Designation:

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Cons o o!"en, #A 1$%&' Re(r)nte* +ro, t e Ann-a. Boo" o+ ASTM Stan*ar*s. Co(/r)0 t ASTM

Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction

Purposes1 This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 420; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. superscript epsilon !e" indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval. INTRODUCT ION #nvestigation and identification of subsurface materials involves both simple and complex techni$ues that may be accomplished by many different procedures and may be variously interpreted. These studies are fre$uently site specific and are influenced by geological and geographical settings, by the purpose of the investigation, by design re$uirements for the pro%ect proposed, and by the bac&ground, training, and experience of the investigator. This guide has been extensively rewritten and enlarged since the version approved in '()*. +aterial has been added for clarification and for expansion of concepts. +any new ,T+ standards are referenced and a bibliography of non- ,T+ references is appended. This document is a guide to the selection of the various ,T+ standards that are available for the investigation of soil, roc&, and ground water for pro%ects that involve surface or subsurface construction, or both. #t is intended to improve consistency of practice and to encourage rational planning of a site characteri.ation program. ,ince the subsurface conditions at a particular site are usually the result of a combination of natural, geologic, topographic, and climatic factors, and of historical modifications both natural and manmade, an ade$uate and internally consistent exploration program will allow evaluation of the results of these influences. 1. Scope '.' This guide refers to ,T+ methods by which soil, roc&, and ground water conditions may be determined. The ob%ective of the investigation should be to identify and locate, both hori.ontally and vertically, significant soil and roc& types and ground water conditions ' present within a given site area and to establish the characteristics of the subsurface materials by sampling or in situ testing, or both. '.2 /aboratory testing of soil, roc&, and ground water samples is specified by other ,T+ standards not listed herein. ,ubsurface exploration for environmental purposes will be the sub%ect of a separate ,T+ document. '.0 1rior to commencement of any intrusive

exploration the site should be chec&ed for underground utilities. ,hould evidence of potentially ha.ardous or otherwise contaminated materials or conditions be encountered in the course of the investigation, wor& should be interrupted until the circum- stances have been evaluated and revised instructions issued before resumption. '.4 The values stated in !,#" inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. This guide is under the %urisdiction of ,T+ 2ommittee D-') on ,oil and 3oc& and is the direct responsibility of ,ubcommittee D').0' on ,urface and ,ubsurface 2haracteri.ation. 2urrent edition approved +arch '0, '((). 1ublished 4anuary '(((. 5riginally published as D 426 7 86 T. /ast previous edition D 420 7 (0.
'

'.6 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre- sent or replace the standard of care by which the ade uacy of a gi!en professional ser!ice must be judged" nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project#s many uni ue aspects. The word$ Standard% in the title of this document means only that the document has been appro!ed through the ASTM consensus process. '.8 This guide does not purport to address all of the safety concerns" if any" associated with its use. &t is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 2. Referenced Documents 2.' ASTM Standards' 2 ''( Terminology 3elating to Dimension ,tone2 2 2(4 Descriptive 9omenclature for 2onstituents of 9atu- ral +ineral ggregates0
2 0

Annual (oo) of ASTM Standards, :ol 04.0). Annual (oo) of ASTM Standards, :ol 04.0(.

D 420

2 )6' 1ractice for ;stimating ,cratch <ardness of 2oarse ggregate 1articles0 D *6 1ractice for ,ampling ggregates4 D 860 Terminology 3elating to ,oil, 3oc&, and 2ontained =luids2 D ''(4 Test +ethod for >earing 2apacity of ,oil for ,tatic /oad and ,pread =ootings2 D ''(6 Test +ethod for 3epetitive ,tatic 1late /oad Tests of ,oils and =lexible 1avement 2omponents, for ?se in ;valuation and Design of irport and <ighway 1ave- ments2 D ''(8 Test +ethod for 9onrepetitive ,tatic 1late /oad Tests of ,oils and =lexible 1avement 2omponents, for ?se in ;valuation and Design of irport and <ighway 1ave- ments2 D '462 1ractice for ,oil #nvestigation and ,ampling by uger >orings2 D '6)8 Test +ethod for 1enetration Test and ,plit->arrel ,ampling of ,oils2 D '6)* 1ractice for Thin-@alled Tube ,ampling of ,oils2 D 2''0 1ractice for 3oc& 2ore Drilling, and ,ampling of 3oc& for ,ite #nvestigation2 D 24)* 2lassification of ,oils for ;ngineering 1urposes !?nified ,oil 2lassification ,ystem"2 D 24)) 1ractice for Description and #dentification of ,oils !:isual-+anual 1rocedure"2 D 26*0 Test +ethod for =ield :ane ,hear Test in 2ohesive ,oil2 D 280* 2lassification of 1eats, +osses, <umus, and 3e- lated 1roducts2 D 00'* Test +ethod for @ater 2ontent of ,oil and 3oc& in 1lace by 9uclear +ethods !,hallow Depth"2 D 02'0 1ractices for <andling, ,toring, and 1reparing ,oft ?ndisturbed +arine ,oil2 D 02)2 2lassification of ,oils and ,oil- ggregate +ixtures for <ighway 2onstruction 1urposes2 D 00)6 Test +ethod for #nfiltration 3ate of ,oils in =ield ?sing Double-3ing #nfiltrometers2 D 0404 Auide to +easuring +atric 1otential in the :adose Bone ?sing Tensiometers2 D 044' Test +ethod for Deep, Cuasi-,tatic, 2one and =riction-2one 1enetration Tests of ,oil2 D 0660 1ractice for 3ing-lined >arrel ,ampling

