energies
Article
A Method for Calculating Grounding Resistance of Reinforced
Concrete Foundation Grounding Systems
Bowen Dou 1 , Rui Liu 2 , Youping Tu 1 and Bo Zhang 3, *
Citation: Dou, B.; Liu, R.; Tu, Y.;
Zhang, B. A Method for Calculating
Grounding Resistance of Reinforced
Concrete Foundation Grounding
Systems. Energies 2022, 15, 4607.
https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134607
Academic Editor: Normiza Binti
Mohamad Nor
Received: 20 May 2022
Accepted: 21 June 2022
Published: 23 June 2022
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Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
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This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
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Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
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4.0/).
Energies 2022, 15, 4607. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134607
1 School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China;
ncepudbw@ncepu.edu.cn (B.D.); typ@ncepu.edu.cn (Y.T.)
2 Power Transmission and Transformation Engineering Department, China Electric Power Research Institute,
Beijing 100055, China; liurui@epri.sgcc.com.cn
3 Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
* Correspondence: shizbcn@tsinghua.edu.cn
Abstract: Tower foundations have been used as grounding electrodes to reduce the area of the
grounding devices. However, it is difficult to calculate the grounding resistance due to the complex
structure of the reinforced concrete foundation. A method for calculating grounding resistance
of reinforced concrete foundations is proposed in this paper. The method equates the complex
foundation structure into a cylindrical conductor and then calculates the grounding resistance with
the help of the method of moments, which simplifies establishment of the simulation model and
reduces the extensive computation. In addition, the applicability of the equal cross-sectional area
method and the equal cross-sectional perimeter method is analyzed. It shows that both methods are
applicable only when the concrete resistivity is close to the soil resistivity. The equal cross-sectional
area method is applicable when the concrete resistivity is within twice the soil resistivity, while the
equal cross-sectional perimeter method is applicable when the concrete resistivity is approximately
same or less than the resistivity of the soil.
Keywords: reinforced concrete foundation; grounding device; grounding resistance; numerical
calculation
1. Introduction
Grounding devices of transmission line towers are the most important lightning
protection facilities [1,2]. The contradiction between the corridors of transmission lines
and land resources has become increasingly significant with the development of the power
system [3,4]. Therefore, the use of reinforced concrete foundations as part of grounding
electrodes has been considered for a long time [5]. It improves the current dispersion
characteristics and plays an effective role in reducing grounding resistance [6–9].
Grounding resistance is a key parameter to characterize the grounding device. In
order to evaluate the role of the tower foundation, simplified formulas for estimating the
grounding resistance were proposed under the assumption that the concrete resistivity is
the same as that of the soil [10]. The utilization coefficients of the formulas for calculating
grounding resistance of transmission tower grounding devices were summarized [11]. In
order to consider the effect of reinforced concrete on the grounding resistance, a whole
metal electrode was used to replace the foundation for calculation [12]. The accuracy of the
above methods is affected by foundation structures and concrete resistivities. Therefore,
they are not applicable in complex situations.
The finite element method can accurately calculate the electric field around the founda-
tion [13,14]. However, due to the complex structure of the reinforced concrete foundation,
establishment of the simulation model for one pile is troublesome and the computation
is extensive, not to mention that usually the foundation consists of several piles. The
grounding resistance of the cylindrical conductor can be quickly calculated by the method
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies
Energies 2022, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 10
Energies 2022, 15, 4607 2 of 10

