Astm D 420

Designation: D 420 – 98 (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Guide to
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. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
Investigation and identification of subsurface materials involves both simple and complex
techniques that may be accomplished by many different procedures and may be variously interpreted.
These studies are frequently site specific and are influenced by geological and geographical settings,
by the purpose of the investigation, by design requirements for the project proposed, and by the
background, training, and experience of the investigator. This guide has been extensively rewritten and
enlarged since the version approved in 1987. Material has been added for clarification and for
expansion of concepts. Many new ASTM standards are referenced and a bibliography of non-ASTM
references is appended.
This document is a guide to the selection of the various ASTM standards that are available for the
investigation of soil, rock, and ground water for projects that involve surface or subsurface
construction, or both. It is intended to improve consistency of practice and to encourage rational
planning of a site characterization program. Since the subsurface conditions at a particular site are
usually the result of a combination of natural, geologic, topographic, and climatic factors, and of
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historical modifications both natural and manmade, an adequate and internally consistent exploration
program will allow evaluation of the results of these influences.
1. Scope materials or conditions be encountered in the course of the

1.1 This guide refers to ASTM methods by which soil, rock, investigation, work should be interrupted until the circum-
and ground water conditions may be determined. The objective stances have been evaluated and revised instructions issued
of the investigation should be to identify and locate, both before resumption.
horizontally and vertically, significant soil and rock types and 1.4 The values stated in (SI) inch-pound units are to be
ground water conditions present within a given site area and to regarded as the standard.
establish the characteristics of the subsurface materials by 1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information
sampling or in situ testing, or both. or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
1.2 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and ground water course of action. This document cannot replace education or
samples is specified by other ASTM standards not listed herein. experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
Subsurface exploration for environmental purposes will be the judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
subject of a separate ASTM document. circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
1.3 Prior to commencement of any intrusive exploration the sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
site should be checked for underground utilities. Should a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
evidence of potentially hazardous or otherwise contaminated document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
unique aspects. The word“ Standard” in the title of this
document means only that the document has been approved
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock through the ASTM consensus process.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface 1.6 This guide does not purport to address all of the safety
Characterization.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2003. Published January 1999. Originally concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
published as D 425 – 65 T. Last previous edition D 420 – 93. of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
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D 420 – 98 (2003)
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory D 4220 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil
limitations prior to use. Samples
D 4394 Test Method for Determining the In Situ Modulus
2. Referenced Documents
of Deformation of Rock Mass Using the Rigid Plate
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 Loading Method
C 119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone D 4395 Test Method for Determining the In Situ Modulus
C 294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Natu- of Deformation of Rock Mass Using the Flexible Plate
ral Mineral Aggregates Loading Method
C 851 Practice for Estimating Scratch Hardness of Coarse D 4403 Practice for Extensometers Used in Rock
Aggregate Particles
D 4428 Test Methods for Crosshole Seismic Testing
D 75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained D 4429 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
Fluids Soils in Place
D 1194 Test Method for Bearing Capacity of Soil for Static D 4452 Methods for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
Load and Spread Footings D 4506 Test Method for Determining the In Situ Modulus
D 1195 Test Method for Repetitive Static Plate Load Tests of Deformation of Rock Mass Using a Radial Jacking Test
of Soils and Flexible Pavement Components, for Use in D 4544 Practice for Estimating Peat Deposit Thickness
Evaluation and Design of Airport and Highway Pavements D 4553 Test Method for Determining the In Situ Creep
D 1196 Test Method for Nonrepetitive Static Plate Load Characteristics of Rock
Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement Components, for Use D 4554 Test Method for In Situ Determination of Direct
in Evaluation and Design of Airport and Highway Pave- Shear Strength of Rock Discontinuities
