Backfill Materials for Enhancing the Performance of Electrical Grounding Systems: An Analytical Revisit

This study has the objective of making a comprehensive review of backfill materials used for electrical earthing, with the view of analyzing the perforce of an earth electrode under various types of materials. The compatibility requirements of commercially available backfill materials with the specifications given in IEC 62561–7 have been discussed. Additional parameters required to be concerned are also outlined. The experimental observations of a selected ground resistance reduction material with published information on the composition of the base material have been presented. The material could reduce the earth resistance by 35% compared to the computed value without using the backfilling material. The material also possesses a low fluctuation of the earth resistance to seasonal climate variation which could be further reduced by introducing a watering system. The corrosion resistance of the electrode metal has also been increased apparently by the backfilling material. It is emphasized that most commercially available materials in the market do not provide detailed specifications of the compatibility of their products with the conditions outlined in IEC 62561–7.