Simulation of Water Flow in Soils Associated with Earth Electrodes

Abstract

The electrodes of grounding systems transmit strong electric currents through the soil. The injection of the electric current and establishment of an electric field in the soil mass cause an electro-osmotic flow in parallel with a hydraulic flow, triggered by the electricity and moisture respectively. As a result, the soil can become unsaturated around the electrode, which is an unwanted effect, as the element can overheat and fail. The results of this study demonstrate that saturation plays an important role without fluid flow and should not be neglected.