of ,oils2 D 06)4 1ractice for #ndexing 1apers and 3eports on ,oil and 3oc& for ;ngineering 1urposes2 D 40)0 1ractice for Description of =ro.en ,oils !:isual- +anual 1rocedure"2 D 4220 1ractices for 1reserving and Transporting ,oil ,amples2 D 40(4 Test +ethod for Determining the #n ,itu +odulus of Deformation of 3oc& +ass ?sing the 3igid 1late /oading +ethod2 D 40(6 Test +ethod for Determining the #n ,itu +odulus of Deformation of 3oc& +ass ?sing the =lexible 1late /oading +ethod2
2

D 4400 1ractice for ;xtensometers ?sed in 3oc&

D 420

D 442) Test +ethods for 2rosshole ,eismic Testing2 D 442( Test +ethod for 2>3 !2alifornia >earing 3atio" of ,oils in 1lace2 D 4462 +ethods for D-3ay 3adiography of ,oil ,amples2 D 4608 Test +ethod for Determining the #n ,itu +odulus of Deformation of 3oc& +ass ?sing a 3adial 4ac&ing Test2 D 4644 1ractice for ;stimating 1eat Deposit Thic&ness2 D 4660 Test +ethod for Determining the #n ,itu 2reep 2haracteristics of 3oc&2 D 4664 Test +ethod for #n ,itu Determination of Direct ,hear ,trength of 3oc& Discontinuities2 D 4666 Test +ethod for Determining Deformability and ,trength of @ea& 3oc& by an #n ,itu ?niaxial 2ompres- sive Test2 D 4822 Test +ethod for 3oc& +ass +onitoring ?sing #nclinometers2 D 4820 Test +ethod for Determination of #n ,itu ,tress in 3oc& +ass by 5vercoring +ethodE ?,>+ >orehole Deformation Aage2 D 4800 Test +ethod for Determining Transmissivity and ,torativity of /ow 1ermeability 3oc&s by #n ,itu +ea- surements ?sing the 2onstant <ead #n%ection Test2 D 480' Test +ethod for Determining Transmissivity and ,torativity of /ow 1ermeability 3oc&s by #n ,itu +ea- surements ?sing the 1ressure 1ulse Techni$ue2 D 4800 Test +ethod for ,tress @ave ;nergy +easurement for Dynamic 1enetrometer Testing ,ystems2 D 4846 Test +ethod for Determination of the #n ,itu ,tress in 3oc& ?sing the <ydraulic =racturing +ethod2 D 4*00 Auide for ,oil ,ampling from the :adose Bone2 D 4*'( Test +ethod for 1ressuremeter Testing in ,oils2 D 4*2( Test +ethod for #n ,itu ,tress and +odulus of Deformation ?sing the =lat%ac& +ethod2 D 4*60 Test +ethod for Determining ,ubsurface /i$uid /evels in a >orehole or +onitoring @ell !5bservation @ell"2 D 4)*( Auide for Aeotechnical +apping of /arge ?nder- ground 5penings in 3oc&2 D 4(*' Test +ethod for Determining the #n ,itu +odulus of Deformation of 3oc& ?sing the Diametrically /oaded *8-mm !0-in." >orehole 4ac&6 D 60*( 1ractices for 1reserving and Transporting 3oc&

