ASTM D7015/D7015M-18

Standard Practices for Obtaining Intact Block (Cubical and Cylindrical) Samples of Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Intact block samples are suitable for laboratory tests where large-sized samples of intact material are required or where such sampling is more practical than conventional tube sampling (Practices D1587/D1587M and D6519), or both.  
4.2 The intact block method of sampling is advantageous where the soil to be sampled is near the ground surface. It is the best available method for obtaining large intact samples of very stiff and brittle soils, partially cemented soils, and some soils containing coarse gravel.  
4.3 Excavating a column of soil will relieve stresses in the soil and may result in some expansion of the soil and a corresponding decrease in its unit weight (density) or increase in sampling disturbance, or both. Usually the expansion is small in magnitude because of the shallow depth. Stress changes alone can cause enough disturbances in some soils to significantly alter their engineering properties.  
4.4 The chain saw has proved advantageous in sampling difficult soils, which are blocky, slickensided, or materials containing alternating layers of hard and soft material.3 The chain saw uses a special carbide-tipped chain.4
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective sampling. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 These practices outline the procedures for obtaining intact block (cubical and cylindrical) soil samples.  
1.2 Intact block samples are obtained for laboratory tests to determine the strength, consolidation, permeability, and other geotechnical engineering or physical properties of the intact soil.  
1.3 Two sampling practices are presented. Practice A covers cubical block sampling, while Practice B covers cylindrical block sampling.  
1.4 These practices usually involve test pit excavation and are limited to relatively shallow depths. Except in the case of large diameter (that is, diameters greater than 0.8 m [2.5 ft]) bored shafts of circular cross-section in unsaturated soils, for depths greater than about 1 to 11/2 meters [3 to 5 ft] or depths below the water table, the cost and difficulties of excavating, cribbing, and dewatering generally make block sampling impractical and uneconomical. For these conditions, use of a thin-walled push tube soil sampler (Practice D1587/D1587M), a piston-type soil sampler (Practice D6519), or Hollow-Stem Auger (Practice D6151/D6151M), Dennison, or Pitcher-type soil core samplers, or freezing the soil and coring may be required.  
1.5 These practices do not address environmental sampling; consult Guides D6169/D6169M and D6232 for information on sampling for environmental investigations.  
1.6 Successful sampling of granular materials requires sufficient cohesion, cementation, or apparent cohesion (due to moisture tension (suction)) of the soil for it to be isolated in a column shape without undergoing excessive deformations. Additionally, care must be exercised in the excavation, preservation and transportation of intact samples (see Practice D4220/D4220M, Group D).  
1.7 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units [given in brackets] are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.  
1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for s...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2018
• ICS: 13.080.05 - Examination of soils in general
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.02 - Sampling and Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7015-13 - Standard Practices for Obtaining Intact Block (Cubical and Cylindrical) Samples of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3740-23 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3740-19 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2488-17 - Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2937-17e2 - Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2937-17 - Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2937-17e1 - Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1587/D1587M-15 - Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1785-15 - Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM D6151/D6151M-15 - Standard Practice for Using Hollow-Stem Augers for Geotechnical Exploration and Soil Sampling (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D6519-15 - Standard Practice for Sampling of Soil Using the Hydraulically Operated Stationary Piston Sampler
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM B733-04(2014) - Standard Specification for Autocatalytic (Electroless) Nickel-Phosphorus Coatings on Metal
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12a - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1785-12 - Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012

Overview

ASTM D7015/D7015M-18 is a widely recognized international standard that provides detailed practices for obtaining intact block soil samples, both in cubical and cylindrical forms. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is crucial for geotechnical and engineering projects where large, undisturbed soil samples are required for laboratory analysis to determine essential soil properties such as strength, consolidation, and permeability. The procedures outlined are particularly valuable when tube sampling methods are impractical or when the preservation of structural integrity in stiff, brittle, or partially cemented soils is critical.

Key Topics

• Intact Block Sampling Methodology

  • Procedures for extracting large, undisturbed block samples from near-surface soils with minimal disturbance.
  • Instructions for both cubical (Practice A) and cylindrical (Practice B) block sampling techniques.
  • Recommendations for the use of specialized equipment, such as chain saws with carbide-tipped chains, to sample soils that are difficult to cut by traditional means.