ments D 4555 Test Method for Determining Deformability and
D 1452 Practice for Soil Investigation and Sampling by Strength of Weak Rock by an In Situ Uniaxial Compres-
Auger Borings sive Test
D 1586 Test Method for Penetration Test and Split-Barrel D 4622 Test Method for Rock Mass Monitoring Using
Sampling of Soils Inclinometers
D 1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils
D 4623 Test Method for Determination of In Situ Stress in
D 2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling, and Sampling of
Rock Mass by Overcoring Method—USBM Borehole
Rock for Site Investigation
Deformation Gage
D 2487 Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes
(Unified Soil Classification System) D 4630 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity and
D 2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils Storativity of Low Permeability Rocks by In Situ Mea-
(Visual-Manual Procedure) surements Using the Constant Head Injection Test
D 2573 Test Method for Field Vane Shear Test in Cohesive D 4631 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity and
Soil Storativity of Low Permeability Rocks by In Situ Mea-
D 2607 Classification of Peats, Mosses, Humus, and Re- surements Using the Pressure Pulse Technique
lated Products D 4633 Test Method for Stress Wave Energy Measurement
D 3017 Test Method for Water Content of Soil and Rock in for Dynamic Penetrometer Testing Systems
Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) D 4645 Test Method for Determination of the In Situ Stress
D 3213 Practices for Handling, Storing, and Preparing Soft in Rock Using the Hydraulic Fracturing Method
Undisturbed Marine Soil D 4700 Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
D 3282 Classification of Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures D 4719 Test Method for Pressuremeter Testing in Soils
for Highway Construction Purposes D 4729 Test Method for In Situ Stress and Modulus of
D 3385 Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field Deformation Using the Flatjack Method
Using Double-Ring Infiltrometers D 4750 Test Method for Determining Subsurface Liquid
D 3404 Guide to Measuring Matric Potential in the Vadose Levels in a Borehole or Monitoring Well (Observation
Zone Using Tensiometers Well)
D 3441 Test Method for Deep, Quasi-Static, Cone and
D 4879 Guide for Geotechnical Mapping of Large Under-
Friction-Cone Penetration Tests of Soil
ground Openings in Rock
D 3550 Practice for Ring-lined Barrel Sampling of Soils
D 3584 Practice for Indexing Papers and Reports on Soil D 4971 Test Method for Determining the In Situ Modulus
and Rock for Engineering Purposes of Deformation of Rock Using the Diametrically Loaded
D 4083 Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual- 76-mm (3-in.) Borehole Jack
Manual Procedure) D 5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock
Core Samples
D 5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Used at Nonradioactive Waste Sites
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on D 5092 Practice for Design and Installation of Ground
the ASTM website. Water Monitoring Wells in Aquifers
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D 420 – 98 (2003)
D 5093 Test Method for Field Measurement of Infiltration NOTE 1—While certain of the older maps and reports may be obsolete
Rate Using a Double-Ring Infiltrometer with a Sealed- and of limited value in the light of current knowledge, a comparison of the
Inner Ring old with the new will often reveal valuable information.
D 5126 Guide for Comparison of Field Methods for Deter- 4.1.1 The United States Geological Survey and the geologi-
mining Hydraulic Conductivity in the Vadose Zone cal surveys of the various states are the principal sources of
D 5195 Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock In-Place geologic maps and reports on mineral resources and ground
at Depths Below the Surface by Nuclear Methods water.
E 177 Practice for the Use of the Terms Precision and Bias 4.1.2 United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conser-
in ASTM Test Methods vation Service soil surveys, where available and of recent date,
E 380 Practice for the Use of the International System of should enable the investigator to estimate the range in soil
Units (SI) (the Modernized Metric System) profile characteristics to depths of 5 or 6 ft (1.5 or 2 m) for each
G 51 Test Method for pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion soil mapped.
Testing
G 57 Method for Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity NOTE 2—Each soil type has a distinctive soil profile due to age, parent
Using the Wenner Four-Electrode Method material, relief, climatic condition, and biological activity. Consideration
of these factors can assist in identifying the various soil types, each
requiring special engineering considerations and treatment. Similar engi-
3. Significance and Use neering soil properties are often found where similar soil profiles
3.1 An adequate soil, rock, and ground water investigation characteristics exist. Changes in soil properties in adjacent areas often
will provide pertinent information for decision making on one indicate changes in parent material or relief.
or more of the following subjects: 4.2 In areas where descriptive data are limited by insuffi-
3.1.1 Optimum location of the structure, both vertically and cient geologic or soil maps, the soil and rock in open cuts in the
horizontally, within the area of the proposed construction. vicinity of the proposed project should be studied and various
3.1.2 Location and preliminary evaluation of suitable bor- soil and rock profiles noted. Field notes of such studies should
row and other local sources of construction aggregates. include data outlined in 10.6.
