ASTM D420-18
(Guide)Standard Guide for Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes
Standard Guide for Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 An adequate site characterization will provide pertinent information for decision making on one or more of the following subjects:
4.1.1 Location of the structure, both vertically and horizontally, within the area of the proposed construction and selection of construction methods and equipment.
4.1.2 Location and preliminary evaluation of suitable borrow and other local sources of construction aggregates.
4.1.3 Need for special excavating and dewatering techniques 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 piezometric heads and apparent permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of the various subsurface strata.
4.1.4 Evaluation of slope stability in natural slopes, cuts, and embankments.
4.1.5 Conceptual selection of embankment types and hydraulic barrier requirements.
4.1.6 Conceptual selection of alternate foundation types and elevations of the corresponding suitable bearing strata.
4.1.7 Development of additional detailed site characterizations for specific structures or facilities.
4.2 The site characterization may require the collection of sufficiently large soil and rock samples of such quality as to allow adequate testing to determine the soil or rock classification or mineralogic type, or both, and the engineering properties pertinent to the proposed design.
4.3 This guide is not meant to be an inflexible description of requirements; methods defined by other ASTM standards or non-ASTM techniques may be appropriate in some circumstances. The intent is to provide a list to assist in preparation of a site characterization plan.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide refers to ASTM methods to perform site characterization for engineering, design, and construction purposes. The objective of the site characterization should be to identify and locate, both horizontally and vertically, significant soil and rock types and groundwater conditions present within a given site area and to establish the characteristics of the subsurface materials by sampling or in situ testing, or both.
1.2 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater samples is specified by other ASTM standards not listed herein. Subsurface exploration for environmental purposes is also outside the scope of this guide.
1.3 Prior to commencement of the site characterization the site should be checked for potentially hazardous or otherwise contaminated materials or cultural/archeological conditions. If evidence of unknown potentially hazardous or otherwise contaminated materials or conditions are encountered in the course of the site characterization, work shall be interrupted until the circumstances have been evaluated and revised instructions issued.
1.3.1 In addition the location and nature of underground and overhead utilities should be identified to ensure that there is no impact to the proposed site characterization. Impacts may include but are not limited to interference with geophysical methods, damaging utilities, creating an unsafe work condition, and limiting accessibility for exploratory equipment.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as the 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 non-conformance with the standard. Inch-pound units are provided in brackets for convenience.
1.5 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 represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a give...
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jan-2018
- Technical Committee
- D18 - Soil and Rock
- Drafting Committee
- D18.01 - Surface and Subsurface Investigation
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Mar-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Feb-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2019
Overview
ASTM D420-18: Standard Guide for Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes provides a comprehensive framework for conducting site investigations crucial to engineering projects. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines best practices for identifying, describing, and documenting soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to support design and construction activities. Proper site characterization not only enhances safety and construction efficiency but also ensures that engineering solutions are tailored to site-specific subsurface conditions.
Site investigation following ASTM D420-18 is foundational for feasibility studies, design planning, material selection, and risk assessment in projects ranging from structural foundations to earthworks. The standard enables professionals to collect the right type of data and use appropriate technology and methods, ensuring compatibility and consistency with other widely recognized ASTM soil and rock standards.
Key Topics
- Objective of Site Characterization: Establishes procedures for identifying significant soil and rock types, and groundwater conditions in both horizontal and vertical planes.
- Sampling and Testing: Stresses the importance of sample size, quality, and preservation for accurate classification and engineering property determination.
- Geophysical, Geological, and Mapping Methods: Recommends integrating data from literature, remote sensing, aerial photographs, field reconnaissance, and geophysical exploration to build a complete site profile.
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Requires assessment for hazardous materials and ensures that all site activities are performed in accordance with relevant regulations and standards.
- Utility and Environmental Considerations: Emphasizes careful identification of underground and overhead utilities to avoid interference or accidents, and prescribes preliminary evaluation for environmental and cultural sensitivities before commencing subsurface exploration.
- Use of Professional Judgment: Recognizes that local site constraints and professional expertise play a crucial role in selecting appropriate methods and interpreting results.