2ore ,amples6 D 60)) 1ractice for Decontamination of =ield ;$uipment ?sed at 9onradioactive @aste ,ites6 D 60(2 1ractice for Design and #nstallation of Around @ater +onitoring @ells in $uifers6 D 60(0 Test +ethod for =ield +easurement of #nfiltration 3ate ?sing a Double-3ing #nfiltrometer with a ,ealed- #nner 3ing6 D 6'28 Auide for 2omparison of =ield +ethods for Deter- mining <ydraulic 2onductivity in the :adose Bone6 D 6'(6 Test +ethod for Density of ,oil and 3oc& #n-1lace at Depths >elow the ,urface by 9uclear +ethods6
; '** 1ractice for the ?se of the Terms 1recision and >ias
4

Annua l (oo) of ASTM Stand ards, :ol 04.00.

Annual (oo) of ASTM Standards, :ol 04.0(.

6

in ,T+ Test +ethods8 ; 0)0 1ractice for the ?se of the #nternational ,ystem of ?nits !,#" !the +oderni.ed +etric ,ystem"8 A 6' Test +ethod for p< of ,oil for ?se in 2orrosion Testing* A 6* +ethod for =ield +easurement of ,oil 3esistivity ?sing the @enner =our-;lectrode +ethod*,) 3. Significance and Use 0.' n ade$uate soil, roc&, and ground water investigation will provide pertinent information for decision ma&ing on one or more of the following sub%ectsF 0.'.' 5ptimum location of the structure, both vertically and hori.ontally, within the area of the proposed construction. 0.'.2 /ocation and preliminary evaluation of suitable bor- row and other local sources of construction aggregates. 0.'.0 9eed for special excavating and dewatering tech- ni$ues with the corresponding need for information, even if only approximate, on the distribution of soil water content or pore pressure, or both, and on the pie.ometric heads and apparent permeability !hydraulic conductivity" of the various subsurface strata. 0.'.4 #nvestigation of slope stability in natural slopes, cuts, and emban&ments. 0.'.6 2onceptual selection of emban&ment types and hy- draulic barrier re$uirements. 0.'.8 2onceptual selection of alternate foundation types and elevations of the corresponding suitable bearing strata. 0.'.* Development of additional detailed subsurface inves- tigations for specific structures or facilities. 0.2 The investigation may re$uire the collection of suffi- ciently large soil and roc& samples of such $uality as to allow ade$uate testing to determine the soil or roc& classification or mineralogic type, or both, and the engineering properties pertinent to the proposed design. 0.0 This guide is not meant to be an inflexible description of investigation re$uirements; methods defined by other ,T+ standards or non- ,T+ techni$ues may be appropriate in some circumstances. The intent is to provide a chec&list to assist in the design of an explorationGinvestigation plan. 4. Reconnaissance of Pro ect !rea 4.' vailable technical data from the literature or from personal communication should be reviewed before any field program is started. These include, but are not limited to, topographic maps, aerial photography, satellite imagery, geo- logic maps, statewide or county soil surveys and mineral resource surveys, and engineering soil maps

covering the proposed pro%ect area. 3eports of subsurface investigations of nearby or ad%acent pro%ects should be studied. 95T; 'E@hile certain of the older maps and reports may be obsolete and of limited value in the light of current &nowledge, a comparison of the old with the new will often reveal valuable information. Annual (oo) of ASTM Standards, :ol '4.02. Annual (oo) of ASTM Standards, :ol 00.02. The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this standard.
8 * )