3.1.3 Need for special excavating and dewatering tech-
4.3 Where a preliminary map covering the area of the
niques with the corresponding need for information, even if
only approximate, on the distribution of soil water content or project is desired, it can be prepared on maps compiled from
pore pressure, or both, and on the piezometric heads and aerial photography that show the ground conditions. The
apparent permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of the various distribution of the predominant soil and rock deposits likely to
subsurface strata. be encountered during the investigation may be shown using
3.1.4 Investigation of slope stability in natural slopes, cuts, data obtained from geologic maps, landform analysis and
and embankments. limited ground reconnaissance. Experienced photo-interpreters
3.1.5 Conceptual selection of embankment types and hy- can deduce much subsurface data from a study of black and
draulic barrier requirements. white, color, and infrared photographs because similar soil or
3.1.6 Conceptual selection of alternate foundation types and rock conditions, or both, usually have similar patterns of
elevations of the corresponding suitable bearing strata. appearance in regions of similar climate or vegetation.
3.1.7 Development of additional detailed subsurface inves- NOTE 3—This preliminary map may be expanded into a detailed
tigations for specific structures or facilities. engineering map by locating all test holes, pits, and sampling stations and
3.2 The investigation may require the collection of suffi- by revising boundaries as determined from the detailed subsurface survey.
ciently large soil and rock samples of such quality as to allow 4.4 In areas where documentary information is insufficient,
adequate testing to determine the soil or rock classification or some knowledge of subsurface conditions may be obtained
mineralogic type, or both, and the engineering properties
from land owners, local well drillers, and representatives of the
pertinent to the proposed design.
local construction industry.
3.3 This guide is not meant to be an inflexible description of
investigation requirements; methods defined by other ASTM
5. Exploration Plan
standards or non-ASTM techniques may be appropriate in
some circumstances. The intent is to provide a checklist to 5.1 Available project design and performance requirements
assist in the design of an exploration/investigation plan. must be reviewed prior to final development of the exploration
plan. Preliminary exploration should be planned to indicate the
4. Reconnaissance of Project Area areas of conditions needing further investigation. A complete
4.1 Available technical data from the literature or from soil, rock, and ground water investigation should encompass
personal communication should be reviewed before any field the following activities:
program is started. These include, but are not limited to, 5.1.1 Review of available information, both regional and
topographic maps, aerial photography, satellite imagery, geo- local, on the geologic history, rock, soil, and ground water
logic maps, statewide or county soil surveys and mineral conditions occurring at the proposed location and in the
resource surveys, and engineering soil maps covering the immediate vicinity of the site.
proposed project area. Reports of subsurface investigations of 5.1.2 Interpretation of aerial photography and other remote
nearby or adjacent projects should be studied. sensing data.
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D 420 – 98 (2003)
5.1.3 Field reconnaissance for identification of surficial rock properties. Satellite and aircraft spectral mapping tools,
geologic conditions, mapping of stratigraphic exposures and such as LANDSAT, may be used to find and map the areal
outcrops, and examination of the performance of existing extent of subsurface materials and geologic structure. Interpre-
structures. tation of aircraft photographs and satellite imagery can locate
5.1.4 On site investigation of the surface and subsurface and identify significant geologic features that may be indicative
materials by geophysical surveys, borings, or test pits. of faults and fractures. Some ground control is generally
5.1.5 Recovery of representative disturbed samples for required to verify information derived from remote sensing
laboratory classification tests of soil, rock, and local construc- data.
tion material. These should be supplemented by undisturbed 7.3 Geophysical survey methods may be used to supplement
specimens suitable for the determination of those engineering borehole and outcrop data and to interpolate between holes.
properties pertinent to the investigation. Seismic, ground penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity
5.1.6 Identification of the position of the ground water table, methods can be particularly valuable when distinct differences
or water tables, if there is perched ground water, or of the in the properties of contiguous subsurface materials are indi-
piezometric surfaces if there is artesian ground water. The cated.
