Sans10198 5

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ICS 29.240.20
SANS 10198-5:2004
ISBN 0-626-15492-8 Edition 2
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
The selection, handling and installation of

electric power cables of rating not exceeding
33 kV
Part 5: Determination of thermal and electrical

resistivity of soil
Published by Standards South Africa

1 dr lategan road groenkloof private bag x191 pretoria 0001
tel: 012 428 7911 fax: 012 344 1568 international code + 27 12
www.stansa.co.za
© Standards South Africa
© SABS. This non-printable standard is exclusively for approved users of the SABS’ Complete Collection of Standards and Related Documents.
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope
Abstract
Covers methods used for the determination of the thermal resistivity of soil, the interpretation of
results and how to improve the thermal resistivity of soil. Reference is also made to the
determination of electrical resistivity.
Keywords
cable laying, electric cables, electrical resistivity, power cables, soils, thermal resistivity.
Acknowledgement
Standards South Africa wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance received from the
Association of Electric Cable Manufacturers of South Africa.
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee StanSA TC 66, Electric cables,
in accordance with procedures of Standards South Africa, in compliance with annex 3 of the
WTO/TBT agreement.
This edition cancels and replaces the first edition (SABS 0198-5:1988).
SANS 10198 consists of the following parts, under the general title The selection, handling and
installation of electric power cables of rating not exceeding 33 kV:
Part 1: Definitions and statutory requirements.
Part 2: Selection of cable type and methods of installation.
Part 3: Earthing systems – General provisions.
Part 4: Current ratings.
Part 5: Determination of thermal and electrical resistivity of soil.
Part 6: Transportation and storage.
Part 7: Safety precautions.
Part 8: Cable laying and installation.
Part 9: Jointing and termination of extruded solid dielectric-insulated cables up to 3,3 kV.
Part 10: Jointing and termination of paper-insulated cables.
Part 11: Jointing and termination of screened polymeric-insulated cables.
Part 12: Installation of earthing system.
Part 13: Testing, commissioning and fault location.
Part 14: Installation of aerial bundled conductor (ABC) cables.
NOTE The first five parts deal with factors to be taken into account when an electrical distribution system is
being designed. The last nine parts deal with the practical aspects of handling and installing cables.
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
Contents
Page
Abstract
Keywords
Acknowledgement
Foreword .................................................................................................................................... 1
1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................. 3
3 Definitions .............................................................................................................................. 3
4 Thermal resistivity and stability ............................................................................................... 3
4.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3

4.2 Soil types ........................................................................................................................ 4
4.3 Measurement of thermal resistivity of soil ...................................................................... 4
4.4 Prepared backfill and bedding ........................................................................................ 12
5 The measurement of electrical resistivity of soil ..................................................................... 13
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
The selection, handling and installation of electric power cables of

rating not exceeding 33 kV
Part 5:
Determination of thermal and electrical resistivity of soil
1 Scope
This part of SANS 10198 covers methods used for the determination of the thermal resistivity of
soil, the interpretation of results of tests and how to improve the thermal resistivity of soil. Reference
is also made to the determination of electrical resistivity.
2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this part of SANS 10198. All standards are subject to revision and, since any reference
to a standard is deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties to
agreements based on this part of SANS 10198 are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of
the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Information on currently valid national
and international standards can be obtained from Standards South Africa.
SANS 10198-1, The selection, handling and installation of electric power cables of rating not
exceeding 33 kV – Part 1: Definitions and statutory requirements.
SANS 10199 (SABS 0199), The design and installation of an earth electrode.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this part of SANS 10198 the definitions given in SANS 10198-1 apply.
4 Thermal resistivity and stability