grounding resistance of the cylindrical conductor can be quickly calculated by the method
of moments
of moments even even ifif the
the structure
structure is is complex
complex [15–17].
[15–17]. ForFor this
this reason,
reason, some
some methods
methods to to
equatenon-cylindrical
equate non-cylindricalelectrode
electrodeto tocylindrical
cylindricalelectrodes
electrodeshave havebeenbeenproposed
proposedin inorder
ordertoto
usethe
use themethod
methodof ofmoments
momentsto tocalculate
calculategrounding
groundingresistance.
resistance.For Forexample,
example,flat
flatconductor
conductor
isisequivalent
equivalentto tocylindrical
cylindricalconductor
conductorby bythe
themethod
methodof ofequal
equalcross-sectional
cross-sectionalarea area[18],
[18],in
in
√
which the equivalent radius
which the equivalent radius 𝑟11 is r is given by r = L/ , where L is the cross-sectional
𝑟11 = 𝐿/√𝜋, where 𝐿 is the cross-sectional side
π side
lengthof
length ofthe
thegrounding
groundingelectrode.
electrode. The Theequal
equalcross-sectional
cross-sectionalperimeter
perimetermethod
methodthat thatfully
fully
considersthe
considers thecontact
contactresistance
resistancebetween
betweenthe thefoundation
foundationand andthe thesoil
soilwas
wasalso
alsointroduced,
introduced,
withwhich
with whichthe theequivalent
equivalentradiusradius is is given
given byby = 2L/π
𝑟2 r=2 2𝐿/𝜋 [19].[19].
Based Based onsame
on the the same
idea, idea,
Pan
Pan
et al. et al. proposed
proposed a methoda method to equate
to equate cylindrical
cylindrical reinforced
reinforced concrete concrete foundation
foundation into a
into a cylin-
cylindrical
drical conductorconductor
so that sothe
thatgrounding
the grounding resistance
resistance can becan be obtained
obtained by thebymethod
the method
of mo-of
moments, which simplified the calculation [20]. However, the
ments, which simplified the calculation [20]. However, the calculation for grounding re- calculation for grounding
resistance
sistance of square-column
of square-column reinforced
reinforced concrete
concrete foundation,
foundation, as shown
as shown in Figure
in Figure 1, not
1, has has
not been developed. How to equate the reinforced concrete foundation
been developed. How to equate the reinforced concrete foundation into a cylindrical con- into a cylindrical
conductor
ductor has become
has become the key
the key to simplify
to simplify the calculation.
the calculation.

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 1. 1. Reinforced concrete
concretefoundation
foundation(a)(a) Outward
Outward appearance;
appearance; (b) (b) Internal
Internal rebarrebar
cage cage (The
(The cross-
cross-sectional
sectional dimension of the reinforced concrete foundation is mainly in the form of 0.8 m × 0.8 m0.8
dimension of the reinforced concrete foundation is mainly in the form of 0.8 m × to
m1.2tom1.2
×m 1.2× m.
1.2 The
m. The column
column height
height is 3m
is 3m to 5tom.
5 m.
TheThe main
main rebars
rebars inside
inside thethe foundation
foundation areare made
made of
of round
round steels).
steels).

In
In order
order to calculate the
to calculate thegrounding
groundingresistance
resistanceofof the
the square-column
square-column reinforced
reinforced con-
concrete
crete foundation effectively and accurately, a method to equate the foundation
foundation effectively and accurately, a method to equate the foundation into a cylindrical into a cy-
lindrical
conductorconductor is presented
is presented based onbased
theon the finite
finite element
element method method simulation,
simulation, and andthenthen
the
the grounding
grounding resistance
resistance is calculated
is calculated byby
thethemethod
methodofofmoments.
moments. In In addition, the the equal
equal
cross-sectional
cross-sectional area method
method andandthe
theequal
equalcross-sectional
cross-sectional perimeter
perimeter method
method to estimate
to estimate the
the equivalent
equivalent radius
radius areare
alsoalso analyzed.
analyzed. The
The applicability
applicability of of
thethe two
two methods
methods is is presented.
presented.

2.2.Theoretical
TheoreticalBackground
Background
The principle
The principle of the method
method proposed
proposedininthis
thispaper
papercancanbebe
determined
determined bybythethe
relation-
rela-
ship between the reinforced concrete foundation parameters and the
tionship between the reinforced concrete foundation parameters and the grounding im-grounding impedance.
As shownAs
pedance. inshown
Figurein2, Figure
the injected
2, thecurrent
injectedflows forward
current flowsalong
forwardthe along
foundation and dissi-
the foundation
pates into the ground. The grounding impedance includes the dispersion
and dissipates into the ground. The grounding impedance includes the dispersion resistance R g and
re-
the longitudinal
sistance impedance
𝑅𝑔 and the Zl . R gimpedance
longitudinal is the equivalent
𝑍𝑙 . 𝑅𝑔 resistance from theresistance
is the equivalent foundation surface
from the
to infinity, which
foundation surfaceisto
not only related
infinity, whichtoisthenotlength of the foundation,
only related to the lengthbutof also to the shape
the foundation,
and size of the cross-section. Z is given by:
but also to the shape and size of the cross-section. 𝑍𝑙 is given by:
l