• Applicability and Limitations

  • Best suited for shallow depths due to the impracticality of deep excavation, especially below the water table.
  • Particularly valuable for soils with sufficient cohesion, cementation, or apparent cohesion, including those containing coarse gravel or with partially cemented structure.

• Sample Preservation and Transportation

  • Guidance on handling, packing, and sealing samples to prevent moisture loss and preserve in-situ characteristics.
  • Emphasis on using suitable containers (wood, steel, or PVC) with protective coatings and proper identification labeling to maintain sample integrity during transportation.

• Data Recording and Reporting

  • Detailed requirements for documenting sample location, dimensions, orientation, and soil description in accordance with standardized data sheets.
  • Encouragement of photographic records and in-place description to support laboratory analysis.

• Safety Considerations

  • Highlighted risks associated with excavation and equipment use, stressing adherence to relevant safety regulations and the use of appropriate protective equipment.

Applications

• Geotechnical Investigations

  • Essential for projects involving foundation analysis, slope stability studies, and earthworks, where accurate representation of soil properties is required.
  • Used to obtain representative samples for laboratory testing of strength, compressibility, and permeability in large, undisturbed sections.

• Material Characterization

  • Supports advanced soil mechanics research and engineering design by allowing detailed examination of natural soil fabric and structure.
  • Enables reliable classification and identification of soil conditions that may impact construction or remediation efforts.

• Civil Engineering and Construction

  • Facilitates quality control and risk assessment in infrastructure projects by providing high-fidelity samples for testing.
  • Applied in the assessment of construction materials for roads, dams, embankments, and other earth structures.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1587/D1587M – Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
• ASTM D6519 – Sampling of Soil Using the Hydraulically Operated Stationary Piston Sampler
• ASTM D6151/D6151M – Using Hollow-Stem Augers for Geotechnical Exploration and Soil Sampling
• ASTM D4220/D4220M – Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples
• ASTM D2488 – Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures)
• ASTM D3740 – Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
• ASTM D6169/D6169M and D6232 – Guides for Environmental Investigations

