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SECTION 10 - THE "UFER" GROUND
The principle of the Ufer ground is simple. The Ufer ground takes advantage of concrete’s properties to good advantage. Concrete absorbs moisture quickly and losses moisture very slowly. The mineral properties of concrete (lime and others) and their inherent pH means concrete has a supply of ions to conduct current. The soil or rock around the concrete becomes “doped” by the concrete. As a result the pH of the soil or rock rises and reduces what would normally be 1000 ohm metre environment conditions (hard to get a good ground). The moisture present, (concrete gives up moisture very slowly), in combination with the “doped” environment, makes a good conductor for electrical energy or lightning currents.
Ufer techniques are used in building footers, concrete floors, radio, television and transmission towers, tower guy wire anchors, light poles, etc. The use of steel reinforcement as a “Ufer” ground works well.
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