Z𝑍l 𝑙==Z𝑍c𝑐++jωL
𝑗𝜔𝐿e𝑒 (1)
(1)
where 𝑍𝑐 is related to the effective area of current flow under the influence of skin effect.
The internal impedance 𝑍𝑐 of square conductors can only be calculated by numerical
method without corresponding formula and for cylindrical conductors, 𝑍𝑐 is given by:
Energies 2022, 15, 4607 3 of 10

Energies 2022, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 10

where Zc is related to the effective area of current flow under the influence of skin effect. The
internal impedance Zc of square conductors can only be calculated by numerical method
without corresponding formula and for cylindrical conductors, Zc is given by:
𝑗𝜔𝜇𝑐 I0 (𝑟0p √𝑗𝜔𝜎𝑐 𝜇𝑐 )

𝑍𝑐 = ∙ ∙𝑙 (2)
2𝜋𝑟 jωµ
√𝑗𝜔𝜎
c 𝜇 I
I 0 r
(𝑟 0 √ jωσc𝜇µc)
𝑗𝜔𝜎
Zc = 0p 𝑐 𝑐 · 1 0 p 𝑐 𝑐
·l (2)
2πr0 jωσc µc I1 r0 jωσc µc
where 𝜎𝑐 is the conductivity of the conductor, 𝜇𝑐 is the magnetic permeability of the
where σc is𝑟0the
conductor, is the radius of the
conductivity of conductor,
the conductor,𝑙 is the
µc islength of the conductor
the magnetic and I0ofand
permeability the
I1conductor,
are the modified
r0 is thezero-order andconductor,
radius of the first-orderl Bessel functions.
is the length of the conductor and I0 and I1
are the modified zero-order and first-order Bessel functions.

Equivalentphysical
Figure2.2.Equivalent
Figure physicalmodel
modelofofthe
thegrounding
groundingelectrode.
electrode.