ASTM D7015/D7015M-18 is a pivotal reference for professionals needing robust practices to obtain large, undisturbed soil specimens critical for geotechnical design, subsurface investigation, and reliable engineering decision-making. Following this standard helps ensure sample integrity, accurate lab results, and consistency across soil exploration activities.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7015/D7015M − 18
Standard Practices for
Obtaining Intact Block (Cubical and Cylindrical) Samples of
Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7015/D7015M; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 1.7 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
[given in brackets] are to be regarded separately as standard.
1.1 These practices outline the procedures for obtaining
The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
intact block (cubical and cylindrical) soil samples.
therefore,eachsystemshallbeusedindependentlyoftheother.
1.2 Intact block samples are obtained for laboratory tests to
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
determine the strength, consolidation, permeability, and other
formance with the standard. Reporting of test results in units
geotechnical engineering or physical properties of the intact
other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with
soil.
this standard.
1.3 Two sampling practices are presented. PracticeAcovers
1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
cubical block sampling, while Practice B covers cylindrical
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
block sampling.
Practice D6026 unless superseded by this standard.
1.4 These practices usually involve test pit excavation and
1.8.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
are limited to relatively shallow depths. Except in the case of
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
large diameter (that is, diameters greater than 0.8 m [2.5 ft])
industry standard. In addition they are representative of the
bored shafts of circular cross-section in unsaturated soils, for
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
depths greater than about 1 to 1 ⁄2 meters [3 to 5 ft] or depths
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
below the water table, the cost and difficulties of excavating,
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
cribbing, and dewatering generally make block sampling
ations for the user’s objectives; it is common practice to
impractical and uneconomical. For these conditions, use of a
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
thin-walled push tube soil sampler (Practice D1587/D1587M),
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
a piston-type soil sampler (Practice D6519), or Hollow-Stem
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
Auger (Practice D6151/D6151M), Dennison, or Pitcher-type
methods for engineering design.
soil core samplers, or freezing the soil and coring may be
required.
1.9 These practices offer a set of instructions for performing
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
1.5 These practices do not address environmental sampling;
education or experience and should be used in conjunction
consult Guides D6169/D6169M and D6232 for information on
with professional judgment. Not all aspects of these practices
sampling for environmental investigations.
may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is
1.6 Successful sampling of granular materials requires suf-
not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by
ficient cohesion, cementation, or apparent cohesion (due to
which the adequacy of a given professional service must be
moisture tension (suction)) of the soil for it to be isolated in a
judged, nor should this document be applied without consid-
column shape without undergoing excessive deformations.
eration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word "Stan-
Additionally, care must be exercised in the excavation, pres-
dard" in the title of this document means only that the
ervation and transportation of intact samples (see Practice
document has been approved through the ASTM consensus
D4220/D4220M, Group D).
process.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1 safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ThesepracticesareunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2018. Published December 2018. Originally
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D7015 – 13. DOI:
10.1520/D7015_D7015M-18. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7015/D7015M − 18
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor- stiff and brittle soils, partially cemented soils, and some soils
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- containing coarse gravel.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.3 Excavating a column of soil will relieve stresses in the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
soil and may result in some expansion of the soil and a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
corresponding decrease in its unit weight (density) or increase
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
in sampling disturbance, or both. Usually the expansion is
small in magnitude because of the shallow depth. Stress
2. Referenced Documents
changes alone can cause enough disturbances in some soils to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
significantly alter their engineering properties.
B733 Specification for Autocatalytic (Electroless) Nickel-
4.4 The chain saw has proved advantageous in sampling
Phosphorus Coatings on Metal
difficult soils, which are blocky, slickensided, or materials
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
containing alternating layers of hard and soft material. The
Fluids
chain saw uses a special carbide-tipped chain.
D1587/D1587M Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
D1785 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120
and objective sampling. Users of this standard are cautioned that compli-
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