variability of these positions in both short and long time frames 7.4 Shallow seismic refraction/reflection and ground pen-
should be considered. Color mottling of the soil strata may be etrating radar techniques can be used to map soil horizons and
indicative of long-term seasonal high ground water positions. depth profiles, water tables, and depth to bedrock in many
5.1.7 Identification and assessment of the location of suit- situations, but depth penetration and resolution vary with local
able foundation material, either bedrock or satisfactory load- conditions. Electromagnetic induction, electrical resistivity,
bearing soils. and induced polarization (or complex resistivity) techniques
5.1.8 Field identification of soil sediments, and rock, with may be used to map variations in water content, clay horizons,
particular reference to type and degree of decomposition (for stratification, and depth to aquifer/bedrock. Other geophysical
example, saprolite, karst, decomposing or slaking shales), the techniques such as gravity, magnetic, and shallow ground
depths of their occurrence and the types and locations of their temperature methods may be useful under certain specific
structural discontinuities. conditions. Deep seismic and electrical methods are routinely
5.1.9 Evaluation of the performance of existing installa- used for mapping stratigraphy and structure of rock in con-
tions, relative to their structure foundation material and envi- junction with logs. Crosshole shear wave velocity measure-
ronment in the immediate vicinity of the proposed site. ments can provide soil and rock parameters for dynamic
analyses.
6. Equipment and Procedures for Use in Exploration
7.4.1 The seismic refraction method may be especially
6.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Practices D 1452, D 2113, useful in determining depth to, or rippability of, rock in
D 4544, D 5088, D 5092; Method D 1586; and Test Methods locations where successively denser strata are encountered.
D 4622, D 4633, D 4750. 7.4.2 The seismic reflection method may be useful in
6.2 The type of equipment required for a subsurface inves- delineating geological units at depths below 10 ft (3 m). It is
tigation depends upon various factors, including the type of not constrained by layers of low seismic velocity and is
subsurface material, depth of exploration, the nature of the especially useful in areas of rapid stratigraphic change.
terrain, and the intended use of the data.
7.4.3 The electrical resistivity method, Method G 57, may
6.2.1 Hand Augers, Hole Diggers, Shovels, and Push Tube
be similarly useful in determining depth to rock and anomalies
Samplers are suitable for exploration of surficial soils to
in the stratigraphic profile, in evaluating stratified formations
depths of 3 to 15 ft (1 to 5 m).
where a denser stratum overlies a less dense stratum, and in
6.2.2 Earth Excavation Equipment, such as backhoes, dra-
location of prospective sand-gravel or other sources of borrow
glines, and drilled pier augers (screw or bucket) can allow in
material. Resistivity parameters also are required for the design
situ examination of soil deposits and sampling of materials
of grounding systems and cathodic protection for buried
containing very large particles. The investigator should be
structures.
aware of the possiblity of permanent disturbance of potential
7.4.4 The ground penetrating radar method may be useful in
bearing strata by unbalanced pore pressure in test excavations.
defining soil and rock layers and manmade structures in the
6.2.3 Soil and rock boring and drilling machines and proof-
depth range of 1 to 30 ft (1⁄3 to 10 m).
ing devices may be used to depths of 200 to 300 ft in soil and
to a much greater depth in rock. NOTE 4—Surface geophysical investigations can be a useful guide in
6.2.4 Well drilling equipment may be suitable for deep determining boring or test hole locations. If at all possible, the interpre-
geologic exploration. Normally samples are in the form of tation of geophysical studies should be verified by borings or test
sand-sized cuttings captured from the return flow, but coring excavations.
devices are available.
8. Sampling
7. Geophysical Exploration 8.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Practices D 75, D 1452,
7.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Test Methods D 4428 and D 1587, D 2113, D 3213, D 3550, D 4220, D 5079; Test
Method G 57. Method D 1586; Methods D 4452; and Guide D 4700.
