Designation: G 57 – 06

Standard Test Method for

Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity Using the Wenner
Four-Electrode Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation G 57; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope strata of interest. The resulting resistivity measurement repre-

1.1 This test method covers the equipment and procedures sents the average resistivity of a hemisphere of soil of a radius
for the field measurement of soil resistivity, both in situ and for equal to the electrode separation.
samples removed from the ground, for use in the control of 3.2 A voltage is impressed between the outer electrodes,
corrosion of buried structures. causing current to flow, and the voltage drop between the inner
1.2 To convert cm (metric unit) to metre (SI unit), divide by electrodes is measured using a sensitive voltmeter. Alterna-
100. tively, the resistance can be measured directly. The resistivity,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the r, is then:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the r,V·cm 5 2p aR ~a in cm!
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 5 191.5 aR~a in ft!
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
where:
2. Terminology a = electrode separation, and
R = resistance, V.
2.1 Definition: Using dimensional analysis, the correct unit for resistivity is
2.1.1 resistivity—the electrical resistance between opposite ohm-centimetre.
faces of a unit cube of material; the reciprocal of conductivity. 3.3 If the current-carrying (outside) electrodes are not
Resistivity is used in preference to conductivity as an expres- spaced at the same interval as the potential-measuring (inside)
sion of the electrical character of soils (and waters) since it is electrodes, the resistivity, r is:
expressed in whole numbers.
2.1.2 Resistivity measurements indicate the relative ability
of a medium to carry electrical currents. When a metallic
S b
r, V·cm 5 95.76 b R/ 1 2 b 1 a D
structure is immersed in a conductive medium, the ability of where:
the medium to carry current will influence the magnitude of b = outer electrode spacing, ft,
galvanic currents and cathodic protection currents. The degree a = inner electrode spacing, ft, and
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of electrode polarization will also affect the size of such R = resistance, V.

currents. or:
3. Summary of Test Method S b
r, V·cm 5 p b R/ 1 2 b 1 a D
3.1 The Wenner four-electrode method requires that four
metal electrodes be placed with equal separation in a straight where:
line in the surface of the soil to a depth not exceeding 5 % of b = outer electrode spacing, cm,
the minimum separation of the electrodes. The electrode a = inner electrode spacing, cm, and
separation should be selected with consideration of the soil R = resistance, V.
3.4 For soil contained in a soil box similar to the one shown
in Fig. 1, the resistivity, r, is:
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee G01 on
r, V·cm 5 R A/a
Corrosion of Metals and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee G01.10 on
Corrosion in Soils.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2006. Published December 2006. Originally
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as G 57 – 95a (2001).

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 G 57 – 06

FIG. 1 Typical Connections for Use of Soil Box with Various Types of Instruments

where: cathodic protection systems. As an essential design parameter

R = resistance, V, for cathodic protection systems, it is important to take as many
A = cross sectional area of the container perpendicular to measurements as necessary so as to get a sufficiently represen-
the current flow, cm2, and tative characterization of the soil environment that the entire
a = inner electrode spacing, cm. buried structure will experience.
NOTE 1—The spacing between the inner electrodes should be measured
5. Apparatus
from the inner edges of the electrode pins, and not from the center of the
electrodes. 5.1 At-Grade Measurements in situ:
5.1.1 The equipment required for field resistivity measure-
4. Significance and Use ments to be taken at grade consists of a current source, a
4.1 Measurement of soil resistivity is used for the control of suitable voltmeter, ammeter, or galvanometer, four metal
corrosion of buried structures. Soil resistivity is used both for electrodes, and the necessary wiring to make the connections
the estimation of expected corrosion rates and for the design of shown in Fig. 2.
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FIG. 2 Wiring Diagram for Typical dc Vibrator-Current Source

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 G 57 – 06
5.1.2 Current Source—An ac source, usually 97 Hz, is not exceed 5 % over the range of the instrument. If error
preferred since the use of dc will cause polarization of most exceeds this limit, prepare a calibration curve and correct all
metal electrodes, resulting in error. The current can be provided measurements accordingly. A soil box can be calibrated using
by either a cranked ac generator or a vibrator-equipped dc solutions of known resistivity. Solutions of sodium chloride
source. An unaltered dc source can be used if the electrodes are and distilled water with resistivities of 1000, 5000, and 10 000
abraded to bright metal before immersion, polarity is regularly V·cm are recommended for this purpose. These solutions
reversed during measurement, and measurements are averaged should be prepared under laboratory conditions using a com-
for each polarity. mercial conductivity meter, itself calibrated to standard solu-
5.1.3 Voltmeter—The voltmeter shall not draw appreciable tions at 20°C (68°F).2
current from the circuit to avoid polarization effects. A galva-
nometer type of movement is preferred but an electronic type 7. Field Procedures