The external inductance L is formed by the magnetic flux generated by the current
The external inductance 𝐿𝑒e is formed by the magnetic flux generated by the current
flowing through the grounding electrode, which is mainly affected by the radius of the
flowing through the grounding electrode, which is mainly affected by the radius of the
grounding electrode and the soil magnetic permeability.
grounding electrode and the soil magnetic permeability.
The equivalent method can be used only when R and Z of the equivalent cylindrical
The equivalent method can be used only when 𝑅𝑔g and 𝑍l𝑙 of the equivalent cylindri-
conductor are consistent with those of the original reinforced concrete foundation.
cal conductor are consistent with those of the original reinforced concrete foundation.
3. Calculation Processes
3. Calculation Processes
The calculation of the equivalent radius is based on the principle that the dispersion
The calculation
resistance keeps theofsame.
the equivalent radius is based
The corresponding on the principle
equivalent resistivitythat
andthe dispersion
relative mag-
resistance keeps the same. The corresponding equivalent resistivity and relative magnetic
netic permeability of the equivalent electrode are analyzed by keeping the longitudinal
permeability
impedance the of the equivalent electrode are analyzed by keeping the longitudinal imped-
same.
ance the same.
3.1. Equivalent Radius of the Square-Column Reinforced Concrete Foundation
3.1. Equivalent Radius of the
When calculating theSquare-Column Reinforced
equivalent radius, Concrete Foundation
the dispersion resistance per unit length
needs to becalculating
When obtained. The thesquare-column
equivalent radius,reinforced concrete foundation
the dispersion resistance is perregarded as an
unit length
infinitely
needs to belong conductor,
obtained. which can be simulated
The square-column reinforced byconcrete
a 2D finite element is
foundation method.
regardedThreeas
typical
an reinforced
infinitely concrete foundations
long conductor, which can be A,simulated
B and C are by selected,
a 2D finitewith the foundation
element cross-
method. Three
sectional
typical dimensions
reinforced of 0.8
concrete m × 0.8 m,A,
foundations 1.0Bm and×C 1.0
aremselected,
and 1.2 m × 1.2
with them, and the heights
foundation cross-
are 3.6 m, 4.4 m and 5.0 m, respectively. The main rebars consist of
sectional dimensions of 0.8 m × 0.8 m, 1.0 m × 1.0 m and 1.2 m × 1.2 m, and the heights sixteen steel rebars with
are
a diameter
3.6 m, 4.4 m 22 andmm5.0located 50 mm below
m, respectively. the surface
The main rebarsof the foundation.
consist of sixteen steel rebars with a
A cylinder
diameter with a radius
22 mm located 50 mmof one hundred
below the surface times
of thethefoundation.
side length of the cross-section
is taken as the with
A cylinder calculation
a radius area. This
of one radius is
hundred largethe
times enough that the
side length equipotential
of the cross-section lines
is
are consistent with the cylinder. Then R is equivalent to the series
taken as the calculation area. This radius is large enough that the equipotential lines are
g connection of the
resistance with
consistent from the
the reinforced
cylinder. Thenconcrete
𝑅𝑔 foundation
is equivalent to the cylinder
to the seriesand the resistance
connection of thefrom
re-
the cylinder to infinity. Since the resistance from the cylinder to infinity
sistance from the reinforced concrete foundation to the cylinder and the resistance from is not affected by
the shape of the foundation cross-section, just the resistance from the reinforced
the cylinder to infinity. Since the resistance from the cylinder to infinity is not affected by concrete
foundation
the shape of to thethe cylinder needs
foundation to be calculated,
cross-section, which can from
just the resistance be precisely calculated
the reinforced by the
concrete
finite element method. Then, the equivalent radius r eq of the reinforced
foundation to the cylinder needs to be calculated, which can be precisely calculated by the concrete foundation
can be
finite obtained
element by theThen,
method. following formula: radius 𝑟 of the reinforced concrete founda-
the equivalent 𝑒𝑞
tion can be obtained by the following formula: r1
req = R ×2π/ρ (3)
e c 𝑟1
𝑟𝑒𝑞 = 𝑅 ×2𝜋/𝜌 (3)
𝑒 𝑐
where ρ is the soil resistivity in Ω·m; r1 is the radius of the cylinder in mm; Rc is the
where 𝜌 isbetween
resistance the soil the
resistivity in Ω·
foundation m; 𝑟the
and the radius of the cylinder in mm; 𝑅𝑐 is the
1 iscylinder.
resistance between the foundation and the cylinder.
Figure 3 shows the equivalent radius of the pile foundation when the ratio of concrete
resistivity to soil resistivity is taken as the control parameter. It can be seen that the
 Energies 2022, 15, 4607 4 of 10

Energies 2022, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 10

Figure 3 shows the equivalent radius of the pile foundation when the ratio of concrete
resistivity to soil resistivity is taken as the control parameter. It can be seen that the
equivalent
equivalent radius
radius decreases
decreases as as
thethe ratio
ratio of of concrete
concrete resistivity
resistivity to to soil
soil resistivity
resistivity increases.
increases.
The equivalent radius of the square-column reinforced concrete foundation
The equivalent radius of the square-column reinforced concrete foundation satisfies the satisfies the
following relation:
following relation:
(−0.0571l 2+ 0.1443l −0.2328) x
+0.1443𝑙−0.2328)𝑥
req==(583.66𝑙
𝑟𝑒𝑞 (583.66l − 0.3)e(−0.0571𝑙
−0.3)𝑒 (4)(4)

where𝑙 lisisthe
where cross-sectional
the side
cross-sectional length
side length in 𝑥m;isxthe
in m; is ratio of concrete
the ratio resistivity
of concrete to soilto
resistivity
resistivity.
soil resistivity.

Pile foundation A
700 Pile foundation B
Pile foundation C
600
Equivalent Radius(mm)

500

400

300

200

100

0
-2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Concrete Resistivity/Soil Resistivity

Figure 3. Concrete resistivity/soil resistivity versus the equivalent radius.