4.'.' The ?nited ,tates Aeological ,urvey and the geologi- cal surveys of the various states are the principal sources of geologic maps and reports on mineral resources and ground water. 4.'.2 ?nited ,tates Department of griculture ,oil 2onser- vation ,ervice soil surveys, where available and of recent date, should enable the investigator to estimate the range in soil profile characteristics to depths of 6 or 8 ft !'.6 or 2 m" for each soil mapped. 95T; 2E;ach soil type has a distinctive soil profile due to age, parent material, relief, climatic condition, and biological activity. 2onsideration of these factors can assist in identifying the various soil types, each re$uiring special engineering considerations and treatment. ,imilar engi- neering soil properties are often found where similar soil profiles characteristics exist. 2hanges in soil properties in ad%acent areas often indicate changes in parent material or relief. 4.2 #n areas where descriptive data are limited by insuffi- cient geologic or soil maps, the soil and roc& in open cuts in the vicinity of the proposed pro%ect should be studied and various soil and roc& profiles noted. =ield notes of such studies should include data outlined in '0.8. 4.0 @here a preliminary map covering the area of the pro%ect is desired, it can be prepared on maps compiled from aerial photography that show the ground conditions. The distribution of the predominant soil and roc& deposits li&ely to be encountered during the investigation may be shown using data obtained from geologic maps, landform analysis and limited ground reconnaissance. ;xperienced photo-interpreters can deduce much subsurface data from a study of blac& and white, color, and infrared photographs because similar soil or roc& conditions, or both, usually have similar patterns of appearance in regions of similar climate or vegetation. 95T; 0EThis preliminary map may be expanded into a detailed engineering map by locating all test holes, pits, and sampling stations and by revising boundaries as determined from the detailed subsurface survey. 4.4 #n areas where documentary information is insufficient, some &nowledge of subsurface conditions may be obtained from land owners, local well drillers, and representatives of the local construction industry. ". #$p%oration P%an 6.' vailable pro%ect design and performance re$uirements must be reviewed prior to final development of the exploration plan. 1reliminary exploration should be planned to indicate the areas of conditions needing further investigation. complete soil, roc&, and ground water investigation

should encompass the following activitiesF 6.'.' 3eview of available information, both regional and local, on the geologic history, roc&, soil, and ground water conditions occurring at the proposed location and in the immediate vicinity of the site. 6.'.2 #nterpretation of aerial photography and other remote sensing data. 6.'.0 =ield reconnaissance for identification of surficial geologic conditions, mapping of stratigraphic exposures and outcrops, and examination of the performance of existing structures. 6.'.4 5n site investigation of the surface and subsurface materials by geophysical surveys, borings, or test pits.

6.'.6 3ecovery of representative disturbed samples for laboratory classification tests of soil, roc&, and local construc- tion material. These should be supplemented by undisturbed specimens suitable for the determination of those engineering properties pertinent to the investigation. 6.'.8 #dentification of the position of the ground water table, or water tables, if there is perched ground water, or of the pie.ometric surfaces if there is artesian ground water. The variability of these positions in both short and long time frames should be considered. 2olor mottling of the soil strata may be indicative of long-term seasonal high ground water positions. 6.'.* #dentification and assessment of the location of suit- able foundation material, either bedroc& or satisfactory load- bearing soils. 6.'.) =ield identification of soil sediments, and roc&, with particular reference to type and degree of decomposition !for example, saprolite, &arst, decomposing or sla&ing shales", the depths of their occurrence and the types and locations of their structural discontinuities. 6.'.( ;valuation of the performance of existing installa- tions, relative to their structure foundation material and envi- ronment in the immediate vicinity of the proposed site. &. #'uipment and Procedures for Use in #$p%oration 8.' *ertinent ASTM StandardsE1ractices D '462, D 2''0, D 4644, D 60)), D 60(2; +ethod D '6)8; and Test +ethods D 4822, D 4800, D 4*60. 8.2 The type of e$uipment re$uired for a subsurface inves- tigation depends upon various factors, including the type of subsurface material, depth of exploration, the nature of the terrain, and the intended use of the data. 8.2.' +and Augers" +ole ,iggers" Sho!els" and *ush Tube Samplers are suitable for exploration of surficial soils to depths of 0 to '6 ft !' to 6 m". 8.2.2 -arth -xca!ation - uipment, such as bac&hoes, dra- glines, and drilled pier augers !screw or buc&et" can allow in situ examination of soil deposits and sampling of materials containing very large particles. The investigator should be aware of the possiblity of permanent disturbance of potential bearing strata by unbalanced pore pressure in test excavations. 8.2.0 ,oil and roc& boring and drilling machines and proof- ing devices may be used to depths of 200 to 000 ft in soil and to a much greater depth in roc&. 8.2.4 @ell drilling e$uipment may be suitable for deep geologic exploration. 9ormally samples are in the form of sand-si.ed cuttings captured from the return flow, but coring devices are available. (. )eop*+sica% #$p%oration *.' *ertinent ASTM StandardsETest +ethods D