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instrument will yield satisfactory results if the meter input 7.1 At-Grade Measurements:
impedance is at least 10 megaohm. 7.1.1 Select the alignment of the measurement to include
5.1.4 Electrodes fabricated from mild steel or martensitic uniform topography over the limits of the electrode span. Do
stainless steel 0.475 to 0.635 cm (3⁄16 to 1⁄4 in.) in diameter and not include large nonconductive bodies such as frozen soil,
30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) in length are satisfactory for most field boulders, concrete foundations, and so forth, which are not
measurements. Both materials may require heat treatment so representative of the soil of interest, in the electrode span.
that they are sufficiently rigid to be inserted in dry or gravel Conductive structures such as pipes and cables should not be
soils. The electrodes should be formed with a handle and a within 1⁄2 a of the electrode span unless they are at right angles
terminal for wire attachment. to the span.
5.1.5 Wiring, 18 to 22-gage insulated stranded copper wire. 7.1.2 Select electrode spacings with regard to the structure
Terminals should be of good quality to ensure that low- of interest. Since most pipelines are installed at depths of from
resistance contact is made at the electrodes and at the meter. 1.5 to 4.5 m (5 to 15 ft), electrode spacings of 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5
Where regular surveys are to be made at fixed electrode m (5, 10, and 15 ft) are commonly used. The a spacing should
spacing, a shielded multiconductor cable can be fabricated with equal the maximum depth of interest. To facilitate field
terminals permanently located at the required intervals. calculation of resistivities, spacings of 1.58, 3.16, and 4.75 m
5.2 Soil Sample Measurement: (5.2, 10.4, and 15.6 ft), which result in multiplication factors of
5.2.1 The equipment required for the measurement of the 1000, 2000, and 3000, can be used when a d-c vibrator-
resistivity of soil samples, either in the field or in the galvanometer instrument is used.
laboratory, is identical to that needed for at-grade measure- 7.1.3 Impress a voltage across the outer electrodes. Measure
ments except that the electrodes are replaced with an inert the voltage drop across the inner electrodes and record both the
container containing four permanently mounted electrodes (see current and voltage drop if a separate ammeter and voltmeter
Fig. 1). are used. Where a resistivity meter is used, read the resistance
5.2.2 If the current-carrying (outside) electrodes are not directly and record.
spaced at the same interval as the potential-measuring (inside) 7.1.4 Make a record of electrode spacing, resistance or
electrodes, the resistivity, r, is: amperes and volts, date, time, air temperature, topography,
drainage, and indications of contamination to facilitate subse-
b
S
r,V·cm 5 95.76 b R / 1 2 b 1 a D quent interpretation.
7.2 Soil Sample Measurement:
where: 7.2.1 Soil samples should be representative of the area of
b = outer electrode spacing, ft, interest where the stratum of interest contains a variety of soil
a = inner electrode spacing, ft, and types. It is desirable to sample each type separately. It will also
R = resistance, V. be necessary to prepare a mixed sample. The sample should be
or: reasonably large and thoroughly mixed so that it will be
Sb
r,V·cm 5 pb R / 1 2 b 1 a D representative. The soil should be well-compacted in layers in
the soil box, with air spaces eliminated as far as practicable.
Fill the box flush to the top and take measurements as
where: previously detailed (7.1.3). The meter used may limit the upper
b = outer electrode spacing, cm
range of resistivity, which can be measured. In such cases, the
a = inner electrode spacing, cm, and
R = resistance, V. resistivity should be recorded as <10 000 V·cm, and so forth.
7.2.2 The measured resistivity will be dependent on the
5.2.3 The dimensions of the box can be established so that
degree of compaction, moisture content, constituent solubility,
resistivity is read directly from the voltmeter without further
and temperature. The effect of variations in compaction and
calculation. The box should be readily cleanable to avoid
moisture content can be reduced by fully saturating the sample
contamination by previous samples.
before placing it in the box. This can be done by preparing a
6. Standardization
6.1 Periodically check the accuracy of resistance meters 2
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 41st ed., The Chemical Rubber Co., p.
using a commercial resistance decade box. Meter error should 2606.

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 G 57 – 06

FIG. 3 Nomogram or Conversion Chart for Reducing Soil Paste Resistance in ohms at a Particular Temperature as Measured in the
Bureau of Soils Cup, to Resistance at 15.6°C (60°F)

stiff slurry of the sample, adding only sufficient water to where:

produce a slight amount of surface water, which should be T = soil temperature, °C, and
allowed to evaporate before the slurry is remixed and placed in RT = resistivity at T °C.
the box. Where available, use ground water from the sample A nomograph for this correction is shown in Fig. 3.3
excavation for saturation. Otherwise, use distilled water. If the
soil resistivity is expected to be below 10 000 V·cm, local tap 8. Planning and Interpretation
water can be used without introducing serious error. Some soils 8.1 Planning:
absorb moisture slowly and contain constituents that dissolve 8.1.1 Surveys may be conducted at regular or random
slowly, and the resistivity may not stabilize for as much as 24 intervals. The former method is suited to graphical presentation
h after saturation. The saturated measurement will provide an and plotting resistivity versus distance, and will identify
approaching minimum resistivity, and can be usefully com- gradients and abrupt changes in soil condition. The latter
pared with “as-received” resistivity measurements. Surplus method permits precise mathematical treatment, such as cumu-
water should not be poured off as this will remove soluble lative probability analysis. This test method permits the deter-
constituents. mination of the probability of the presence of a soil with a
7.2.3 Temperature correction will not be required if mea- resistivity equal to or greater than a particular value.4 Where
surement is made in-the-ditch or immediately after the sample random resistivities are measured over a plant site, these can
is taken. If samples are retained for subsequent measurement, best be displayed on a plot plan or similar layout. In either case,
correct the resistivity if the measurement temperature is use pedological surveys in the planning and interpretation of
substantially different from the ground temperature. Correction any extensive survey. Measurements could be made in each
to 15.5°C (60°F) is recommended if the sample temperature
exceeds 21°C (70°F). 3
National Institute of Standards and Technology Circular No. 579, p. 157.

