Soil Testing Equipment: Standard Test Procedures Manual

Standard Test Prosedures Manual
Section : SOILS
Subject : STRATIGRAPHIC HOLES

SCOPE

Description of Test : This method covers the sampling of soils from stratigraphic holes.

APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

Equipment

A suitable drilling rig equipped with a 150 mm auger.
Suitable bags and sampling containers such as tares to retain the natural moisture
content.
Munsel color chart.
Pocket penetrometer

PROCEDURE

Sampling : Drill stratigraphic holes averaging 1.5 km intervals or less depending upon terrainevaluation, along either hubline. The depth of these holes will be pre-determined by the District Materials Engineer or designate, usually a 13.5 m depth is adequate. Record the hole number, station, offset from centerline as shown in Figure 104-1. Drill continuously until each sample depth is reached then pull the auger up rather than twist it to obtain a good sample. Depths usually tested for moisture content are 0.3, 0.9,1.5m and then every 1.5 m until total depth is reached.Color coding and penetrometer readings may be taken when sampling for moisturecontent. Moisture contents are required for topsoil and sand but no gravel. Use STP 205-3 for moisture contents. Record the above information on Figure 104-1 together with any other pertinent remarks such as depth to water table, and depths at which rocks were encountered in the hole. Also include iron staining, odor from organic material, fossils, etc.The technician will inspect every 0.3 m of material to determine any soil changes. If any change occurs, the depth will be recorded. The Drill Operator can usually detect material changes by noting any changes in the rotational pressure gauge.
Bagging and Labeling : lace a 3-5 kg sample of each soil type in a paper bag for further testing. Control section, hole number, station, depth and type of material must be written on the bag and written on tag and placed in the bag. If granular material is encountered, take a 4000 g sample every 1.5 m in depth.

RESULTS

Reporting Results : Complete as shown in Figure 104-1.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional Testing : This information is required to determine if further testing should be completed. All sample and any material changes should be clearly defined and well documented.
Geological Soil Symbols : Symbols used for geological soil classification are as follows:
TS - Sutherland Till
TB - Battleford Till
TF - Floral Till
u - Subscript to describe an unoxidized till eg: TFu
o - Subscript to describe an oxidized till eg: TFo
Sl - Silt
CL - Clay
SD - Sand
GR - Gravel