Publication Date
5-2025
School
School of Engineering and Computational Sciences
Major
Engineering: Mechanical
Keywords
Electro-resistivity, groundwater, surveying
Disciplines
Electrical and Electronics | Geotechnical Engineering | Other Mechanical Engineering | Signal Processing
Recommended Citation
Heath, Samuel L., "Finding Groundwater with Electricity: Research and Testing of an Electro-Resistive Ground-Surveying Device for Use in Well-Drilling Applications" (2025). Senior Honors Theses. 1527.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1527
Abstract
A custom-built electro-resistive water detection device is tested under various conditions to evaluate its overall performance and sensitivity to changing variables. The tests, designed to assess accuracy and precision, revealed that the prototype exhibits high reliability (~ 99%) for both Schlumberger and Wenner arrays across different electrode spacings and soil conditions. Moreover, the measured resistivity values from the soil tests aligned with established literature ranges for each soil type. The device also showed the ability to consistently detect changes in soil water content by producing measurable variations in resistivity. At a total cost of $181, this prototype can serve as a dependable and cost-effective electro-resistive field surveying device for well-drilling applications.
Included in
Electrical and Electronics Commons, Geotechnical Engineering Commons, Other Mechanical Engineering Commons, Signal Processing Commons
