Enhancing Soil Electrical Conductivity: Social Impact of Intensifier Materials for Safer, More Resilient Communities

Abstract

The improvement of soil electrical conductivity through the use of Ground Enhancement Materials (GEM) is a highly relevant field of research, especially in electrical and electronic engineering. On the other hand, soil resistivity often impedes or hinders the flow of electricity from electrical discharges into the ground, leading to inadequate mitigation of overload effects, which results in the inefficient performance of Grounding Systems (SPT). For this reason, the use of a Ground Enhancement Material is often necessary to provide better current dissipation capacity into the earth. Thus, the objective of this article is to investigate the importance of using GEM and to identify the most promising materials based on a general review of the state of the art. This research highlights the social relevance of using Ground Enhancement Materials, as the improvement in soil electrical conductivity directly contributes to community safety by reducing risks associated with electrical faults, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring reliable power supply. Therefore, the development and application of GEM not only represent a technical advancement in electrical engineering but also promote safer and more resilient environments, enhancing quality of life and social well-being.