Soil sampling

Sampling of soil is performed in conjunction with work on engineering and geological surveys. Under the soil in construction is understood the upper layer of the lithosphere, which includes rocky, as well as semi-rocky and loose rocks.

Sampling objectives

The main objectives of soil sampling include:

• classification of soil rocks and establishing the composition of the section (or sedimentary layers and strata);
• identification of the optimal size of slopes when performing earthworks;
• description of characteristics, properties of soil and its components in terms of the possibility of their use as building materials;
• establishment of physical and mechanical characteristics of the soil to identify its bearing capacity (the so-called soil test under the foundation).

 

Soil sampling methods

Methods, which are used for soil sampling, depend on the type of soil studied.

Soils are selected from:

• disturbed structure;
• with intact or monolithic structure.

When taking samples of loose rocks, example, sandy, samples of the broken structure can be taken, and to study related rocks, such as loose soils, clay, etc., necessary intact fence, ie monolithic structure. For such samples it is necessary to drill wells. Any method of drilling allows you to get a quality sample with intact structure and ensure compliance with the properties of the layers, from which soil samples are taken.

Selection methods are diverse, including:

• point method for taking small soil samples;
• furrowed, based on plowing furrows along the entire length of the formation;
• gross, that allows to use for the analysis all made soil.

How to take samples correctly?

When selecting soils should be:

• to exclude completely hit of casual inclusions;
• ensure compliance of the soil sample with the soil layer of the sampling site;
• do not smoke during sampling;

Usually, a log is kept when sampling, in which marks about a place are put, time of sampling and the corresponding act is made. As for the volume of the sample, then it must provide the possibility of all planned research. For soils of disturbed structure, this value is not less than 2000 cm², and for monoliths is more than 500 cm².

Or here they do "".

Soil samples, depending on the need for certain definitions, selected in glass (plastic) containers or plastic bags.

A necessary condition for soil sampling is their prevention of secondary contamination (including precipitation) at all stages of sampling.

It is necessary to use inventory for soil sampling, made of metal (Stainless Steel), ceramics, plastics, etc. All work surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and show no signs of corrosion and rust.