ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a description of the geotechnical parameters that influence the electrical resistivity of soils. The engineering behavior of soils, specifically cohesive soils, is highly influenced by the presence of moisture. To determine the correlation of soil resistivity with unit weight, resistivity tests were conducted at different dry unit weight conditions, while keeping the gravimetric moisture content constant. Electrical conductivity occurs through the precipitated ions in the soil pore water. Free electrical charges cause a reduction in electrical resistivity under the application of the electric field. R. Kalinski and W. Kelly conducted a laboratory investigation to determine volumetric moisture content from electrical conductivity of soil. The electrical resistivity of soil was measured, using a four-probe circular cell. As the electrical resistivity of soils depends on the temperature, experimental measurements should be corrected with respect to a reference temperature to explain the variations of moisture content, unit weight, soil structure, and soil type with resistivity.