7.2 Remote sensing techniques may assist in mapping the 8.2 Obtain samples that adequately represent each subsur-
geological formations and for evaluating variations in soil and face material that is significant to the project design and
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D 420 – 98 (2003)
construction. The size and type of sample required is depen- 10. Determination of Subsurface Conditions
dent upon the tests to be performed, the relative amount of 10.1 Subsurface conditions are positively defined only at the
coarse particles present, and the limitations of the test equip- individual test pit, hole, boring, or open cut examined. Condi-
ment to be used. tions between observation points may be significantly different
from those encountered in the exploration. A stratigraphic
NOTE 5—The size of disturbed or bulk samples for routine tests may
vary at the discretion of the geotechnical investigator, but the following profile can be developed by detailed investigations only where
quantities are suggested as suitable for most materials: (a) Visual determinations of a continuous relationship of the depths and
classification—50 to 500 g (2 oz to 1 lb); ( b) Soil constants and particle locations of various types of soil and rock can be inferred. This
size analysis of non-gravelly soil—500 g to 2.5 kg (1 to 5 lb); (c) Soil phase of the investigation may be implemented by plotting logs
compaction tests and sieve analysis of gravelly soils—20 to 40 kg (40 to of soil and rock exposures in walls of excavations or cut areas
80 lb); (d) Aggregate manufacture or aggregate properties tests—50 to 200 and by plotting logs of the test borings. Then one may
kg (100 to 400 lb). interpolate between, and extrapolate a reasonable distance
8.3 Accurately identify each sample with the boring, test beyond, these logs. The spacing of these investigations should
hole, or testpit number and depth below reference ground depend on the geologic complexity of the project area and on
surface from which it was taken. Place a waterproof identifi- the importance of soil and rock continuity to the project design.
cation tag inside the container, securely close the container, Exploration should be deep enough to identify all strata that
protect it to withstand rough handling, and mark it with proper might be significantly affected by the proposed use of the site
identification on the outside. Keep samples for natural water and to develop the engineering data required to allow analysis
content determination in sealed containers to prevent moisture of the items listed in Section 4 for each project.
loss. When drying of samples may affect classification or NOTE 6—Plans for a program of intrusive subsurface investigation
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engineering properties test results, protect them to minimize should consider possible requirements for permits for installation and
moisture loss. Practices D 4220 and D 5079 address the trans- proper closure of bore holes and wells at the completion of the investi-
portation of samples from field to laboratory. Most of the titles gation.
of the referenced standards are self-explanatory, but some need 10.2 The depth of exploratory borings or test pits for
elaboration for the benefit of the users of this guide. roadbeds, airport paving, or vehicle parking areas should be to
8.3.1 Practice D 75 describes the sampling of coarse and at least 5 ft (1.5 m) below the proposed subgrade elevation.
fine aggregates for the preliminary investigation of a potential Special circumstances may increase this depth. Borings for
source of supply. structures, excavations, or embankments should extend below
the level of significant stress or ground water influence from
8.3.2 Practice D 1452 describes the use of augers in soil
the proposed load as determined by subsurface stress analysis.
investigations and sampling where disturbed soil samples can
10.3 When project construction or performance of the
be used. Depths of auger investigations are limited by ground
facility may be affected by either previous water-bearing
water conditions, soil characteristics, and equipment used.
materials or impervious materials that can block internal
8.3.3 Test Method D 1586 describes a procedure to obtain drainage, borings should extend sufficiently to determine those
representative soil samples for identification and classification engineering and hydrogeologic properties that are relevant to
laboratory tests. the project design.
8.3.4 Practice D 1587 describes a procedure to recover 10.4 In all borrow areas the borings or test pits should be
relatively undisturbed soil samples suitable for laboratory sufficient in number and depth to outline the required quantities
testing. of material meeting the specified quality requirements.
8.3.5 Practice D 2113 describes a procedure to recover 10.5 Where frost penetration or seasonal desiccation may be
intact samples of rock and certain soils too hard to sample by significant in the behavior of soil and rock, borings should
Test Method D 1586 or Practice D 1587. extend well below the depth from finished grade of the
8.3.6 Practice D 3550 describes a procedure for the recov- anticipated active zone.
10.6 Exploration records shall be kept in a systematic
ery of moderately disturbed, representative samples of soil for
manner for each project. Such records shall include:
classification testing and, in some cases, shear or consolidation
10.6.1 Description of each site or area investigated. Each
testing.
test hole, boring, test pit, or geophysical test site shall be
clearly located (horizontally and vertically) with reference to
9. Classification of Earth Materials
some established coordinate system, datum, or permanent
9.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Terminology C 119; De- monument.
scriptive Nomenclature C 294; Classifications D 2487, D 2607, 10.6.2 Logs of each test hole, boring, test pit, or cut surface
D 3282; Practices D 2488, D 4083. exposure shall show clearly the field description and location
9.2 Additional description of samples of soil and rock may of each material and any water encountered, either by symbol
be added after submission to the laboratory for identification or word description. Reference to a Munsell color chart
and classification tests in accordance with one or more ASTM designation is a substantial aid to an accurate description of soil
laboratory standards or other applicable references, or both. and rock materials.