Figure 3. Concrete resistivity/soil resistivity versus the equivalent radius.
3.2. Analysis of Equivalent Resistivity and Relative Magnetic Permeability Corresponding to the
Equivalent
3.2. Analysis Electrode
of Equivalent Resistivity and Relative Magnetic Permeability Corresponding to the
Equivalent Electrode the uneven current distribution under skin effect, it is necessary to analyze
Considering
theConsidering
longitudinalthe impedance of reinforced
uneven current concrete
distribution foundation
under at different
skin effect, frequencies
it is necessary to ana-to
lyze the longitudinal impedance of reinforced concrete foundation at different frequenciesAs
determine the resistivity and relative magnetic permeability of the equivalent model.
-1 due to the large
toshown in Table
determine 1, the longitudinal
the resistivity and relativeimpedance
magneticispermeability
measured inofmΩ the·mequivalent model.
Ascross-sectional
shown in Table size of the
1, the pile foundation.
longitudinal Compared
impedance with the
is measured dissipation
in mΩ· to the largeR g ,
m-1 due resistance
the longitudinal
cross-sectional sizeimpedance
of the pileresults of the Compared
foundation. three pile foundations from 50 Hz
with the dissipation to 100 kHz
resistance 𝑅𝑔are
,
small. Therefore, it is accepted that only the dispersion resistance needs
the longitudinal impedance results of the three pile foundations from 50 Hz to 100 kHz to be considered
areinsmall.
the equivalent
Therefore,calculation.
it is accepted The resistivity
that and relative
only the dispersion magneticneeds
resistance permeability of the
to be consid-
equivalent model can take the parameters of the steel rebar.
ered in the equivalent calculation. The resistivity and relative magnetic permeability of
the equivalent model can take the parameters of the steel rebar.
Table 1. Longitudinal impedances (ZA , ZB , ZC ) of the three pile foundations per unit length at
different
Table frequencies.impedances (ZA, ZB, ZC) of the three pile foundations per unit length at dif-
1. Longitudinal
ferent frequencies.
Frequency (Hz) ZA (mΩ·m−1 ) ZB (mΩ·m−1 ) ZC (mΩ·m−1 )
Frequency 50 (Hz) ZA (mΩ·m −1)
0.14 + j0.14 ZB (mΩ·m −1)
0.14 + j0.14 ZC (mΩ·m −1)
0.14 + j0.14
50
1000 0.14 + j0.14
0.63 + j0.37 0.14 + j0.14
0.63 + j0.36 0.14 + j0.14
0.63 + j0.35
10k
1000 0.630.74 + j2.0
+ j0.37 0.630.73 + j1.9
+ j0.36 0.630.72 + j1.8
+ j0.35
100k 0.77 + j19.1 0.75 + j18.1 0.74 + j17.6
10k 0.74 + j2.0 0.73 + j1.9 0.72 + j1.8
100k 0.77 + j19.1 0.75 + j18.1 0.74 + j17.6
4. Results and Discussion
Theand
4. Results method proposed in this paper is compared with the equal cross-sectional area
Discussion
method and the equal
The method proposed cross-sectional
in this paperperimeter method.
is compared with The influence
the equal of various factors
cross-sectional area
method and the equal cross-sectional perimeter method. The influence of to
on the equivalent radius and grounding resistance results is analyzed determine
various the
factors
applicability of each method.
on the equivalent radius and grounding resistance results is analyzed to determine the
applicability of each method.
Energies 2022, 15, 4607 5 of 10

4.1. Influence of Different Equivalent Methods on the Calculation Result of Power Frequency
Grounding Resistance
The equivalent radius of the square-column reinforced concrete foundation is calcu-
lated by the equal cross-sectional area method and the equal cross-sectional perimeter
method. As shown in Table 2, when the ratio of concrete resistivity to soil resistivity is high,
the equivalent radius calculated by the method proposed in this paper is quite different
from that of the other two methods.

Table 2. Equivalent radius calculated by different methods.

Equivalent Radius (mm)

Equivalent Method
Pile Foundation A Pile Foundation B Pile Foundation C
The equal cross-sectional area method 451.2 564 676.8
The equal cross-sectional perimeter method 509.3 636.6 763.9
Concrete resistivity/Soil resistivity = 0.1~15
The method proposed in this paper
463.3~46.5 579.9~65.9 696.4~84.2

According to the equivalent radius of the pile foundation obtained by the three
methods above, CDEGS is used to calculate the power frequency grounding resistance
under different soil resistivities. The results are shown in Tables 3–5.

