When assessing corrosion growth rates, the properties of the electrolyte are one of the most critical parameters. For underground pipelines, this electrolyte is the soil. Soil has a variety of corrosion properties such as porosity, composition, and water retention. One of the most critical properties is the soil's resistivity, the electrolyte's ability to conduct electric current. The soil's resistivity is not constant; it is highly seasonal and varies based on weather patterns, local conditions, and contamination.

This work presents a database for collecting soil resistivity measurements and a methodology to assemble high-resolution seasonal maps. In working closely with government agencies that use this data for agriculture, this work demonstrates a process to re-use agricultural conductivity datasets for estimating soil resistivity. This process is validated against field resistivity measurements collected by a North American pipeline operator.

You do not currently have access to this content.