ancewithPracticeD3740doesnotinitselfassurereliableresults.Reliable
(Visual-Manual Procedures)
results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of
D2937 Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the
evaluating some of those factors.
Drive-Cylinder Method
5. Apparatus
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
5.1 As shown in Fig. 1, excavating and trimming tools are
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
required. They may include such items as backhoe, pick,
D4220/D4220M Practices for Preserving and Transporting
shovel, chain saw, trowel, large and small knives, hacksaw
Soil Samples
blades, thin wire such as piano wire.
D5434 Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations
5.1.1 The chain for the chain saw is of standard design
of Soil and Rock
except that carbide tips are brazed to the cutting teeth. The
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
chain saw’s bar length should be greater than 450 mm [18 in.].
Data
5.2 Sample container having sufficient strength and rigidity
D6151/D6151M Practice for Using Hollow-StemAugers for
to avoid deformations that could damage the sample.
Geotechnical Exploration and Soil Sampling
5.2.1 For cubical block sampling, a cubical wooden, steel
D6169/D6169M Guide for Selection of Soil and Rock Sam-
box or any relatively rigid material that can be assembled into
pling Devices Used With Drill Rigs for Environmental
a box 10 mm to 15 mm [0.4 to 0.6 in.] larger than the sample
Investigations
dimensions may be used to contain the cubical block sample
D6232 Guide for Selection of Sampling Equipment for
during the required cutting process (see 7.1.8) or transportation
WasteandContaminatedMediaDataCollectionActivities
or both. The box should be fastened using screws, or bolts and
D6519 Practice for Sampling of Soil Using the Hydrauli-
nuts preferably before going to the field to verify that the parts
cally Operated Stationary Piston Sampler
fit together and can be assembled without vibrating or other-
wise disturbing the sample. Do not use nails or other devices
3. Terminology
that require hammering to assemble or disassemble the box.
3.1 Definitions:
5.2.2 Forcylindricalblocksampling,cylindricaltubesmade
3.1.1 For definition of terms in this standard refer to
of steel or any relatively rigid material may be used to contain
Terminology D653.
the cylindrical block sample during the required cutting pro-
cess (see 7.2.5) or transportation or both. Steel thin-walled
4. Significance and Use
tubes as described in Practice D1587/D1587M may also be
4.1 Intact block samples are suitable for laboratory tests
considered for securing samples. One end of the tube should
where large-sized samples of intact material are required or
have a sharpened cutting edge to assist in cutting the soil.
where such sampling is more practical than conventional tube
Cylindrical tubes made of PVC pipe should have a minimum
sampling (Practices D1587/D1587M and D6519), or both.
sidewall thickness of no less than that of a Schedule 80 pipe
4.2 The intact block method of sampling is advantageous (Specification D1785).
wherethesoiltobesampledisnearthegroundsurface.Itisthe
NOTE 2—Experience with thin-wall push tube sampling of soils
bestavailablemethodforobtaininglargeintactsamplesofvery
Tiedemann, D. A., GR-83-8, “Undisturbed Block Sampling Using a Chain
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Saw,” Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO, 1983, p. 19.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM USBR 7100-89, “Obtaining Undisturbed Block Samples by the Hand and
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Chain Saw Methods,” Earth Manual—Part 2 , Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO,
the ASTM website. 1990, pp. 1079-1083.
D7015/D7015M − 18
5.2.3.1 Stainless steel and brass tubes or boxes are resistant
to corrosion. Other types of coatings to be used may vary
depending upon the material to be sampled. Plating of boxes or
tubes or alternate base metals may be specified. Galvanized
boxes or tubes are often used when long-term storage is
required. Plating of the boxes or tubes or alternate base metals
may be specified. In general, the coating should be of sufficient
hardness and thickness to resist scratching that can occur from
quartz sand particles, Nickel Electroless plating (Specification
B733) has been used with good results.
5.3 Push Block—Any rigid material having sufficient
strength and rigidity to avoid deformations when forcing
downward the cylindrical block sampler tube. The dimensions
of the block should be larger in size than the cylindrical block
sampler tube.
5.4 Cheesecloth or similar cloth wrapping material.
5.5 Sealing wax, paintbrush, and melting stove or heater.
Use a sealing wax that does not shrink appreciably, does not
permit evaporation from the sample, and does not exhibit
brittle characteristics. Microcrystalline waxes are preferable to
paraffin.
5.6 Shipping containers, packing materials, labels, data
forms, hand tools, and other necessary supplies. Packing
material may be light, resilient polystyrene plastic, sawdust, or
smaller material.
5.7 Fuel for the wax melting stove or heater, and fuel and
lubricating oil for the chain saw.
5.8 Personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be consid-
ered when necessary. If a chain saw is used, eye and hearing
protection, gloves, chaps, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and
safety boots should also be considered.Ahard hat may also be
appropriate. A first aid kit should be available and an appro-
priate fire extinguisher should also be handy, especially where
a stove or heater is being used.
6. Hazards
6.1 Warning Statement—Trenching and excavation work
FIG. 1 Procedure for Rectangular Block Sampling
presents serious risks, such as buried or overhead hazards,
gas/electric lines, slope instability, ventilation, hearing, and
(Practice D1587/D1587M) indicates disturbance is minimized when the
like, to all workers involved. All excavations must be con-
cutting edge is about 10 degrees or less. This sharp angle is possible with
structed in accordance with applicable national, regional, or