Table 3. Power frequency grounding resistances under different conditions in the method of this paper.

Power Frequency Grounding Resistance (Ω)

Concrete
Resistivity (Ω·m) Soil Resistivity (Ω·m)
100 1000 5000
100 11.4 107.4 533.8
Pile foundation A 500 13.3 110.4 537.0
1000 16.3 113.9 540.9
100 9.3 87.9 437.0
Pile foundation B 500 10.8 90.2 439.5
1000 13.1 92.9 442.4
100 8.0 76.1 378.4
Pile foundation C 500 9.4 78.0 380.4
1000 11.3 80.3 382.9

Table 4. Power frequency grounding resistances under different soil resistivities in the equal cross-
sectional area method.

Soil Resistivity (Ω·m) RA (Ω) RB (Ω) RC (Ω)

50 5.4 4.4 3.8
100 10.9 8.9 7.7
500 54.3 44.4 38.5
1000 108.5 88.9 77.0
5000 542.6 444.3 384.8

The power frequency grounding resistance obtained by the three equivalent methods
is compared with the grounding resistance of the reinforced concrete foundation, and the
results are shown in Figure 4.
 Table 5. Power frequency grounding resistances under different soil resistivities in the equal cross-
sectional perimeter method.
Energies 2022, 15, 4607 6 of 10
Soil Resistivity (Ω·m) RA (Ω) RB (Ω) RC (Ω)
50 5.2 4.2 3.7
Table 5. Power
100frequency grounding resistances
10.3 under different soil
8.5 resistivities in the equal7.3
cross-
sectional perimeter method.
500 51.7 42.3 36.6
1000
Soil Resistivity 103.4 84.6 73.2
RA (Ω) RB (Ω) RC (Ω)
·m)
(Ω5000 516.8 423.2 366.2
50 5.2 4.2 3.7
100 10.3 8.5 7.3
The power frequency grounding resistance obtained by the three equivalent methods
500 51.7 42.3 36.6
is compared
1000with the grounding
103.4resistance of the reinforced
84.6 concrete foundation,
73.2 and the
results are shown in Figure 4.516.8
5000 423.2 366.2

Figure 4. Errors for the power frequency grounding resistances of the three equivalent methods.
Figure 4. Errors for the power frequency grounding resistances of the three equivalent methods.
It can be seen that the errors of the equal cross-sectional area method and the equal
It can be seen
cross-sectional that the
perimeter errors
method of the with
increase equal cross-sectional
the higher ratio of area method
concrete and the
resistivity to equal
cross-sectional
soil resistivity. Asperimeter
mentionedmethod increase
in Section 3.1, thewith the higher
equivalent radiusratio of concrete
is closely related resistivity
to the to
dispersion
soil resistance.
resistivity. When thein
As mentioned two simplified
Section methods
3.1, the are applied
equivalent radius to the calculation
is closely of to the
related
reinforced concrete
dispersion foundation,
resistance. When the a fixed
two equivalent
simplifiedradius is adopted
methods without
are applied toconsidering
the calculation of
the influence of dispersion resistance. Each method will make the
reinforced concrete foundation, a fixed equivalent radius is adopted without error less than 10% in
considering
the following cases: The equal cross-sectional area method is applicable when the concrete
the influence of dispersion resistance. Each method will make the error less than 10% in
resistivity is within twice the soil resistivity; The equal cross-sectional perimeter method is
the following cases: The equal cross-sectional area method is applicable when the concrete
applicable when the concrete resistivity is approximately same or less than the resistivity
resistivity
of the soil. is within twice the soil resistivity; The equal cross-sectional perimeter method
is applicable
The methodwhen the concrete
proposed in thisresistivity
paper fullyistakes
approximately
into accountsame or less
the effect than the resistiv-
of dispersion
ity of the soil.
resistance and finds the corresponding equivalent radius with different concrete resistivities
The method proposed
and soil resistivities, which caninensure
this paper fully
sufficient takes into account the effect of dispersion
accuracy.
resistance and finds the corresponding equivalent radius with different concrete resistiv-
4.2. Influence of the Number of Main Rebars on Power Frequency Grounding Resistance
ities and soil resistivities, which can ensure sufficient accuracy.
Considering that the density of main rebars may affect the results, the equivalent
radius of the pile foundation with 24 main rebars is calculated and compared with the
4.2. Influence of the Number of Main Rebars on Power Frequency Grounding Resistance
results in Figure 3.
Considering that 5,
As shown in Figure the
thedensity of main
density of mainrebars
rebarshasmay
a great affect the results,
influence the equivalent
on the equivalent
radius of the when
radius results pile foundation with 24resistivity
the ratio of concrete main rebarsto soilisresistivity
calculated and compared
is high. Calculate the with the
power frequency
results in Figure 3. grounding resistance of two types of the pile foundation A with sixteen
and twenty-four
As shown in main rebars
Figure 5,atthe
thedensity
concreteofresistivity to soilhas
main rebars resistivity
a greatratio of fifteen.
influence on The
the equiv-
equivalent radii of the two types of foundations are 46.5 mm and 74.3 mm, respectively.
alent radius results when the ratio of concrete resistivity to soil resistivity is high. Calcu-
The results are shown in Table 6.
late the power frequency grounding resistance of two types of the pile foundation A with
sixteen and twenty-four main rebars at the concrete resistivity to soil resistivity ratio of
Energies 2022, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 10