Applications
Site characterization according to ASTM D420-18 is widely applied in:
- Foundation Design: Assessing subsurface profiles for buildings, bridges, and infrastructure to determine suitable foundation types and bearing strata.
- Slope Stability & Embankment Evaluation: Identifying soil and rock properties for slope stability analysis in natural and engineered slopes.
- Material Sourcing: Locating and evaluating sources of construction aggregates and fill materials.
- Hydrogeological Assessment: Establishing the depth, flow, and properties of groundwater to design dewatering systems, assess drainage, or address water table issues.
- Risk Management: Aiding in the identification of geohazards such as sinkholes, landslides, or soil liquefaction potential.
- Site Development Planning: Informing the optimal location and orientation of structures, access routes, and utilities based on subsurface conditions.
- Infrastructure Maintenance: Guiding repairs or upgrades to existing structures by understanding underlying geologic materials and groundwater conditions.
These practices deliver practical value by reducing construction delays, mitigating risks, and enabling cost-effective, tailored engineering solutions.
Related Standards
ASTM D420-18 references and is complemented by several key standards, including:
- ASTM D2487: Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes
- ASTM D1586: Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
- ASTM D2113: Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site Exploration
- ASTM D5778: Electronic Friction Cone and Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soils
- ASTM D5092: Design and Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells
- ASTM D4428: Crosshole Seismic Testing
These and other referenced ASTM soil and rock exploration standards ensure a consistent and integrated approach to site investigation, data collection, and reporting, supporting the broader objectives of civil engineering and geotechnical design.
Keywords: site characterization, ASTM D420-18, engineering design, construction, subsurface investigation, soil sampling, rock exploration, geotechnical engineering, groundwater assessment, foundation design, site investigation standards.
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
Zavod za gradbeništvo Slovenije (ZAG) - Inšpekcija
ZAG inspection body for construction products, structures, and materials.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D420-18 is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 An adequate site characterization will provide pertinent information for decision making on one or more of the following subjects: 4.1.1 Location of the structure, both vertically and horizontally, within the area of the proposed construction and selection of construction methods and equipment. 4.1.2 Location and preliminary evaluation of suitable borrow and other local sources of construction aggregates. 4.1.3 Need for special excavating and dewatering techniques 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 piezometric heads and apparent permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of the various subsurface strata. 4.1.4 Evaluation of slope stability in natural slopes, cuts, and embankments. 4.1.5 Conceptual selection of embankment types and hydraulic barrier requirements. 4.1.6 Conceptual selection of alternate foundation types and elevations of the corresponding suitable bearing strata. 4.1.7 Development of additional detailed site characterizations for specific structures or facilities. 4.2 The site characterization may require the collection of sufficiently large soil and rock samples of such quality as to allow adequate testing to determine the soil or rock classification or mineralogic type, or both, and the engineering properties pertinent to the proposed design. 4.3 This guide is not meant to be an inflexible description of requirements; methods defined by other ASTM standards or non-ASTM techniques may be appropriate in some circumstances. The intent is to provide a list to assist in preparation of a site characterization plan. SCOPE 1.1 This guide refers to ASTM methods to perform site characterization for engineering, design, and construction purposes. The objective of the site characterization should be to identify and locate, both horizontally and vertically, significant soil and rock types and groundwater conditions present within a given site area and to establish the characteristics of the subsurface materials by sampling or in situ testing, or both. 1.2 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater samples is specified by other ASTM standards not listed herein. Subsurface exploration for environmental purposes is also outside the scope of this guide. 1.3 Prior to commencement of the site characterization the site should be checked for potentially hazardous or otherwise contaminated materials or cultural/archeological conditions. If evidence of unknown potentially hazardous or otherwise contaminated materials or conditions are encountered in the course of the site characterization, work shall be interrupted until the circumstances have been evaluated and revised instructions issued. 1.3.1 In addition the location and nature of underground and overhead utilities should be identified to ensure that there is no impact to the proposed site characterization. Impacts may include but are not limited to interference with geophysical methods, damaging utilities, creating an unsafe work condition, and limiting accessibility for exploratory equipment. 1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as the 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 non-conformance with the standard. Inch-pound units are provided in brackets for convenience. 1.5 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 represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a give...