4.1 Introduction
The thermal resistivity (T/R) and stability of soil are important factors in the determination of the
current ratings of underground cables.
The lower the thermal resistivity of the soil, the higher the rate of heat discharge from the cable.
Conversely, the higher the thermal resistivity of the soil, the greater the rise in temperature of the
cable due to the lower rate of heat discharge through the soil. When the cable continuously
operates at a temperature above its design value, undue aging takes place, increasing fault
frequency and reducing cable life. When the thermal resistivity of the soil is high, cables shall have
to be so derated that the cable temperature does not exceed the design value. Alternatively, cables
of larger conductor size may be used.
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
The thermal resistivity of a soil is a measure of the resistance of the soil to the flow of heat and its
value is inversely related to the moisture content of the soil. When electric cables are continuously
operated at sheath (surface) temperatures of 55 °C or above, the moisture in the soil surrounding
the cable may migrates away from the cable, leading to an increase in the thermal resistivity of the
soil locally and consequent increase in the cable conductor temperature. This leads in turn to a
further increase in the surface temperature of the cable. Steady state conditions are eventually
achieved with the cable operating at a conductor temperature higher than its design temperature.
This will not result in immediate failure of the cable but will reduce its life expectations.
In the SI system of units, thermal resistivity is measured in K.m/W and is usually given the symbol
"g".
NOTE Tabulated values of the current ratings laid direct in the ground are normally based on an assumed
g value of 1,20 K.m/W, with rating factors to be applied when the measured value of g differs from this value.
4.2 Soil types

The thermal resistivity of soil depends on the type of soil and its moisture content. Moist soils will
have a much lower thermal resistivity than dried out soils. The moisture content of the soil must
always be measured whenever a measurement of thermal resistivity is made. A measurement of
thermal resistivity without a measurement of moisture content is of no value. Table 1 shows
variations found in South Africa.
Table 1 — Thermal resistivity of certain soils
1 2
Soil type Thermal resistivity
Chalk 0,8 to 4,0 K.m/W
Loam 0,5 to 1,5 K.m/W
Sand/clay 0,5 to 1,3 K.m/W
Sand/gravel 0,5 to 2,0 K.m/W
Sand 0,5 to 3,0 K.m/W
Clay 0,5 to 1,0 K.m/W
The thermal resistivity of soil surrounding any power cable can vary considerably owing to variation
in soil type.
4.3 Measurement of thermal resistivity of soil