metal tubes, but may not be with other materials such as PVC, and a sharp
local regulatory requirements. When using either a gas,
angle may not be critical to hand trimmed samples.
hydraulically, or electric powered chain saw, operate in accor-
5.2.3 Protective Coat
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7015 − 13 D7015/D7015M − 18
Standard Practices for
Obtaining Intact Block (Cubical and Cylindrical) Samples of
Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7015;D7015/D7015M; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 These practices outline the procedures for obtaining intact block (cubical and cylindrical) soil samples.
1.2 Intact block samples are obtained for laboratory tests to determine the strength, consolidation, permeability, and other
geotechnical engineering or physical properties of the intact soil.
1.3 Two sampling practices are presented. Practice A covers cubical block sampling, while Practice B covers cylindrical block
sampling.
1.4 These practices usually involve test pit excavation and are limited to relatively shallow depths. Except in the case of large
diameter (that is, diameters greater than ⁄4 m) 0.8 m [2.5 ft]) bored shafts of circular cross-section in unsaturated soils, for depths
greater than about 1 to 1 ⁄2 metres meters [3 to 5 ft] or depths below the water table, the cost and difficulties of excavating, cribbing,
and dewatering generally make block sampling impractical and uneconomical. For these conditions, use of a thin-walled push tube
soil sampler (Practice D1587D1587/D1587M), a piston-type soil sampler (Practice D6519), or Hollow-Stem Auger (Practice
D6151D6151/D6151M), Dennison, or Pitcher-type soil core samplers, or freezing the soil and coring may be required. These
practices do not address environmental sampling; consult Guides D6169 and D6232 for information on sampling for environmental
investigations.
1.5 These practices do not address environmental sampling; consult Guides D6169/D6169M and D6232 for information on
sampling for environmental investigations.
1.6 Successful sampling of granular materials requires sufficient cohesion, cementation, or apparent cohesion (due to moisture
tension (suction)) of the soil for it to be isolated in a column shape without undergoing excessive deformations. Additionally, care
must be exercised in the excavation, preservation and transportation of intact samples (see Practice D4220D4220/D4220M, Group
D).
1.7 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units [given in brackets] are to be regarded as standard. No other units
of measurement are included in separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore,
each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with
the standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026 unless superseded by this standard.
1.8.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry
standard. In addition they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not
consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives;
it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is
beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical methods for engineering design.
1.9 These practices offer a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of these practices may be
applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the
These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and Related
Field Testing for Soil Evaluations.
Current edition approved July 1, 2013Dec. 1, 2018. Published August 2013December 2018. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as
D7015 – 07.D7015 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/D7015-13.10.1520/D7015_D7015M-18.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7015/D7015M − 18
adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this 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 through
the ASTM consensus process.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory requirementslimitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B733 Specification for Autocatalytic (Electroless) Nickel-Phosphorus Coatings on Metal
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D1587D1587/D1587M Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
D1785 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures)
D2937 Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4220D4220/D4220M Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples
D5434 Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations of Soil and Rock
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
D6151D6151/D6151M Practice for Using Hollow-Stem Augers for Geotechnical Exploration and Soil Sampling
D6169D6169/D6169M Guide for Selection of Soil and Rock Sampling Devices Used With Drill Rigs for Environmental
Investigations
D6232 Guide for Selection of Sampling Equipment for Waste and Contaminated Media Data Collection Activities
D6519 Practice for Sampling of Soil Using the Hydraulically Operated Stationary Piston Sampler
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions:
3.1.1 For definition of terms in this standard refer to Terminology D653.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Intact block samples are suitable for laboratory tests where large-sized samples of intact material are required or where such
sampling is more practical than conventional tube sampling (Practices D1587D1587/D1587M and D6519), or both.
4.2 The intact block method of sampling is advantageous where the soil to be sampled is near the ground surface. It is the best
available method for obtaining large intact samples of very stiff and brittle soils, partially cemented soils, and some soils containing
coarse gravel.
4.3 Excavating a column of soil maywill relieve stresses in the soil and may result in some expansion of the soil and a
corresponding decrease in its unit weight (density) or increase in sampling disturbance, or both. Usually the expansion is small
in magnitude because of the shallow depth. Stress changes alone can cause enough disturbances in some soils to significantly alter
