Soil Resistivity Measurements to Predict Moisture Content and Density in Loose and Dense Soil

Abstract

In the past, most of the soil electrical resistivity charts were developed based on stand-alone geomaterial classification with minimal contribution to its relationship to some of geotechnical parameters. Furthermore, the values cited a very wide range of resistivity with sometimes overlapping values and having little significance to specific soil condition. As a result, it created some ambiguities during the interpretation of observations which were traditionally based on qualitative anomaly judgments of experts and experienced people. Hence, this study presents soil resistivity values based on laboratory experiment with a view to predict the soil moisture content and density in loose and dense soils. This study used a soil box and a resistivity meter to test a clayey silt soil, increasing its water usage from 1-3% based on 1500 gram of dry soil. All the moisture contents and density data were observed concurrently with 25 electrical soil resistance observations being made on the soil. All testing and formula used were in accordance with that specified in BS1377 (1990). It was apparent that the soil resistivity value was different under loose (L) and compact (C) condition with moisture content (w) and density (ρbulk) correlations being established as follows; ρbulk(C) = 2.5991ρ-0.037, ρbulk (L) = -0.111 ln (ρ) + 1.7605, w(L) = 109.98ρ-0.268, and w(C) = 121.88ρ-0.363 with determination coefficients, R2 that ranged between 0.69 0.89. This research therefore contributes a means of predicting these geotechnical parameters by related persons such as geophysicist, engineers and geologist who use these resistivity techniques in ground exploration.

Correlation Analysis Between Field Electrical Resistivity Value (ERV) and Basic Geotechnical Properties (BGP)

“…Similar findings were reported in important pilot studies used to establish a correlation between ERV and BGP for a further stage such as the correlation between ERV with moisture content, density, unit weight, etc. [1, [18][19][20][21][22][23]. The resistivity value is highly influenced by the characteristics of the pore fluid and the grain matrix structure of geo materials [24].…”

Spatial variability assessment of Nile alluvial soils using electrical resistivity technique

“…In literature, various models were proposed to describe the relationships between electrical resistivity and soil water content, temperature or salt content. Relationships between soil water content and electrical resistivity were measured in field and laboratory conditions and mostly through curvilinear models (Abidin et al, 2013;Ozcep et al, 2009Ozcep et al, , 2010. Kusim et al (2013) showed that the electrical resistivity decreased significantly by increasing the salt content in the soil.…”

Profiles of relative permittivity and electrical conductivity from unsaturated soil water content models

“…In compact condition, it was found that at high compaction values corresponds lower resistivity value (or higher electrical conductivity). The volumes of pore in compact condition were reduced and cause the current to easily propagate especially during the existing of water [Abidin et al 2013].…”