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 An adequate site characterization will provide pertinent information for decision making on one or more of the following subjects: 4.1.1 Location of the structure, both vertically and horizontally, within the area of the proposed construction and selection of construction methods and equipment. 4.1.2 Location and preliminary evaluation of suitable borrow and other local sources of construction aggregates. 4.1.3 Need for special excavating and dewatering techniques 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 piezometric heads and apparent permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of the various subsurface strata. 4.1.4 Evaluation of slope stability in natural slopes, cuts, and embankments. 4.1.5 Conceptual selection of embankment types and hydraulic barrier requirements. 4.1.6 Conceptual selection of alternate foundation types and elevations of the corresponding suitable bearing strata. 4.1.7 Development of additional detailed site characterizations for specific structures or facilities. 4.2 The site characterization may require the collection of sufficiently large soil and rock samples of such quality as to allow adequate testing to determine the soil or rock classification or mineralogic type, or both, and the engineering properties pertinent to the proposed design. 4.3 This guide is not meant to be an inflexible description of requirements; methods defined by other ASTM standards or non-ASTM techniques may be appropriate in some circumstances. The intent is to provide a list to assist in preparation of a site characterization plan. SCOPE 1.1 This guide refers to ASTM methods to perform site characterization for engineering, design, and construction purposes. The objective of the site characterization should be to identify and locate, both horizontally and vertically, significant soil and rock types and groundwater conditions present within a given site area and to establish the characteristics of the subsurface materials by sampling or in situ testing, or both. 1.2 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater samples is specified by other ASTM standards not listed herein. Subsurface exploration for environmental purposes is also outside the scope of this guide. 1.3 Prior to commencement of the site characterization the site should be checked for potentially hazardous or otherwise contaminated materials or cultural/archeological conditions. If evidence of unknown potentially hazardous or otherwise contaminated materials or conditions are encountered in the course of the site characterization, work shall be interrupted until the circumstances have been evaluated and revised instructions issued. 1.3.1 In addition the location and nature of underground and overhead utilities should be identified to ensure that there is no impact to the proposed site characterization. Impacts may include but are not limited to interference with geophysical methods, damaging utilities, creating an unsafe work condition, and limiting accessibility for exploratory equipment. 1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded as the 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 non-conformance with the standard. Inch-pound units are provided in brackets for convenience. 1.5 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 represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a give...
ASTM D420-18 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D420-18 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D420-98(2003), ASTM D6914/D6914M-16(2024), ASTM D6914/D6914M-16(2024), ASTM G51-23, ASTM D5778-20, ASTM D4544-20, ASTM D5088-20, ASTM D6391-11(2020), ASTM D4050-20, ASTM D4719-20, ASTM D4403-20, ASTM D6432-19, ASTM D75/D75M-19, ASTM D6286-19, ASTM D4729-19. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D420-18 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D420 − 18
Standard Guide for
Site Characterization for Engineering Design and
Construction Purposes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D420; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Site characterization for engineering design and construction purposes 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 site characterization, by design requirements for the
project proposed, and by the background, training, and experience of the staff involved.
This document is a guide to the selection of the variousASTM standards that are available for the
exploration of soil, rock, and groundwater for projects that involve surface and/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
historical modifications both natural and manmade, an adequate and internally consistent exploration
program will allow evaluation of the results of these influences.
1. Scope* 1.3.1 Inadditionthelocationandnatureofundergroundand
overhead utilities should be identified to ensure that there is no
1.1 This guide refers to ASTM methods to perform site
impact to the proposed site characterization. Impacts may
characterization for engineering, design, and construction pur-
include but are not limited to interference with geophysical
poses. The objective of the site characterization should be to
methods, damaging utilities, creating an unsafe work
identify and locate, both horizontally and vertically, significant
condition,andlimitingaccessibilityforexploratoryequipment.
soil and rock types and groundwater conditions present within
a given site area and to establish the characteristics of the 1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
subsurface materials by sampling or in situ testing, or both. are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system
1.2 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
samplesisspecifiedbyotherASTMstandardsnotlistedherein.