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R15.5 5 RT S 24.5 1 T
40 D 4
Scott, G. N., “Corrosion,” National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Vol
14, No. 8, August 1958.

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 G 57 – 06
soil classification under a variety of drainage conditions to investigations and these should be defined in reporting the
simplify survey planning. results. Where resistivity information is included in published
8.1.2 If resistivity information is required to assess the information, the measurement techniques used should be
requirement for corrosion control measures, it is recommended defined.
that the tests be made on a true random basis. Since the number
of soil sections that could be inspected is essentially unlimited, 10. Precision and Bias
infinite population characteristics can be used to simplify 10.1 Precision—The precision of this test method was
statistical treatment. Risk and error must be arbitrarily selected determined by a statistical evaluation of a multi-participant
to allow determination of the number of measurements. A risk evaluation with each participant using a different meter. The
of 5 % of an error greater than 100 V·cm should be suitable for data from this evaluation are available from ASTM in a
most situations. The error limit should be about 10 % of the research report. A summary of these data is given in Table 1.
anticipated mean resistivity. Where mean or median values 10.1.1 Repeatability—Repeatability refers to the variation
cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy, sequential in results obtained by the same operator with the same
sampling techniques can be employed. equipment and same operating conditions in successive runs.
8.2 Interpretation—Interpretation of the results of resistiv- In the case of soil resistivity measurements, the repeatability
ity surveys will largely depend on the experience of the persons may be characterized by a coefficient of variation, Cv, repre-
concerned. The mean and median resistivity values will indi- senting the repeatability standard deviation divided by the
cate the general corrosivity of the soil. Sharp changes in average result and expressed in percent. The multi-participant
resistivity with distance and appreciable variations in moisture test program results indicate a repeatability Cv of 6.7 %. The
content and drainage are indicative of local severe conditions. 95 % confidence interval is 2.8 Cv or 18.8 %.
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Cumulative probability plots will indicate the homogeneity of 10.1.2 Reproducibility—Reproducibility refers to the varia-
the soil over the area or route and will indicate the probability tion in results that occurs when different operators measure the
of severe, moderate, and minimal corrosion of the various same soil. In the case of soil resistivity measurements repro-
construction materials. Available pedological data should be ducibility may be characterized by a coefficient of variation,
used to facilitate interpretation. Cv, representing the reproducibility standard deviation divided
by the average result and expressed in percent. The multi-
9. General participant test program results indicate a reproducibility Cv of
9.1 It should be recognized that subsurface conditions can 16.6 %. The 95 % confidence interval is 2.8 Cv or 46.5 %.
vary greatly in a short distance, particularly where other buried 10.2 Bias—The procedure in Test Method G 57 for measur-
structures have been installed. Surface contamination tends to ing soil resistivity by the Wenner Four Pin Method has no bias
concentrate in existing ditches with surface run-off, apprecia- because the value of Wenner Four Pin soil resistivity is defined
bly lowering the resistivity below the natural level. Since a only in terms of this test method.
pipeline ditch cannot be included in the span of at-grade 11. Keywords
measurements, soil box samples should be obtained where the
opportunity exists. To evaluate contamination effects when a 11.1 four electrodes method; soil resistivity
new route is being evaluated, soil samples can be obtained at
TABLE 1 Statistics from Multi-participant Evaluation of Wenner
crossings of existing pipelines, cables, etc, or by intentional Four Electrode Soil Resistivity MeasurementA
sampling using soil augers.
Site No. 1 Site No. 3
9.2 Other field resistivity measurement techniques and
Electrode spacing, m 6.1 1.5
equipment are available. These commonly use two electrodes Average measured resistance 10.9 62.6
mounted on a prod that is inserted in the soil-at-grade in an Average resistivity, V - cm 41 700 59 900
excavation or a driven or bored hole. The two-electrode Repeatability standard deviation, V - cm 2 300 4 700
Repeatability coefficient variation, Cv, % 5.5 7.8
technique is inherently less accurate than the four-electrode Reproducibility standard deviation, S, V - cm 6 900 10 000
method because of polarization effects, but useful information Reproducibility coefficient of variation, Cv, % 16.5 16.6
can be obtained concerning the characteristics of particular A
Evaluation in Chester, New Jersey on May 28, 1993. Triplicate soil resistivity
strata. More precise procedures may be employed in laboratory measurements by seven participants each using different meters.

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