0037 00
TM 1-4920-435-13&P
UNUSUAL ENVIRONMENT/WEATHER
OPERATION FOR IMPROVING SOIL CONDUCTIVITY FOR SHELTER GROUNDING
At sites where the soil quality is very poor or very dry, special steps need to be taken to enhance the soil con-
ductivity near the grounding rod. The irst option is to drive the grounding rod deep enough to reach the moist
subsoil, if possible. If there is no moist subsoil or if the soil condition will not allow for deep penetration, the sec-
ond option is to drive the grounding rod as deeply as possible and apply water at regular intervals to keep the
soil moist.
The best way to substantially improve the effectiveness of the grounding rod is to use a salt and water mixture.
Use 1 pound of salt for each gallon of water. Dig a shallow trench at the distance of 18 inches around the ground-
ing rod so that the liquid does not run off. To replace the salt that leaches into the soil, mix salt with the water at
least once a week. Optionally, salt can be placed in the trench and then covered, which will leach into the soil
whenever it rains.
END OF WORK PACKAGE
0037 00-6