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
Subsurface exploration for environmental purposes is also
standard. Inch-pound units are provided in brackets for conve-
outside the scope of this guide.
nience.
1.3 Prior to commencement of the site characterization the
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information
site should be checked for potentially hazardous or otherwise
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
contaminated materials or cultural/archeological conditions. If
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
evidence of unknown potentially hazardous or otherwise con-
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
taminatedmaterialsorconditionsareencounteredinthecourse
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
of the site characterization, work shall be interrupted until the
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
circumstances have been evaluated and revised instructions
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
issued.
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock
unique aspects. The word“ Standard” in the title of this
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface
document means only that the document has been approved
Characterization.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2018. Published March 2018. Originally
through the ASTM consensus process.
published as D420 – 65T. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D420 – 93(2003), which was withdrawn January 2012 and reinstated February
2018. DOI: 10.1520/D0420_D0420M-18. safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
*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
D420 − 18
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Saturated Fine-Grained Soils
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- D3213 Practices for Handling, Storing, and Preparing Soft
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Intact Marine Soil
1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the D3282 Practice for Classification of Soils and Soil-
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Aggregate Mixtures for Highway Construction Purposes
Practice D6026. D3385 Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field
Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer
1.8 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
D3404 Guide for Measuring Matric Potential in Vadose
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the
Zone Using Tensiometers
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
D3550/D3550M Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
D4044/D4044M Test Method for (Field Procedure) for In-
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
stantaneous Change in Head (Slug) Tests for Determining
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
Hydraulic Properties of Aquifers
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
D4050 Test Method for (Field Procedure) for Withdrawal
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
and Injection Well Testing for Determining Hydraulic
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
Properties of Aquifer Systems
methods for engineering design.
D4083 Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual-
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
Manual Procedure)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D4220/D4220M Practices for Preserving and Transporting
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Soil Samples
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D4394 Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Deformation of Rock Mass Using Rigid Plate Loading
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Method
D4395 Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of
2. Referenced Documents
Deformation of Rock Mass Using Flexible Plate Loading
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Method
C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
D4403 Practice for Extensometers Used in Rock
C294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Con-
D4428/D4428M Test Methods for Crosshole Seismic Test-
crete Aggregates
ing
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D4429 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Soils in Place (Withdrawn 2018)
Fluids
D4452 Practice for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
D1195/D1195M Test Method for Repetitive Static Plate
D4506 Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of
Load Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement Components,
Deformation of Rock Mass Using Radial Jacking Test
for Use in Evaluation and Design ofAirport and Highway
D4544 Practice for Estimating Peat Deposit Thickness
Pavements
D4553 Test Method for Determining In Situ Creep Charac-
D1196/D1196M Test Method for Nonrepetitive Static Plate
teristics of Rock (Withdrawn 2017)
Load Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement Components,
D4554 Test Method for In Situ Determination of Direct
for Use in Evaluation and Design ofAirport and Highway
Shear Strength of Rock Discontinuities
Pavements
D4555 Test Method for Determining Deformability and
D1452/D1452M Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling
Strength of Weak Rock by an In Situ Uniaxial Compres-
by Auger Borings
sive Test
D1586 Test Method for Standard PenetrationTest (SPT) and
D4623 Test Method for Determination of In Situ Stress in
Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
Rock Mass by Overcoring Method—Three Component
D1587/D1587M Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of
Borehole Deformation Gauge
Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
D4630 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity and
D2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of
Storage Coefficient of Low-Permeability Rocks by In Situ
Rock for Site Exploration