The measurement of the thermal resistivity of soil can be carried out in a laboratory or on site.
Laboratory methods are cheaper but might not recreate site conditions, and on-site methods are
subject to the weather and the skill of the operator of the apparatus.
4.3.1 Laboratory methods
4.3.1.1 Soil thermal tester
The apparatus consists of a concrete cylinder having heat-insulating end caps and a heater fitted
axially (see figure 1). The cylinder is filled with the soil to be tested, the soil is compacted and the
heater then switched on. When approximately steady-state heat-flow conditions have been
reached, the temperature of the surface of the heater and of the inside face of the cylinder are
recorded.
NOTE This test should be carried out in draught-free conditions and it should also be noted that steady-state
conditions might only be achieved after several hours.
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
Figure 1 — Soil thermal tester
The thermal resistivity of the soil is calculated from
⎛ θ − θc ⎞
g = K ⎜⎜ h ⎟⎟
⎝ Q ⎠
where
g is the thermal resistivity of soil, K.m/W;
K is a constant for the apparatus used;
θh is the temperature of the surface of the heater, °C;
θc is the temperature of the inside surface of the concrete cylinder, °C;
Q is the power output of the heater, W/m.
NOTE Values of thermal resistivity measured with this apparatus compare favourably with those found with
the use of other apparatus.
4.3.1.2 Onwood needle probe test
The apparatus consists of a box (see figure 2(a)) and a needle probe (see figure 2(b)). The needle
probe contains both a heater and means for measuring the temperature of the probe, using the
change in resistance method.
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
Figure 2(a) — Metal container used for soil testing
Figure 2(b) — Probe
Figure 2 — The onwood needle probe and soil container
The box is filled with the soil to be tested and the soil is compacted. The probe is inserted into the
soil sample through the hole in the box and is switched on. A graph is plotted of temperature
against log time. Using the linear portion of the graph, calculate the soil resistivity from
4π (θ 2 − θ 1 )
g=
⎛ t2 ⎞
q log e ⎜ ⎟
⎝ t1 ⎠
where
q is the power output of the heater, W/m;
θ1 and θ2 are the probe temperatures at times t2 and t1, respectively.
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
4.3.2 On-site method: Electrical Research Association (ERA) transient needle probe
The apparatus (see figure 3) consists of a stainless steel tube of length 450 mm, of outside
diameter 5 mm and containing a heater and thermocouples, and a reference probe of length
150 mm and containing only thermocouples.
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
Figure 3 — ERA probe and control circuit
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
The needle probe is inserted into the soil (either directly if the soil is soft, or into a preformed hole if
the soil is hard). The reference probe is inserted into the soil a short distance from the probe.
Current is passed through the heater in the needle probe and the rise in temperature of the needle
probe is recorded.
The equation used for calculating the thermal resistance of the soil is as follows:
4π (θ 2 − θ 1 )
g=
⎛ t2 ⎞
q log e ⎜ ⎟
⎝ t1 ⎠
where
q is the power output of the heater, W/m;
θ1 and θ2 are the needle probe temperatures at times t2 and t1, respectively.
4.3.3 Soil moisture content
The relationship between thermal resistivity and moisture content varies with the type of soil. Sand,
for example, which can have a T/R as low as 0,40 K.m/W when saturated, can have a T/R of
3,00 K.m/W or higher after drying. The T/R of well-compacted clay will rise from 0,50 K.m/W to
1,00 K.m/W when the soil changes from saturated to dry. For these reasons, the soil that is tested
for thermal resistivity shall also be tested for moisture content.
NOTE Clay, although having a very acceptable fully dried T/R, suffers significant shrinkage on drying out, and
is thus not suitable for use on its own as a cable bedding.
Soil samples taken for moisture content measurement shall represent the type and condition of the
soil tested for thermal resistivity. When on-site tests are being carried out, the samples are taken
from a position close to the needle probe before the heater in the probe is switched on. Samples
should be transported to the laboratory in dry glass test tubes having tightly fitting rubber bungs.
The soil moisture content is the percentage loss in mass on drying per unit dry mass of soil,
m w − md
i.e. soil moisture content = × 100 %
md
where
mw is the mass of undried test sample;
md is the mass of dried-out sample.
The value of soil T/R that is used when ratings of cables are calculated is not the measured T/R but
one calculated from it for the most stringent conditions.
These conditions occur when the soil is in its driest condition. Factors to be considered when
assessing the driest soil conditions include
a) driest weather conditions possible during the dry season (this is not the average condition), and
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
b) moisture migration if the cable is to operate continuously at a sheath temperature above 55 °C.
Where moisture migration will not occur and the soil surrounding the cable has a known
minimum moisture content, the T/R for that minimum moisture content shall be used. The soil
T/R for rating purposes is calculated as follows:
1) "Dried-out" T/R. If the measured T/R of a soil at a moisture content of m % is gm, the T/R
value for dried-out soil (gmax) will be as given by
gmax = gm × f
where
f is the appropriate of the factors given in table 2.
For example, if the T/R of a sand/clay soil with a moisture content of 24 % was 0,90 K.m/W, it
will have a dried-out T/R of
gmax = gm × f
= 0,90 × 2,61
= 2,35 K.m/W
2) "Known minimum moisture content" T/R. If the measured T/R of a soil at a moisture
content of m % is gm, the T/R value gmm at the known minimum moisture content mm % will
be approximately
gm × f
gmm =
f mm
where
f is the factor given in table 2 for the particular soil type at a moisture content m %,
fmm is the factor for the known minimum moisture content mm % of the soil.
For example, if the measured T/R of a sand/clay soil at a moisture content of 24 % was
