω) (Ω) (Ω) (Ω)
ρa (Ωm)
0.5 0.5
1 0.5
2 0.5
3 0.5
4 0.5

5 0.5

6 0.5
7 0.5
8 0.5

9 0.5
10 0.5
Date / Time Remarks:
Temperature Above results will be used in
calculation for the Substation
Weather Conditions Earthing System.
Ground Conditions

In addition to the resistance readings, the following information will be checked on site:

❖ Soil description
❖ Weather conditions at time of performing the test
❖ Ambient temperature at time of performing the test
❖ Resistance Tester Type
❖ Resistivity Tester Model
❖ Resistivity Tester Certificate
 PROJECT: SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 11/0.415kV BRICK BUILT SUBSTATION
(100 NOS) IN AL AIN

METHOD STATEMENT FOR MEASUREMENT OF SOIL RESISTIVITY

REV. No: 0 DATE: 24.02.2019 Page 11 of 10

4𝜋 ∗ 𝑎 ∗ 𝑅
𝜌𝑎 =
2𝑎 𝑎
1+ 2 2
− 2
√𝑎 + 4𝑏 √𝑎 + 𝑏 2

ρa = is the apparent resistivity of the soil in Ω-Mtrs.

a = is the distance between adjacent electrodes in Mtrs.
b = is the depth of the electrodes in Mtrs.
R = is the measured resistance in Ω.

11.0 HSE Checks:

• Work will commence as per safety regulations laid down in the contract specifications and project
safety plan.
• The HSE officer is responsible for supervising the works to ensure full compliance with
HSE requirements and procedures.
• Awareness training to the work force shall be conducted by HSE team prior start of activity.
• Tool Box talk shall be conducted by supervisor to brief the risk assessment associated with the activity.
• Proper access & egress should be provided to work area.
• Make sure proper PPE is available with workers.

12.0 SAFETY CHECKS

• Make sure proper access is available for work

• All personal protective equipment shall be used as appropriate according to the nature of the job.
• Housekeeping shall be of good standard and all disposals shall be removed.
• The execution of work will strictly follow the project environmental plan.
EMERGENCY /INCIDENT PROCEDURE AND FIRST AID ARRANGEMNET /POLLUTION
CONTROL
• Minor injuries will be attended to at the site clinic by the site nurse
• Major injuries will be taken directly to hospital
• All incident is to be reported directly to site safety team
welfare
• Toilets are in site cabinet
• Drinking water station available at site
13.0 Attachments:
• Risk assessment
• Inspection test plan
• Reference documents