Measurements Using the Constant Head Injection Test
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
(Withdrawn 2017)
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
D4631 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity and
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
Storativity of Low Permeability Rocks by In Situ Mea-
(Visual-Manual Procedures)
surements Using Pressure Pulse Technique (Withdrawn
D2573/D2573M Test Method for Field Vane Shear Test in
2017)
D4633 Test Method for Energy Measurement for Dynamic
Penetrometers
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
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 The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
D420 − 18
D4645 Test Method for Determination of In-Situ Stress in D6431 Guide for Using the Direct Current Resistivity
Rock Using Hydraulic Fracturing Method (Withdrawn Method for Subsurface Investigation
D6432 Guide for Using the Surface Ground Penetrating
2017)
D4700 Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone Radar Method for Subsurface Investigation
D6635 Test Method for Performing the Flat Plate Dilatom-
D4719 Test Methods for Prebored Pressuremeter Testing in
eter
Soils (Withdrawn 2016)
D6914/D6914M Practice for Sonic Drilling for Site Charac-
D4729 Test Method for In Situ Stress and Modulus of
terization and the Installation of Subsurface Monitoring
Deformation Using Flatjack Method (Withdrawn 2017)
Devices
D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
D7015 Practices for Obtaining Intact Block (Cubical and
D4879 Guide for Geotechnical Mapping of Large Under-
Cylindrical) Samples of Soils
ground Openings in Rock (Withdrawn 2017)
D7046 Guide for Use of the Metal Detection Method for
D4971 Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of
Subsurface Exploration
Deformation of Rock Using Diametrically Loaded 76-mm
D7128 Guide for Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for
(3-in.) Borehole Jack
Shallow Subsurface Investigation
D5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core
D7400 Test Methods for Downhole Seismic Testing
Samples (Withdrawn 2017)
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
ASTM Test Methods
Used at Waste Sites
G51 Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in
D5092/D5092M Practice for Design and Installation of
Corrosion Testing
Groundwater Monitoring Wells
G57 Test Method for Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity
D5093 Test Method for Field Measurement of Infiltration
Using the Wenner Four-Electrode Method
Rate Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer with Sealed-Inner
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 American National Standard for Metric
Ring
Practice
D5126 Guide for Comparison of Field Methods for Deter-
mining Hydraulic Conductivity in Vadose Zone
3. Terminology
D5195 Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock In-Place at
3.1 Definitions:
Depths Below Surface by Nuclear Methods
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
D5731 Test Method for Determination of the Point Load
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
Strength Index of Rock andApplication to Rock Strength
Classifications
4. Significance and Use
D5753 Guide for Planning and Conducting Geotechnical
Borehole Geophysical Logging 4.1 An adequate site characterization will provide pertinent
information for decision making on one or more of the
D5776 Test Method for Bromine Index of Aromatic Hydro-
following subjects:
carbons by Electrometric Titration
4.1.1 Location of the structure, both vertically and
D5777 Guide for Using the Seismic Refraction Method for
horizontally, within the area of the proposed construction and
Subsurface Investigation
selection of construction methods and equipment.
D5778 Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone and Piezo-
4.1.2 Location and preliminary evaluation of suitable bor-
cone Penetration Testing of Soils
row and other local sources of construction aggregates.
D5878 Guides for Using Rock-Mass Classification Systems
4.1.3 Need for special excavating and dewatering tech-
for Engineering Purposes
niques with the corresponding need for information, even if
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
only approximate, on the distribution of soil water content or
Data
pore pressure, or both, and on the piezometric heads and
D6032/D6032M Test Method for Determining Rock Quality
apparent permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of the various
Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
subsurface strata.
D6151/D6151M Practice for Using Hollow-StemAugers for
4.1.4 Evaluation of slope stability in natural slopes, cuts,
Geotechnical Exploration and Soil Sampling
and embankments.
D6169/D6169M Guide for Selection of Soil and Rock Sam-
4.1.5 Conceptual selection of embankment types and hy-
pling Devices Used With Drill Rigs for Environmental
draulic barrier requirements.
Investigations
4.1.6 Conceptual selection of alternate foundation types and
D6282/D6282M Guide for Direct Push Soil Sampling for
elevations of the corresponding suitable bearing strata.
Environmental Site Characterizations
4.1.7 Development of additional detailed site characteriza-
D6286 Guide for Selection of Drilling Methods for Environ-
tions for specific structures or facilities.
mental Site Characterization
D6391 Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic 4.2 The site characterization may require the collection of
Conductivity Using Borehole Infiltration
sufficiently large soil and rock samples of such quality as to
D6429 Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods allow adequate testing to determine the soil or rock classifica-
D6430 Guide for Using the Gravity Method for Subsurface tion or mineralogic type, or both, and the engineering proper-
Site Characterization ties pertinent to the proposed design.