0,90 K.m/W and it is known that the soil never dries out below 10 % moisture content, the T/R
will be
gm × f
g10 =
f mm
0,90 × 2,61
=
1,52
= 1,55 K.m/W
10
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
Table 2 — Soil moisture factor
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Soil moisture factor
Measured
moisture Soil type
content
% Clay Sand
Sand/ Sand/ Loamy
Chalk
gravel clay soil
1,5 1,00
2 1,25 1,00 1,00
3 1,65 1,31 1,40
4 2,00 1,54 1,75
5 1,00 2,25 1,73 1,00 2,06
6 1,09 2,42 1,89 1,00 1,05 2,32
7 1,18 2,54 2,00 1,13 1,08 2,54
8 1,26 2,64 2,10 1,26 1,12 2,71
9 1,33 2,73 2,18 1,39 1,14 2,83
10 1,39 2,80 2,25 1,52 1,17 2,95
11 1,45 2,86 2,29 1,65 1,19 3,06
12 1,50 2,90 2,32 1,78 1,21 3,16
13 1,54 2,94 2,34 1,90 1,23 3,26
14 1,58 2,98 2,34 2,00 1,24 3,36
15 1,62 3,01 2,34 2,11 1,26 3,45
16 1,65 3,04 2,34 2,20 1,27 3,55
17 1,67 3,06 2,34 2,29 1,29 3,63
18 1,70 3,09 2,34 2,36 1,30 3,70
19 1,72 3,11 2,43 3,78
20 1,75 3,13 2,48 3,85
21 1,77 2,52
22 1,80 2,56
23 1,82 2,58
24 1,84 2,61
25 1,86 2,62
26 1,88 2,63
27 1,90 2,64
28 2,66
29 2,66
30 2,66
4.3.4 Shortcomings
One of the shortcomings of the measurement of soil T/R values is that tests are made at isolated
points in the cable run. These readings might or might not be an adequate representation of the
whole cable run. Where changes in soil type occur that are detectable from the surface, readings
should be taken of each soil type.
It is normally recommended that measurements of soil T/R be made at a sufficient number of points
along the selected route to ensure that the value of g used in the current rating calculation is truly
representative of the route as a whole, and that where necessary precautionary steps are taken to
eliminate hot spots. Measurements should be made every 50 m along the route unless experience
indicates that the soil along a particular section is all of the same type. It is convenient to conduct
measurements at any point where trial holes have been dug to establish the presence or otherwise
of other services.
11
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
A further shortcoming is that the T/R value is also dependent on the compaction of the soil. A higher
compaction will result in a lower T/R. As backfilled soil will normally be less compacted than the
virgin soil, the T/R of soil around a cable might be higher than the test value measured. The backfill
soil will usually be a mixture of soil excavated from different levels and might have differing soil
structures, resulting in a different T/R.
These shortcomings are, to some extent, obviated by using a prepared backfill and bedding (see
4.4).
4.4 Prepared backfill and bedding
4.4.1 Where excavated soil is unsuitable as backfill (e.g. rocky or of high thermal resistivity), it may
be necessary to introduce suitable soils for backfill and bedding. The following list describes certain
soils and their properties:
Chalk. Chalk is a soft white or grey porous material having a low T/R when wet, but a very high T/R
when dried out. It is unsuitable for use as bedding or backfill in any area where drying out is likely.
Clay. Clay is a dense, compact material, greasy to the touch when wet, and having a low T/R even
in the fully dried-out condition. Most clays shrink while drying and therefore should not be used as
bedding for a cable but can be used as backfill.
Loam. Loam can vary in colour from reddish brown to dark brown and can contain quantities of
organic matter. It crumbles well, even when dry, and can be well compacted to achieve satisfactory
values of T/R. It is very suitable for use as bedding.
Made-up soil. This is a term used for the soil in any area, the level of which has been raised
artificially by means of imported fill that contains bricks, concrete, cinders, ash, slag, stones or other
refuse. If any doubt exists as to its suitability for use as bedding or backfill, it is best removed
completely and a suitable material imported.
Mine sand. Mine sand, although of low thermal resistivity, can be highly corrosive and should be
used with caution.
Ouklip. "Ouklip" is decomposed granite, varying in particle size and having a very low T/R in the
undisturbed state but has a high T/R after being disturbed. It can be used as backfill when mixed
with loam or clay but should not be used as bedding.
Peat. Peat or humus is composed mainly of organic material and is black or dark brown in colour.
It should not be used for bedding or backfill because when it is dried out, it has a T/R of over
4,0 K.m/W.
Sand. Sand is a crumbly material with particle grains that are easily distinguished and gritty to the
touch even when wet. Sand of particle sizes larger than 2 mm is called gravel. Sea sand or sand
obtained from a river bed usually consists of spherical particles and has a very high T/R when dry.
Some quarried sands and rock that is crushed to make sand used for concrete have irregularly
shaped particles of varying size and can be compacted to a high density. These "man-made sands"
can be used as bedding, especially when 5 % to 10 % clay is added, as they have a low T/R in the
dried-out state. Sand/gravel mixes should be used with care as sharp particles can damage cable
servings.
Sand/clay. Sand/clay is a mixture of sand and clay that is an ideal material for use as bedding and
backfill. It rarely dries out to lower than 6 % moisture content.
12
SANS 10198-5:2004
Edition 2
4.4.2 Where soil is known to dry out almost completely, it might be worthwhile to consider the
use of a stabilized cable surround that has a known low T/R even when dried out. Examples of
stabilized cable surrounds are:
a) cement-bound sand, using sand and cement mixed in the ratio 14:1 by volume, and
b) sand/gravel mix, using gravel of up to 10 mm diameter and man-made sand mixed in the
ratio 1:1 by volume. Both have a dried-out T/R of between 1,2 K.m/W and 1,5 K.m/W, provided
they are adequately compacted. To ensure stable conditions, a 150 mm bedding must be laid in
the bottom of the trench with a further layer of the same material compacted around and above
the cables to a height of 150 mm above the top surface of the cables.
The total cost of a stabilized bedding and backfill must be taken into account when assessing the
viability of such a scheme. It might be cheaper to use a larger conductor size.
5 The measurement of electrical resistivity