442) and +ethod A 6*. *.2 3emote sensing techni$ues may assist in mapping the geological formations and for evaluating variations in soil and roc& properties. ,atellite and aircraft spectral mapping tools, such as / 9D, T, may be used to find and map the areal extent of subsurface materials and geologic structure. #nterpre- tation of aircraft photographs and satellite imagery can locate and identify significant geologic features that may be indicative of faults and fractures. ,ome ground control is generally

re$uired to verify information derived from remote sensing data. *.0 Aeophysical survey methods may be used to supplement borehole and outcrop data and to interpolate between holes. ,eismic, ground penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity methods can be particularly valuable when distinct differences in the properties of contiguous subsurface materials are indi- cated. *.4 ,hallow seismic refractionGreflection and ground pen- etrating radar techni$ues can be used to map soil hori.ons and depth profiles, water tables, and depth to bedroc& in many situations, but depth penetration and resolution vary with local conditions. ;lectromagnetic induction, electrical resistivity, and induced polari.ation !or complex resistivity" techni$ues may be used to map variations in water content, clay hori.ons, stratification, and depth to a$uiferGbedroc&. 5ther geophysical techni$ues such as gravity, magnetic, and shallow ground temperature methods may be useful under certain specific conditions. Deep seismic and electrical methods are routinely used for mapping stratigraphy and structure of roc& in con- %unction with logs. 2rosshole shear wave velocity measure- ments can provide soil and roc& parameters for dynamic analyses. *.4.' The seismic refraction method may be especially useful in determining depth to, or rippability of, roc& in locations where successively denser strata are encountered. *.4.2 The seismic reflection method may be useful in delineating geological units at depths below '0 ft !0 m". #t is not constrained by layers of low seismic velocity and is especially useful in areas of rapid stratigraphic change. *.4.0 The electrical resistivity method, +ethod A 6*, may be similarly useful in determining depth to

roc& and anomalies in the stratigraphic profile, in evaluating stratified formations where a denser stratum overlies a less dense stratum, and in location of prospective sand-gravel or other sources of borrow material. 3esistivity parameters also are re$uired for the design of grounding systems and cathodic protection for buried structures. *.4.4 The ground penetrating radar method may be useful in defining soil and roc& layers and manmade structures in the depth range of ' to 00 ft !'H0 to '0 m". 95T; 4E,urface geophysical investigations can be a useful guide in determining boring or test hole locations. #f at all possible, the interpre- tation of geophysical studies should be verified by borings or test excavations. ,. Samp%ing ).' *ertinent ASTM StandardsE1ractices D *6, D '462, D '6)*, D 2''0, D 02'0, D 0660, D 4220, D 60*(; Test +ethod D '6)8; +ethods D 4462; and Auide D 4*00. ).2 5btain samples that ade$uately represent each subsur- face material that is significant to the pro%ect design and construction. The si.e and type of sample re$uired is depen- dent upon the tests to be performed, the relative amount of coarse particles present, and the limitations of the test e$uip- ment to be used. 95T; 6EThe si.e of disturbed or bul& samples for routine tests may vary at the discretion of the geotechnical investigator, but the following $uantities are suggested as suitable for most materialsF !a" :isual

classificationE60 to 600 g !2 o. to ' lb"; ! b" ,oil constants and particle si.e analysis of non-gravelly soilE600 g to 2.6 &g !' to 6 lb"; !c" ,oil compaction tests and sieve analysis of gravelly soilsE20 to 40 &g !40 to )0 lb"; !d" ggregate manufacture or aggregate properties testsE60 to 200 &g !'00 to 400 lb". ).0 ccurately identify each sample with the boring, test hole, or testpit number and depth below reference ground surface from which it was ta&en. 1lace a waterproof identifi- cation tag inside the container, securely close the container, protect it to withstand rough handling, and mar& it with proper identification on the outside. Ieep samples for natural water content determination in sealed containers to prevent moisture loss. @hen drying of samples may affect classification or engineering properties test results, protect them to minimi.e moisture loss. 1ractices D 4220 and D 60*( address the trans- portation of samples from field to laboratory. +ost of the titles of the referenced standards are self-explanatory, but some need elaboration for the benefit of the users of this guide. ).0.' 1ractice D *6 describes the sampling of coarse and fine aggregates for the preliminary investigation of a potential source of supply. ).0.2 1ractice D '462 describes the use of augers in soil investigations and sampling where disturbed soil samples can be used. Depths of auger investigations are limited by ground water conditions, soil characteristics, and e$uipment used. ).0.0 Test +ethod D '6)8 describes a procedure to obtain representative soil samples for identification and classification laboratory tests. ).0.4 1ractice D '6)* describes a procedure to recover relatively undisturbed soil samples suitable for laboratory testing. ).0.6 1ractice D 2''0 describes a procedure to recover intact samples of roc& and certain soils too hard to sample by Test +ethod D '6)8 or 1ractice D '6)*. ).0.8 1ractice D 0660 describes a procedure for the recov- ery of moderately disturbed, representative samples of soil for classification testing and, in some cases, shear or consolidation testing. -. C%assification of #art* .ateria%s (.' *ertinent ASTM StandardsETerminology 2 ''(; De- scriptive 9omenclature 2 2(4; 2lassifications D 24)*, D 280*, D 02)2; 1ractices D 24)), D 40)0. (.2 dditional description of samples of soil and roc& may be added after submission to the laboratory for identification and classification tests in accordance with one or more ,T+ laboratory