their engineering properties.
4.4 The chain saw has proved advantageous in sampling difficult soils, which are blocky, slickensided, or materials containing
3 4
alternating layers of hard and soft material. The chain saw uses a special carbide-tipped chain.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective sampling.
Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors;
Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Tiedemann, D. A., GR-83-8, “Undisturbed Block Sampling Using a Chain Saw,” Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO, 1983, p. 19.
USBR 7100-89, “Obtaining Undisturbed Block Samples by the Hand and Chain Saw Methods,” Earth Manual—Part 2 , Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO, 1990, pp.
1079-1083.
D7015/D7015M − 18
5. Apparatus
5.1 Excavating As shown in Fig. 1, excavating and trimming tools are required. They may include such items as backhoe, pick,
shovel, chain saw, trowel, large and small knives, hacksaw blades, thin wire such as piano wire. In addition, a sample container
having sufficient strength and rigidity to avoid deformations that could damage the sample.
5.1.1 The chain for the chain saw is of standard design except that carbide tips are brazed to the cutting teeth. The chain saw’s
bar length should be greater than 450 mm.mm [18 in.].
5.2 For cubical block sampling, a cubical wooden, steel box or any relatively rigid material that can be assembled into a box
10 mm to 15 mm larger than the sample side dimensions may be used to contain the cubical block sample during the required
cutting process (see Sample container having sufficient strength 7.1.8) or transportation or both. Steel boxes should have some form
of protective coating as outlined in 5.3, unless the soil is to be extruded in less than 3 days. The box should be fastened using
screws, or bolts and nuts preferable before going to the field to verify that the parts fit together and can be assembled without
vibrating or otherwise disturbing the sample. Do not use nails or other devices that require hammering to assemble or dissemble
the box.and rigidity to avoid deformations that could damage the sample.
5.2.1 For cubical block sampling, a cubical wooden, steel box or any relatively rigid material that can be assembled into a box
10 mm to 15 mm [0.4 to 0.6 in.] larger than the sample dimensions may be used to contain the cubical block sample during the
required cutting process (see 7.1.8) or transportation or both. The box should be fastened using screws, or bolts and nuts preferably
FIG. 1 Procedure for Rectangular Block Sampling
D7015/D7015M − 18
before going to the field to verify that the parts fit together and can be assembled without vibrating or otherwise disturbing the
sample. Do not use nails or other devices that require hammering to assemble or disassemble the box.
5.2.2 For cylindrical block sampling, cylindrical tubes made of steel or any relatively rigid material may be used to contain the
cylindrical block sample during the required cutting process (see 7.2.5) or transportation or both. Steel thin-walled tubes as
described in Practice D1587/D1587M may also be considered for securing samples. One end of the tube should have a sharpened
cutting edge to assist in cutting the soil. Cylindrical tubes made of PVC pipe should have a minimum sidewall thickness of no less
than that of a Schedule 80 pipe (Specification D1785).
NOTE 2—Experience with thin-wall push tube sampling of soils (Practice D1587/D1587M) indicates disturbance is minimized when the cutting edge
is about 10 degrees or less. This sharp angle is possible with metal tubes, but may not be with other materials such as PVC, and a sharp angle may not
be critical to hand trimmed samples.
5.2.3 Protective Coating—Corrosion, whether from galvanic or chemical reaction, can damage both the thin-walled tube and
the soil sample. Severity of damage is a function of time as well as interaction between the sample and the steel tubes or boxes.
Steel boxes and tubes should have some form of protective coating, unless the soil is to be extruded in less than three days. The
type of coating to be used may vary depending upon the material to be sampled. Organic or inorganic lubricants like penetrating
oil and non-stick cooking spray have been used to lubricate steel boxes or tubes prior to sampling and also aid in extrusion and
reduce friction. Tubes have been coated with lacquer or epoxy for reuse, but lacquer may not be suitable for longer storage periods
and must be inspected for inside wear.
5.2.3.1 Stainless steel and brass tubes or boxes are resistant to corrosion. Other types of coatings to be used may vary depending
upon the material to be sampled. Plating of boxes or tubes or alternate base metals may be specified. Galvanized boxes or tubes
are often used when long-term storage is required. Plating of the boxes or tubes or alternate base metals may be specified. In
general, the coating should be of sufficient hardness and thickness to resist scratching that can occur from quartz sand particles,
Nickel Electroless plating (Specification B733) has been used with good results.
5.3 Push Block—For cylindrical block sampling, cylindrical tubes made of steel or any relatively rigid material may be used
to contain Any rigid material having sufficient strength and rigidity to avoid deformations when forcing downward the cylindrical
block sample during the required cutting process (see sampler tube. 7.2.5) or transportation or both. Steel tubes should have some
form of protective coating, unless the soil is to be extruded in less than 3 days. The type of coating to be used may vary depending
upon the material to be sampled. Plating of the tubes or alternate base metals may be specified. Galvanized tubes are often used
when long-term storage is required. Tubes may be protected with a light coating of lubricating oil, lacquer, epoxy, or zinc oxide.
One end of the tube should have a sharpened cutting edge to assist in cutting the soil. Cylindrical tubes made of PVC pipe should
have a minimum sidewall thickness of no l
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