D420 − 18
4.3 This guide is not meant to be an inflexible description of 6.3 Permit and access requirements as well as private or
requirements; methods defined by other ASTM standards or governmental organization issues should be identified. Prior to
non-ASTM techniques may be appropriate in some circum- any onsite activities, all necessary approvals and permits shall
stances.The intent is to provide a list to assist in preparation of be obtained including those related to cultural and wildlife
a site characterization plan. resources.
6.4 Acomplete site characterization covering soil, rock, and
5. Reconnaissance of Project Area
groundwater may encompass the following activities:
5.1 Available technical data from literature, internet, or
6.4.1 Review of available information, both regional and
from personal communication should be reviewed before a
local, on the geologic history, rock, soil, and groundwater
field program is started. These include, but are not limited to,
conditions occurring at the proposed location and in the
topographic maps, aerial photography, satellite imagery, geo-
immediate vicinity of the site.
logic maps, soil surveys and mineral resource surveys, and
6.4.2 Interpretation of aerial photography and other remote
engineering soil maps covering the proposed project area.
sensing data.
Available site characterization reports of nearby or adjacent
6.4.3 Field reconnaissance for identification of surficial
projects should be studied.
geologic conditions, mapping of stratigraphic exposures and
5.2 Older maps and reports may be obsolete and of limited
outcrops, and examination of the performance of existing
value in the light of current knowledge; however comparing
structures.
the old with the new can often reveal valuable information.
6.4.4 On site examination of the surface and subsurface
5.3 Each soil type has a distinctive soil profile due to age, materials by geophysical surveys, borings, or test pits.
parent material, relief, climatic condition, and biological activ-
6.4.5 Recovery of representative disturbed samples for
ity. Consideration of these factors can assist in identifying the
laboratory classification tests of soil, rock, and local construc-
various soil types, each requiring special engineering consid-
tion material. These may be supplemented by intact specimens
erations and treatment. Similar engineering soil properties are
suitable for the determination of those engineering properties
often found where similar soil profiles characteristics exist.
pertinent to the site characterization.
Changes in soil properties in adjacent areas often indicate
6.4.6 Identification of the position of the groundwater sur-
changes in parent material or relief.
faces (water tables), perched groundwater zones, or potentio-
metric surfaces (piezometric surfaces) of artesian aquifers.The
5.4 In areas where descriptive data are limited by insuffi-
variabilityofthesepositionsinbothshortandlongtimeframes
cientgeologicorsoilmaps,thesoilandrockinopencutsinthe
should be considered. Color mottling of the soil strata may be
vicinity of the proposed project should be studied and various
indicative of long-term seasonal high groundwater positions.
soil and rock profiles noted. Field notes of such studies should
The location of any surface water to groundwater interactions
include data described later in this guide.
(caves, sinkholes, losing streams, springs, seeps, etc.) that may
5.5 Ifapreliminarymapcoveringtheprojectareaisdesired,
impact development, and may need protection during and after
it can be prepared on maps compiled from aerial photography
development.
that show the ground conditions. The distribution of the
6.4.7 Identification and assessment of the location of suit-
predominant soil and rock deposits likely to be encountered
able foundation material and adequate onsite fill material.
during the site characterization may be shown using data
6.4.8 Field identification of soil sediments, and rock, with
obtained from geologic maps, landform analysis and limited
particular reference to type and degree of decomposition (for
ground reconnaissance. Experienced photo-interpreters can
example, saprolite, karst, decomposing or slaking shales), the
deduce much subsurface data from a study of black and white,
depths of their occurrence and the types and locations of their
color, and infrared photographs because similar soil or rock
structural discontinuities.
conditions,orboth,usuallyhavesimilarpatternsofappearance
6.4.9 Evaluation of the performance of existing
in regions of similar climate or vegetation. This preliminary
installations, relative to their structure foundation material and
map may be expanded into
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...