How To Read Boring Logs
How To Read Boring Logs
Logs
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Figure 1: Hollow Stem Augers and Flush Joint Casing
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Borings
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Soil Sampling
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Background Information
51 December 2006
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Engineers Notebook
By Richard P. Weber
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The columns (circled in blue) provide additional information and appear on all logs.
Study the information shown for sample S-2.
This sample was retrieved beginning at a
depth of 3 feet below ground surface (BGS)
and continuing to a depth of 5 feet BGS.
Although the driller drove the sampler 24
inches, when the driller opened the sampler,
there was only 14 inches of material recovered
in the barrel of the sampler. This information
is shown in the Penetration/Recovery column.
The total distance driven is Penetration and
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Soil Description
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Conclusion
The soil test boring log is a direct link between the actual subsurface conditions and
what is needed for engineering analysis. It is
a tool that conveys important data and often,
long after the soil samples have been discarded,
it is the only remaining evidence of what exists
underground. The log is effective when prepared carefully, but it can also be misleading if
important details are missing. The guidance
in this article will help structural engineers
properly interpret the information presented
on a soil test boring log.
BORING LOG
(Page 1 of 1) Boring
No: B-1
Date Started:
Date Completed:
Location:
MM/DD/YY
MM/DD/YY
Project Location
Total Depth:
Drill Rig Type:
Drilling Method:
16 ft.
ATV Track Rig
4.25 HSA
ID - 1.375, OD -2
N/A
Depth
(ft)
140 lbs.
Safety
30
Sample
Cop
No.
Depth
(ft)
1.0
Pen./
Rec.
(in)
*Blows Per
Six Inches/
RQD (%)
S1
3.0
4.0
S2
5.0
6.0
S3
7.0
8.0
S4
10.0
S5
9.0
Description of Samples
(Classification)
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2.0
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Fill
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PID
(ppm)
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20 40
60 80
16
33
62
Glacial
Till
11.0
Soil
Strata
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N Value (bpf )
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Remarks
Hammer Weight:
Hammer Type:
Drop:
73.5
9.7 ft after 4 hours
31
12.0
14.0
14.0
S6
16.0
16.0
1
S6 Clayey GRAVEL (GC),
24/18 17-44-16-34 fractured gravel, 35-40% fines,
gray, completely weathered rock.
Weathered
Rock
60
18.0
20.0
22.0
Remarks: 1 Strata change based on drillers observation
*Number of blows required for a 140 lb. hammer dropping 30 to drive 2 O.D., 1.375 I.D. sampler a total of 24 inches in four 6 increments. The
sum of the middle two increments of penetration is termed the standard penetration resistance, N. RQD = Rock Quality Designation. WOH = Weight
of Hammer. WOR = Weight of Drilling Rods.
STRUCTURE magazine
53 December 2006