Why Test Electrical Resistivity of Rock?
Electrical resistivity is a critical parameter for assessing the grounding design risk of infrastructure buried in or surrounded by aggregate backfill, such as grounding grids, buried cables, or pipelines. Rock with low resistivity can accelerate corrosion if not properly addressed in design.
Our Lab Process
Project X performs rock resistivity testing in accordance with ASTM G187. Testing includes measurements:
- As received
- After washing and soaking to remove dust and simulate real moisture exposure
- At saturated surface-dry (SSD) condition
These steps simulate how moisture interacts with gravel fill under field conditions and provide a full resistivity profile under various exposure scenarios.
Applications
- Corrosion protection design for buried structures in gravel or crushed rock
- Substation and utility yard fill evaluations
- Backfill material qualification for cathodic protection systems
- High-resistivity media verification for electrical isolation
Project X Expertise
- Dedicated lab testing facility in Murrieta, CA
- Rapid turnaround – average 5 business days
- Reports include detailed methods and design recommendations
- ASTM G187 testing with SSD and saturated values reported
Request Rock Resistivity Testing
Need to qualify aggregate for use around electrical or buried metal infrastructure? Send us a sample or call to schedule.