The analysis of complex grounding systems by FEM

This paper shows the use at the FEM in the analysis of complex grounding systems (GS) used in practice for protection of power and industrial systems. In order to get an accurate field calculation a twenty-node isoparametric quadratic 3D finite element, a three-node quadratic 1D finite element and a spatial transformation of the "semi-infinite space" into the finite space were applied. The program solution used is suitable for any GS and for anisotropic soil properties.