CE 43 – SOIL MECHANICS

Experiment No. 1
Disturbed and Undisturbed Soil Sampling

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Submitted by:
Nicole S. Nicolas

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 Experiment No. 1
Disturbed and Undisturbed Soil Sampling

Objective

Discussion
Disturbed soil sampling is a key factor in the determination of the properties of soil. The
correct method of sampling will lead to more accurate results in the determination of soil
properties and structure. The storage of a sample, after it has been obtained, is as important as
sampling itself. If the storage is not done adequately it will lead to a chance in some of the
properties of the sample. The labeling of a sample is necessary for easy identification of the
sample and to avoid confusion if different persons undertake the sampling and testing of the soil
sample. A better filing of soil samples will also mean better control of data acquisition.
The preparation of an undisturbed soil sample is important in that soil sample represents
the actual soil structure found in the ground. The behavior of soil under load will be determined
from this sample. In a strict sense, there is never a truly undisturbed sample. The nearest case of

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undisturbed sample can be obtained when it retains its water content and structure and is
protected from undue strain while being obtained, transported and prepared in the laboratory.

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Equipment

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1. Soil lathe 6. Soil auger
2. Wire saws rs e 7. Spade or shovel
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3. Extruder if tube sample is used 8. Moisture tight containers
4. Miter box 9. Paraffin wax
5. Knife
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11. Procedure
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1. Clear the area of grass and vegetation where the sample is to be obtained.
2. With the use of soil auger, the soil is bored until desired depth is reached and obtained a
disturbed sample.
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3. Record the depth of each type of soil strata.

4. If an undisturbed sample is to be obtained a large hole should be dug but the middle
portion of the hole is not taken out.
5. Trim the middle portion of the soil until exact size is obtained with the use of the soil
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lathe and a wire saw. Make sure that the sides are enclosed in a container to prevent
crumbling.
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6. Place a cover of paraffin wax or other means of covering on the sample. Classify and
label the sample.
7. Place the soil in a container with adequate space such as canvass bags, cans and bins for
large quantifiers, and glass jars for small samples.
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8. Place a label on sample and prepare the corresponding sample data for filing purposes.
9. For disturbed sample, cover sample with paraffin wax after it has been placed in a
container.
10. Store sample in a cool room.
13.

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 14. Precaution in preparation of an undisturbed sample.
1. Never handle the specimen with your bare hands. Use a cellophane or wax paper.
2. When transporting a specimen, support it over the entire length.
3. Clean wire saw after every cut to remove soil stacking to it.
15. 18.
16. Sample Label 19.
17.
20. Project: Disturbed and 22. Boring No.: No. 1
Undisturbed Soil Sampling 23. File No.: No. 1
21. Location: In front of Calderon 24. Date: July 25, 2017
Hall, Silliman University 25. Sample No.: No. 1
26. Description of soil: Inevitably, some of the soils in the area have various vegetation
including worms. It is difficult for us, the students, to possible remove every aspect of
vegetation in our acquired soil sample.
27. Elevation of ground surface: Ground Level
28. Depth of sample bottom: 7.16cm

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29. Remarks: Cloudy day
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31. Sample Data for File
32.

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33. Project: Disturbed and 35. Boring No.: No. 1
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Undisturbed Soil Sampling 36. File No.: No. 1
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34. Location: In front of Calderon 37. Date: July 25, 2017
Hall, Silliman University 38. Sample No.: No. 1
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 39. Description of soil: Inevitably, some of the soils in the area have various vegetation
including worms. It is difficult for us, the students, to possible remove every aspect of
vegetation in our acquired soil sample.
40. Elevation of ground surface: Ground Level
41. Depth of sample bottom: 7.16cm
42. No. of samples in shipment: No. 1
43. Type of sample: Soil Sample
44. Original size of sample: h = 7.16cm
45. Condition of sample: Compact and Moist
46.
47. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the disturbed and undisturbed soil sampling method in soil
mechanics has to be handled carefully.we have to carefully remove its content before
using it to the extruder. Also, we should avoid handling the specimen with bare hands
for it will make a huge difference when acquiring the water content from the soil
sample.

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vi y re
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