Energies 2022, 15, 4607 fifteen. The equivalent radii of the two types of foundations are 46.5 mm and7 of74.3
10 mm,
respectively. The results are shown in Table 6.

Figure 5. Percentage difference of foundation equivalent radius with different number of main rebars.
Figure 5. Percentage difference of foundation equivalent radius with different number of main re-
bars.
Table 6. Power frequency grounding resistance of the pile foundation A.

Table Soil
6. Power frequency grounding
Resistivity
resistance
Grounding of the pile
Resistance (Ω)foundation A. Percentage
(Ω·m) 16 Main Rebars Difference (%)
Grounding24Resistance
Main Rebars(Ω)
Percentage
Soil Resistivity
100 (Ω·m) 19.4 Rebars 17.5 10.9Difference
16 Main 24 Main Rebars (%)
500 97.2 87.5 11.1
100
1000 19.4
194.4 175.1 17.5 11.1 10.9
500
3000 97.2
583.3 525.2 87.5 11.1 11.1
1000 194.4 175.1 11.1
3000
It can 583.3the pile foundation A525.2
be seen that even though 11.1
with different numbers of
main rebars may have large differences in equivalent radius at higher concrete resistivity
to soil resistivity
It can be seenratios, the effect
that even though on the
the pile
grounding resistance
foundation results
A with is notnumbers
different significant.
of main
Considering that the equivalent radius is measured in millimeter, Formula (4) applies when
rebars may have large differences in equivalent radius at higher concrete resistivity to soil
the ratio of concrete resistivity to soil resistivity is less than six.
resistivity ratios, the effect on the grounding resistance results is not significant. Consid-
ering that the equivalent
4.3. Calculation Results radius is measured in millimeter, formula (4) applies when the
ratio ofUsually
concretethe foundation to
resistivity soil resistivity
consists is and
of four piles, less the
than six. between the piles under
distance
different voltage levels is shown in Table 7.
4.3. Calculation Results
Table 7. Distance between pile foundations at each voltage level.
Usually the foundation consists of four piles, and the distance between the piles un-
der different voltage levels(kV)
Voltage Level is shown in Table 7.
Distance between Pile Foundations (m)
110 8
Table 7. Distance between
220 pile foundations at each voltage level. 10
500 15
Voltage Level (kV) Distance between Pile Foundations (m)
110 8
The power frequency grounding resistance of tower foundation with four piles under
220 10
different voltage levels is calculated. The resistivity of concrete here is taken as 100 Ω·m and
the equivalent radius of500 15 is obtained
the pile foundation A under different soil resistivities
from Section 3.1. The results are shown in Table 8.
The power frequency grounding resistance of tower foundation with four piles under
different voltage levels is calculated. The resistivity of concrete here is taken as 100 Ω·m
and the equivalent radius of the pile foundation A under different soil resistivities is ob-
tained from Section 3.1. The results are shown in Table 8.
Energies 2022, 15, 4607 8 of 10

Table 8. Power frequency grounding resistance of tower foundation with four piles.

