Wenner method for concrete and soil conductivity measurements - QuickField simulation example
Wenner electrode array is an assembly of four collinear and equally spaced electrodes where the current is supplied through two outer electrodes and the potential is measured at two inner electrodes. Electrodes are attached to the surface of some solid media or specimen (soil, concrete) and the resistivity of the bulk material is measured this way. Wenner method measurements are performed for electrical soil testing, analysis of the concrete structure and widely used in geophysics, non-destructing evaluation of the building structures, electrical grounding calculations and many other applications.
How to find potential drop in Wenner four electrode array?
Answer Typical applications Geometry
Given
Task
Solution
Results
QuickField simulation gives:
Electric potential distribution in the concrete specimen during Wenner probe resistivity measurements.
Engineering question
Inject the specified current through the outer electrodes, solve the 3D DC-conduction field, measure the voltage between the inner electrodes, and compare it with the Wenner formula.
Wenner electrode arrays, concrete resistivity probes, four-probe resistivity setups
Download
Simulation problem
Problem Type
3D problem of DC conduction.
Electric conductivity of concrete σ = 0.01 S/m;
Electrodes spacing a = 38 mm (1.5");
Injected current I = 50 uA;
Electric potential drop on the electrodes of a Wenner four-electrode array used to measure electrical conductivity or resistivity of concrete and soil.
Wenner method is based on following equation
ρ = 2π*a * (V / I)
where ρ is bulk material electrical resistivity (reciprocal to electrical conductivity σ),
I is injected current and V is a measured voltage.
Wenner method formula gives V = ρ * I / (2π*a) = (1/0.01) * 50e-6 / (2*3.142*0.038) = 0.0209 V.
* potential on electrode M is VM = 0.204 V.
* potential on electrode N is VN = 0.183 V.
Simulated potential difference is VM - VN = 0.204-0.183 = 0.0210 V
Related examples