standards or other applicable references, or both. ,ection '0.8.0 discusses the use, for identification and for classification purposes, of some of the standards listed in (.'. 1/. Determination of Su0surface Conditions '0.' ,ubsurface conditions are positively defined only at the individual test pit, hole, boring, or open cut examined. 2ondi- tions between observation points may be significantly different from those encountered in the exploration. stratigraphic profile can be developed by detailed investigations only where determinations of a continuous relationship of the depths and locations of various types of soil and roc& can be inferred. This phase of the investigation may be implemented by plotting logs

of soil and roc& exposures in walls of excavations or cut areas and by plotting logs of the test borings. Then one may interpolate between, and extrapolate a reasonable distance beyond, these logs. The spacing of these investigations should depend on the geologic complexity of the pro%ect area and on the importance of soil and roc& continuity to the pro%ect design. ;xploration should be deep enough to identify all strata that might be significantly affected by the proposed use of the site and to develop the engineering data re$uired to allow analysis of the items listed in ,ection 4 for each pro%ect. 95T; 8E1lans for a program of intrusive subsurface investigation should consider possible re$uirements for permits for installation and proper closure of bore holes and wells at the completion of the investi- gation. '0.2 The depth of exploratory borings or test pits for roadbeds, airport paving, or vehicle par&ing areas should be to at least 6 ft !'.6 m" below the proposed subgrade elevation. ,pecial circumstances may increase this depth. >orings for structures, excavations, or emban&ments should extend below the level of significant stress or ground water influence from the proposed load as determined by subsurface stress analysis. '0.0 @hen pro%ect construction or performance of the facility may be affected by either previous water-bearing materials or impervious materials that can bloc& internal drainage, borings should extend sufficiently to determine those engineering and hydrogeologic properties that are relevant to the pro%ect design. '0.4 #n all borrow areas the borings or test pits should be sufficient in number and depth to outline the re$uired $uantities of material meeting the specified $uality re$uirements.

'0.6 @here frost penetration or seasonal desiccation may be significant in the behavior of soil and roc&, borings should extend well below the depth from finished grade of the anticipated active .one. '0.8 ;xploration records shall be &ept in a systematic manner for each pro%ect. ,uch records shall includeF '0.8.' Description of each site or area investigated. ;ach test hole, boring, test pit, or geophysical test site shall be clearly located !hori.ontally and vertically" with reference to some established coordinate system, datum, or permanent monument. '0.8.2 /ogs of each test hole, boring, test pit, or cut surface exposure shall show clearly the field description and location of each material and any water encountered, either by symbol or word description. 3eference to a +unsell color chart designation is a substantial aid to an accurate description of soil and roc& materials. 95T; *E2olor photographs of roc& cores, soil samples, and exposed strata may be of considerable value. ;ach photograph should include an identifying number or symbol, a date, and reference scale. '0.8.0 #dentification of all soils based on 2lassification D 24)*, 1ractice D 24)), 2lassification D 280*, or 1ractice D 40)0. #dentification of roc& materials based on Terminology 2 ''(, Descriptive 9omenclature 2 2(4, or 1ractice 2 )6'. 2lassification of soil and roc& is discussed in ,ection (. '0.8.4 /ocation and description of seepage and water- bearing .ones and records of pie.ometric elevations found in each hole, boring, pie.ometer, or test pit.