Section 10.6.3 discusses the use, for identification and for NOTE 7—Color photographs of rock cores, soil samples, and exposed
classification purposes, of some of the standards listed in 9.1. strata may be of considerable value. Each photograph should include an

D 420 – 98 (2003)
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identifying number or symbol, a date, and reference scale. same area. Extrapolation of data into local areas not surveyed
10.6.3 Identification of all soils based on Classification and tested should be made only for conceptual studies. Such
D 2487, Practice D 2488, Classification D 2607, or Practice extrapolation can be done only where geologically uniform
D 4083. Identification of rock materials based on Terminology stratigraphic and structural relationships are known to exist on
C 119, Descriptive Nomenclature C 294, or Practice C 851. the basis of other data. Cross sections may be developed as part
Classification of soil and rock is discussed in Section 9. of the site characterization if required to demonstrate the site
10.6.4 Location and description of seepage and water- conditions.
bearing zones and records of piezometric elevations found in 12.1.1 Cross sections included with the presentation of
each hole, boring, piezometer, or test pit. basic data from the investigation should be limited to the
10.6.5 The results and precise locations of in situ test results ground surface profile and the factual subsurface data obtained
such as the penetration resistance or vane shear discussed in at specific exploration locations. Stratigraphic units between
8.3, plate load tests, or other in situ test-engineering properties the locations of intrusive explorations should only be indicated
of soils or rock. if supported by continuous geophysical profiles.
10.6.6 Percentage of core recovery and rock quality desig- 12.1.2 Cross sections showing interpretations of strati-
nation in core drilling as outlined in 8.3.5. graphic units and other conditions between intrusive explora-
10.6.7 Graphical presentation of field and laboratory and its tions but without support of continuous geophysical profiles
interpretation facilitates comprehensive understanding subsur- should be presented in an interpretative report appendix or in a
face conditions. separate interpretative report. The interpretive cross sections
must be accompanied by notes describing anomalies or other-
11. In Situ Testing wise significant variations in the site conditions that should be
anticipated for the intended design or construction activities.
11.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Test Methods D 1194,
D 1195, D 1196, D 1586, D 2573, D 3017, D 3441, D 3885, NOTE 9—Additional exploration should be considered if there is not
D 4394, D 4395, D 4429, D 4506, D 4553, D 4554, D 4555, sufficient knowledge to develop interpretative cross sections, with realistic
descriptions of anticipated variations in subsurface conditions, to meet
D 4623, D 4630, D 4631, D 4645, D 4719, D 4729, D 4971, project requirements.
D 5093, D 5195, G 51; Guides D 3404, D 5126; and Practice
D 4403. 12.2 Subject to the restrictions imposed by state licensing
11.2 In situ testing is useful for: ( a) measurement of soil law, recommendations for design parameters can be made only
parameters in their undisturbed condition with all of the by professional engineers and geologists specializing in the
restraining or loading effects, or both, of the surrounding soil or field of geotechnical engineering and familiar with purpose,
rock mass active, and (b) for rapid or closely spaced measure- conditions, and requirements of the study. Soil mechanics, rock
ments, or both, of earth properties without the necessity of mechanics, and geomorphological concepts must be combined
sampling. Most of the titles of the various referenced standards with a knowledge of geotechnical engineering or hydrogeology
are self-explanatory, but some need elaboration for the users of to make a complete application of the soil, rock, and ground
this guide. water investigation. Complete design recommendations may
11.2.1 Test Method D 1586 describes a penetration test that require a more detailed study than that discussed in this guide.