A method for determining the resistivity distribution of the earth for the purpose of designing an
earthing system is the four-electrode electrical sounding method covered by SANS 10199.
© Standards South Africa
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© SABS.

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

The selection, handling and installation of

Part 5: Determination of thermal and electrical

Published by Standards South Africa

Part 1: Definitions and statutory requirements.

Part 2: Selection of cable type and methods of installation.

Part 3: Earthing systems – General provisions.

Part 4: Current ratings.

Part 5: Determination of thermal and electrical resistivity of soil.

Part 6: Transportation and storage.

Part 7: Safety precautions.

Part 8: Cable laying and installation.

Part 10: Jointing and termination of paper-insulated cables.

Part 11: Jointing and termination of screened polymeric-insulated cables.

Part 12: Installation of earthing system.

Part 13: Testing, commissioning and fault location.

Part 14: Installation of aerial bundled conductor (ABC) cables.

2 Normative references ............................................................................................................. 3

4 Thermal resistivity and stability ............................................................................................... 3

4.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3

5 The measurement of electrical resistivity of soil ..................................................................... 13

The selection, handling and installation of electric power cables of

4 Thermal resistivity and stability

4.2 Soil types

Table 1 — Thermal resistivity of certain soils

4.3 Measurement of thermal resistivity of soil

4.3.1 Laboratory methods

4.3.1.1 Soil thermal tester

Figure 1 — Soil thermal tester

The thermal resistivity of the soil is calculated from

g is the thermal resistivity of soil, K.m/W;

K is a constant for the apparatus used;

θh is the temperature of the surface of the heater, °C;

θc is the temperature of the inside surface of the concrete cylinder, °C;

Q is the power output of the heater, W/m.

4.3.1.2 Onwood needle probe test

Figure 2(a) — Metal container used for soil testing

Figure 2(b) — Probe

Figure 2 — The onwood needle probe and soil container

g is the thermal resistivity of soil, K.m/W;

q is the power output of the heater, W/m;

θ1 and θ2 are the probe temperatures at times t2 and t1, respectively.

Figure 3 — ERA probe and control circuit

g is the thermal resistivity of soil, K.m/W;

q is the power output of the heater, W/m;

4.3.3 Soil moisture content

mw is the mass of undried test sample;

md is the mass of dried-out sample.

f is the appropriate of the factors given in table 2.

Table 2 — Soil moisture factor

4.4 Prepared backfill and bedding

5 The measurement of electrical resistivity

© Standards South Africa

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