'0.8.6 The results and precise locations of in situ test results such as the penetration resistance or vane shear discussed in ).0, plate load tests, or other in situ test-engineering properties of soils or roc&. '0.8.8 1ercentage of core recovery and roc& $uality desig- nation in core drilling as outlined in ).0.6. '0.8.* Araphical presentation of field and laboratory and its interpretation facilitates comprehensive understanding subsur- face conditions. 11. In Situ Testing ''.' *ertinent ASTM StandardsETest +ethods D ''(4, D ''(6, D ''(8, D '6)8, D 26*0, D 00'*, D 044', D 0))6, D 40(4, D 40(6, D 442(, D 4608, D 4660, D 4664, D 4666, D 4820, D 4800, D 480', D 4846, D 4*'(, D 4*2(, D 4(*', D 60(0, D 6'(6, A 6'; Auides D 0404, D 6'28; and 1ractice D 4400. ''.2 #n situ testing is useful forF ! a" measurement of soil parameters in their undisturbed condition with all of the restraining or loading effects, or both, of the surrounding soil or roc& mass active, and !b" for rapid or closely spaced measure- ments, or both, of earth properties without the necessity of sampling. +ost of the titles of the various referenced standards are self-explanatory, but some need elaboration for the users of this guide. ''.2.' Test +ethod D '6)8 describes a penetration test that has been correlated by many authors with various strength properties of soils. ''.2.2 Test +ethod D 26*0 describes a procedure to mea- sure the in situ unit shear resistance of cohesive soils by rotation of a four-bladed vane in a hori.ontal plane. ''.2.0 Test +ethod D 044' describes the determination of the end bearing and side friction components of the resistance to penetration of a conical penetrometer into a soil mass. ''.2.4 1ractice D 4400 describes the application of various types of extensometers used in the field of roc& mechanics. ''.2.6 Test +ethod D 442( describes the field determina- tion of the 2alifornia >earing 3atio for soil surfaces in situ to be used in the design of pavement systems. ''.2.8 Test +ethod D 4*'( describes an in situ stress-strain test performed on the walls of a bore hole in soil. 95T; )E5ther standards for in situ test procedures and automated data collection are being prepared by ,T+ 2ommittee D-') for publication at a later date. 12. Interpretation of Resu%ts '2.' #nterpret the results of an investigation in terms of actual findings and ma&e every effort to collect and include all field and laboratory data

from previous investigations in the same area. ;xtrapolation of data into local areas not surveyed and tested should be made only for conceptual studies. ,uch extrapolation can be done only where geologically uniform stratigraphic and structural relationships are &nown to exist on the basis of other data. 2ross sections may be developed as part of the site characteri.ation if re$uired to demonstrate the site conditions. '2.'.' 2ross sections included with the presentation of basic data from the investigation should be limited to the ground surface profile and the factual subsurface data obtained

at specific exploration locations. ,tratigraphic units between the locations of intrusive explorations should only be indicated if supported by continuous geophysical profiles. '2.'.2 2ross sections showing interpretations of strati- graphic units and other conditions between intrusive explora- tions but without support of continuous geophysical profiles should be presented in an interpretative report appendix or in a separate interpretative report. The interpretive cross sections must be accompanied by notes describing anomalies or other- wise significant variations in the site conditions that should be anticipated for the intended design or construction activities. 95T; (E dditional exploration should be considered if there is not sufficient &nowledge to develop interpretative cross sections, with realistic descriptions of anticipated variations in subsurface conditions, to meet pro%ect re$uirements. '2.2 ,ub%ect to the restrictions imposed by state licensing law, recommendations for design parameters can be made only by professional engineers and geologists speciali.ing in the field of geotechnical engineering and familiar with purpose, conditions, and re$uirements of the study. ,oil mechanics, roc& mechanics, and geomorphological concepts must be combined with a &nowledge of geotechnical engineering or hydrogeology to ma&e a complete application of the soil, roc&, and ground water investigation. 2omplete design recommendations may re$uire a more detailed study than that discussed in this guide. '2.0 Delineate subsurface profiles only from actual geo- physical, test-hole, test-pit, or cutsurface data. #nterpolation between locations should be made on the basis of available geologic &nowledge of the area and should be clearly identified. The use of geophysical techni$ues as

discussed in *.2 is a valuable aid in such interpolation. Aeophysical survey data should be identified separately from sample data or in situ test data. 13. Report '0.' *ertinent ASTM StandardsETerminology D 860; 1ractices D 06)4, ; '**, ; 0)0; and Auide D 4)*(. '0.2 The report of a subsurface investigation shall includeF '0.2.' The location of the area investigated in terms perti- nent to the pro%ect. This may include s&etch maps or aerial photos on which the test pits, bore holes, and sample areas are located, as well as geomorphological data relevant to the determination of the various soil and roc& types. ,uch data includes elevation contours, streambeds, sin& holes, cliffs, and the li&e. @here feasible, include in the report a geologic map or an agronomic soils map, or both, of the area investigated. '0.2.2 description of the investigation procedures, includ- ing all borings and testhole logs, graphic presentation of all compaction, consolidation, or load test data tabulation of all laboratory test results, and graphical interpretations of geo- physical measurements. '0.2.0 summary of the findings obtained under ,ections 4, '0, and '2, using subhead titles for the respective sections and appropriate recommendations and disclaimers for the use of the report. 14. Precision and 1ias '4.' This guide provides $ualitative data only; therefore, a precision and bias statement is not applicable.