Soil Resistivity Equivalent Power Frequency Grounding Resistance (Ω)

(Ω·m) Radius (mm) 110 kV 220 kV 500 kV
100 398.4 3.8 3.4 2.8
500 455.0 18.5 16.8 13.9
1000 463.3 36.9 33.5 27.7
5000 470.3 184.0 167.2 137.9

5. Calculation and Analysis of Impulse Grounding Resistance

Reducing impulse grounding resistance of grounding devices is an effective method
to avoid lightning accidents on transmission lines. Considering the skin effect and the
effective dispersion length at high frequency, the transient performance of grounding device
under impulse current may be different from that under power frequency. The inductance
hinders the current flowing to the far end of the grounding electrode and the dissipation
effect is significantly weakened when the grounding electrode exceeds the effective length.
Therefore, it is necessary to calculate and analyze the impulse grounding resistance of
reinforced concrete foundation under lightning impulse.
CDEGS is used to calculate the impact transient response of reinforced concrete founda-
tion under the 2.6/50 µs lightning current waveform. The calculation processes of impulse
grounding resistance are as follows: fast Fourier transform (FFT) is performed to decom-
pose the time-domain signal into multiple frequency-domain signals. The electromagnetic
field value at each frequency is calculated and the time domain response is obtained by
inverse Fourier transform. Finally, the impulse grounding resistance is obtained by the
calculation between the ground potential rise (GPR) and the injected lightning current.
As shown in Table 9, the power frequency and impulse grounding resistance of pile
foundation A are calculated and the concrete resistivity is taken as 15 Ω·m. The results of
the impulse grounding resistance of tower foundation with four piles are shown in Table 10.

Table 9. Power frequency and impulse grounding resistance in different soil resistivities.

Power Frequency Grounding Impulse Grounding

Soil Resistivity (Ω·m)
Resistance (Ω) Resistance (Ω)
100 10.8 10.7
500 53.4 53.3
1000 106.7 106.7
5000 533.2 532.7

Table 10. Impulse grounding resistance of tower foundation with four piles.

Soil Resistivity Equivalent Impulse Grounding Resistance (Ω)

(Ω·m) Radius (mm) 110 kV 220 kV 500 kV
100 398.4 4.8 4.8 4.9
500 455.0 18.8 17.2 14.4
1000 463.3 37.1 33.7 28.0
5000 470.3 184.1 167.3 138.1

It can be seen that the results of two types of grounding resistance are basically the
same. Therefore, the equivalent method proposed in this paper is also applicable to the
impulse situation.

6. Conclusions
A simplified calculation method is proposed to calculate the grounding resistance
of the reinforced concrete foundation. The correlation between the equivalent radius, the
Energies 2022, 15, 4607 9 of 10

cross-sectional side length of the foundation, the concrete resistivity and the soil resistivity
is investigated. Conclusions are as follows:
(1) The square-column reinforced concrete foundation is replaced by a cylindrical con-
ductor with the radius req given by the expression (4), which is applicable when the
concrete resistivity is within six times of the soil resistivity.
(2) The longitudinal impedance of the foundation can be ignored when performing the
equivalent calculation. The equivalent cylindrical model adopts the parameters of
steel rebars.
(3) The equal cross-sectional area method is applicable when the concrete resistivity is
within twice the soil resistivity. The equal cross-sectional perimeter method is applica-
ble when the concrete resistivity is approximately same or less than the resistivity of
the soil. The method proposed in this paper can ensure sufficient accuracy under the
conditions of different concrete resistivities and soil resistivities.
(4) Usually the length of the square-column reinforced concrete foundation is three
meters to five meters. Within this length, the power frequency and impulse grounding
resistances are almost the same. The equivalent method proposed in this paper is also
applicable to the impulse situation.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, B.D. and B.Z.; methodology, B.D. and B.Z.; software, B.D.;
validation, B.D., Y.T. and R.L.; formal analysis, B.D.; investigation, R.L.; resources, Y.T. and R.L.;
data curation, B.D.; writing—original draft preparation, B.D.; writing—review and editing, B.Z.;
visualization, B.Z.; supervision, B.Z. and Y.T.; project administration, B.Z.; funding acquisition, B.Z.
All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, grant
number U1866212.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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