Reference electrode systems and methods for determining cathodic protection

1. A method comprising:

contacting at least a portion of a reference electrode of a reference electrode assembly with a ground surface at a test site, wherein the reference electrode assembly comprises:

an extension device comprising a first end opposite a second end, wherein the first end is engageable with the reference electrode and a fluid reservoir is disposed between the first end and the second end;

an end cap having an external electrical connector positioned at the second end of the extension device;

a selectively actuatable spout fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir; and

a conductive wire extending through the fluid reservoir to electrically couple the reference electrode with the external electrical connector;

actuating the selectively actuatable spout to direct an amount of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the ground surface at the test site;

electrically coupling the reference electrode to a first terminal of a voltmeter;

electrically coupling a first portion of a metal structure to a second terminal of the voltmeter;

determining the polarization of the first portion of the metal structure;

removing the reference electrode assembly from the ground surface at the test site;

contacting at least a portion of the reference electrode of the reference electrode assembly with the ground surface at a second test site;

actuating the selectively actuatable spout to direct a second amount of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the ground surface at the second test site;

electrically coupling the reference electrode to the first terminal of the voltmeter;

electrically coupling a second portion of the metal structure to the second terminal of the voltmeter; and

determining the polarization of the second portion of the metal structure.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the metal structure is at least partially positioned in a subsurface at the test site.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein electrically coupling the reference electrode to the first terminal of the voltmeter comprises coupling a test lead of the voltmeter to the external electrical connector of the end cap.

4. A method comprising:

contacting at least a portion of a reference electrode of a reference electrode assembly with a ground surface at a test site, wherein the reference electrode assembly comprises:

an extension device comprising a first end opposite a second end, wherein the first end is engageable with the reference electrode and a fluid reservoir is disposed between the first end and the second end;

an end cap having an external electrical connector positioned at the second end of the extension device;

a selectively actuatable spout fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir; and

a conductive wire extending through the fluid reservoir to electrically couple the reference electrode with the external electrical connector;

actuating the selectively actuatable spout to direct an amount of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the ground surface at the test site;

electrically coupling the reference electrode to a first terminal of a voltmeter;

electrically coupling a first portion of a metal structure to a second terminal of the voltmeter;

filling the fluid reservoir with a first volume of fluid;

contacting at least a portion of the reference electrode of the reference electrode assembly with the ground surface at a plurality of test sites;

actuating the selectively actuatable spout to direct a sub-volume of the first volume of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the ground surface at each of the plurality of test sites; and

determining the polarization of the metal structure at each of the plurality of test sites.

5. A reference electrode assembly, comprising:

an extension device comprising a first end opposite a second end and a fluid reservoir disposed between the first end and the second end;

a reference electrode engageable with the extension device at the first end of the extension device;

an end cap having an external electrical connector positioned at the second end of the extension device;

a selectively actuatable spout fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir;

an opening in an outer surface of the extension device disposed between the selectively actuatable spout and the second end of the extension device, wherein:

the opening is fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir; and

a plug is engageable with the opening;

a conductive fitting disposed between the reference electrode and the fluid reservoir;

a first sealant disposed between the conductive fitting and the fluid reservoir;

a second sealant disposed between the end cap and the fluid reservoir; and

a conductive wire extending through the fluid reservoir and at least partially through the first and second sealants to electrically couple the reference electrode with the external electrical connector.