3 Types of Soil Samples
The following are the 3 types of samples which can be obtained with different sampling devices:
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| Types of Soil Samples |
1. Undisturbed Soil Samples
The soil sample, in which the particle size distribution as well as the soil structure and the properties of the in situ stratum, remain preserved, is termed as undisturbed soil samples. Such soil samples are required for shear strength and consolidation tests.
Such soil samples can be collected by stopping the boring process at a certain level and then inserting the appropriate sampler below the bottom of the bore.
2. Representative or Disturbed Soil Sample
The soil sample which contains the same particle size distribution as in the in situ stratum, but the natural structure of sample gets partly or entirely disturbed and modified, is called a representative or disturbed soil sample.
Such disturbed soil samples can be used for
i) Identification of soil types
Ii) Determining Atterberg limits, specific gravity, organic and carbonate content.
iii) Compaction tests etc.
3. Non-representative Soil Sample
These are mixtures of soil from different soil strata. These samples are obtained by auger boring or sedimentation of wash boring. Such samples may help in determining the depth at which major changes in soil profile occur.
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