Finite-difference analysis of the potential distribution around an L-shape building base under the measurement of grounding resistance

For the first time, a three-dimensional finite difference method (3D FDM) is adopted to simulate the potential distribution during grounding resistance measurements around an L-shape building under different directions and electrodes arrangements. The results show that the distributions of zero potential region with different measurement points and measurement electrodes arrangements are strikingly different when using a straight-line-three-probes method. To obtain more accurate measurement results, scientific and suitable measurement point locations should be properly chosen for the grounding resistance measurement of L-shape buildings according to the surrounding conditions in practical measurements.