has been correlated by many authors with various strength 12.3 Delineate subsurface profiles only from actual geo-
properties of soils. physical, test-hole, test-pit, or cut-surface data. Interpolation
11.2.2 Test Method D 2573 describes a procedure to mea- between locations should be made on the basis of available
sure the in situ unit shear resistance of cohesive soils by geologic knowledge of the area and should be clearly identi-
rotation of a four-bladed vane in a horizontal plane. fied. The use of geophysical techniques as discussed in 7.2 is a
11.2.3 Test Method D 3441 describes the determination of valuable aid in such interpolation. Geophysical survey data
the end bearing and side friction components of the resistance should be identified separately from sample data or in situ test
to penetration of a conical penetrometer into a soil mass. data.
11.2.4 Practice D 4403 describes the application of various
types of extensometers used in the field of rock mechanics. 13. Report
11.2.5 Test Method D 4429 describes the field determina- 13.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Terminology D 653;
tion of the California Bearing Ratio for soil surfaces in situ to Practices D 3584, E 177, E 380; and Guide D 4879.
be used in the design of pavement systems. 13.2 The report of a subsurface investigation shall include:
11.2.6 Test Method D 4719 describes an in situ stress-strain 13.2.1 The location of the area investigated in terms perti-
test performed on the walls of a bore hole in soil. nent to the project. This may include sketch maps or aerial
NOTE 8—Other standards for in situ test procedures and automated data photos on which the test pits, bore holes, and sample areas are
collection are being prepared by ASTM Committee D-18 for publication located, as well as geomorphological data relevant to the
at a later date. determination of the various soil and rock types. Such data
includes elevation contours, streambeds, sink holes, cliffs, and
12. Interpretation of Results the like. Where feasible, include in the report a geologic map
12.1 Interpret the results of an investigation in terms of or an agronomic soils map, or both, of the area investigated.
actual findings and make every effort to collect and include all 13.2.2 A description of the investigation procedures, includ-
field and laboratory data from previous investigations in the ing all borings and testhole logs, graphic presentation of all

D 420 – 98 (2003)
compaction, consolidation, or load test data tabulation of all 15. Keywords
laboratory test results, and graphical interpretations of geo-
15.1 explorations; feasibility studies; field investigations;
physical measurements.
foundation investigations; geological investigations; geophysi-
13.2.3 A summary of the findings obtained under Sections
cal investigation; ground water; hydrologic investigations;
4, 10, and 12, using subhead titles for the respective sections
and appropriate recommendations and disclaimers for the use maps; preliminary investigations; reconnaissance surveys;
of the report. sampling; site investigations (see Practice D 3584); soil sur-
veys; subsurface investigations
14. Precision and Bias
14.1 This guide provides qualitative data only; therefore, a
precision and bias statement is not applicable.
REFERENCES
(1) Engineering Geology Field Manual, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, tigations,” U.S Geological Survey Open-File Report R87-539, Denver,
1989. CO, 1988.
(2) Dietrich, R. V., Dutro, J. V., Jr., and Foose, R. M., (Compilers), “AGI (6) Dowding, C. H. (Ed.), “Site Characterization Exploration,” American
Data Sheets for Geology in Field, Laboratory, and Office,” Second Society of Civil Engineers, Proceedings of Specialty Workshop, New
Edition, American Geological Institute, 1982. York, NY, 1978.
(3) Pelsner, A. (Ed.), “Manual on Subsurface Investigations,” American
(7) “Earth Manual,” U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO.
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washing-
ton, DC. (8) “Engineering and Design—Geotechnical Investigation Engineer
(4) Shuter, E. and Teasdale, W. E., “Applications of Drilling, Coring and Manual,” EM 1110-1-1804, Headquarters, Department of the Army,
--`,`,`,,``,,,,,,,,,``,,````,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Sampling Techniques to Test Holes and Wells,” Techniques of Water- Washington, DC, 1984.
Resources Investigation, Book 2, U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, (9) “Agricultural Handbook, No. 436, Soil Taxonomy,” Soil Conservation
DC, 1989. Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, U.S. Printing Office, Washington,
(5) Keys, W. S., “Borehole Geophysics Applied to Ground Water Inves- DC, December, 1975.
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Designation: D 420 – 98 (Reapproved 2003)

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