1". 2e+3ords '6.' explorations; feasibility studies; field investigations; foundation investigations; geological investigations; geophysical investigation; ground water; hydrologic investigations;

maps; preliminary investigations; reconnaissance surveys; sampling; site investigations !see 1ractice D 06)4"; soil sur- veys; subsurface investigations

R#4#R#NC# S

!1" -ngineering .eology /ield Manual, ?.,. >ureau of 3eclamation, '()(. !2" Dietrich, 3. :., Dutro, 4. :., 4r., and =oose, 3. +., !2ompilers", J A# Data ,heets for Aeology in =ield, /aboratory, and 5ffice,K ,econd ;dition, merican Aeological #nstitute, '()2. !3" 1elsner, . !;d.", J+anual on ,ubsurface #nvestigations,K merican ssociation of ,tate <ighway and Transportation 5fficials, @ashington, D2. !4" ,huter, ;. and Teasdale, @. ;., J pplications of Drilling, 2oring and ,ampling Techni$ues to Test <oles and @ells,K Techni$ues of @ater3esources #nvestigation, >oo& 2, ?.,. Aeological ,urvey, @ashington, D2, '()(.
!"" Ieys, @. ,., J>orehole Aeophysics pplied to Around @ater #nves-

tigations,K ?., Aeological ,urvey 5pen-=ile 3eport 3)*-60(, Denver, 25, '()). !&" Dowding, 2. <. !;d.", J,ite 2haracteri.ation ;xploration,K merican ,ociety of 2ivil ;ngineers, 1roceedings of ,pecialty @or&shop, 9ew Lor&, 9L, '(*). !(" J;arth +anual,K ?.,. >ureau of 3eclamation, Denver, 25. !," J;ngineering and DesignEAeotechnical #nvestigation ;ngineer +anual,K ;+ '''0-'')04, <ead$uarters, Department of the rmy, @ashington, D2, '()4. !-" J gricultural <andboo&, 9o. 408, ,oil Taxonomy,K ,oil 2onservation ,ervice, ?.,. Dept. of griculture, ?.,. 1rinting 5ffice, @ashington, D2, December, '(*6.

T e A,er)!an So!)et/ +or Test)n0 an* Mater)a.s ta"es no (os)t)on res(e!t)n0 t e 1a.)*)t/ o+ an/ (atent r)0 ts asserte* )n !onne!t)on 2)t an/ )te, ,ent)one* )n t )s stan*ar*. 3sers o+ t )s stan*ar* are e4(ress./ a*1)se* t at *eter,)nat)on o+ t e 1a.)*)t/ o+ an/ s-! (atent r)0 ts, an* t e r)s" o+ )n+r)n0e,ent o+ s-! r)0 ts, are ent)re./ t e)r o2n res(ons)b).)t/. T )s stan*ar* )s s-b5e!t to re1)s)on at an/ t),e b/ t e res(ons)b.e te! n)!a. !o,,)ttee an* ,-st be re1)e2e* e1er/ +)1e /ears an* )+ not re1)se*, e)t er rea((ro1e* or 2)t *ra2n. Yo-r !o,,ents are )n1)te* e)t er +or re1)s)on o+ t )s stan*ar* or +or a**)t)ona. stan*ar*s an* s o-.* be a**resse* to ASTM Hea*6-arters. Yo-r !o,,ents 2).. re!e)1e !are+-. !ons)*erat)on at a ,eet)n0 o+ t e res(ons)b.e te! n)!a. !o,,)ttee, 2 )! /o- ,a/ atten*. I+ /o- +ee. t at /o-r !o,,ents a1e not re!e)1e* a +a)r ear)n0 /o- s o-.* ,a"e /o-r 1)e2s "no2n to t e ASTM Co,,)ttee on Stan*ar*s, 100 Barr Harbor Dr)1e, West Cons o o!"en, #A 1$%&'.