ASTM D3213-19

Standard Practices for Handling, Storing, and Preparing Soft Intact Marine Soil

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Disturbance imparted to sediments after sampling can significantly affect some geotechnical properties. Careful practices need to be followed to minimize soil fabric changes caused from handling, transporting, storing, and preparing sediment specimens for testing.
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 testing/sampling/inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on may factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.  
5.2 The practices presented in this document should be used with soil that has a very soft or soft shear strength (undrained shear strength less than 25 kPa (3.6 psi)) consistency.
Note 2: Some soils that are obtained at or just below the seafloor quickly deform under their own weight if left unsupported. This type of behavior presents special problems for some types of testing. Special handling and preparation procedures are required under those circumstances. Tests, such as the handheld vane (D4648/D4648M) or miniature vane (D8121/D8121M), are sometimes performed at sea to minimize the effect of storage time and handling on soil properties. An undrained shear strength of less than 25 kPa was selected based on Terzaghi and Peck.3 They defined a soft saturated clay as having an undrained shear strength less than 25 kPa.  
5.3 These practices shall apply to specimens of naturally formed marine soil (that may or may not be fragile or highly sensitive) that will be used for density determination, consolidation, permeability testing or shear strength testing with or without stress-strain properties and volume change measurements (see Note 3). In addition, dy...
SCOPE
1.1 These practices cover methods for project/cruise reporting, and handling, transporting and storing soft cohesive intact marine soil. Procedures for preparing soil specimens for triaxial strength, and consolidation testing are also presented.  
1.2 These practices may include the handling and transporting of sediment specimens contaminated with hazardous materials and samples subject to quarantine regulations.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.  
1.4 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 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 means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.  
1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Sections 1, 2 and 7.  
1.6 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 Recommendat...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2019
• ICS: 07.060 - Geology. Meteorology. Hydrology
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.02 - Sampling and Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3213-13e1 - Standard Practices for Handling, Storing, and Preparing Soft Intact Marine Soil
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4648/D4648M-24 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for Saturated Fine-Grained Soil
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• 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 D8121/D8121M-19 - Standard Test Method for Approximating the Shear Strength of Cohesive Soils by the Handheld Vane Shear Device
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D8121/D8121M-18 - Standard Test Method for Approximating the Shear Strength of Cohesive Soils by the Handheld Vane Shear Device
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM D2488-17 - Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4648/D4648M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for Saturated<brk/>Fine-Grained Clayey Soil
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• 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 D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4648/D4648M-13 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for Saturated<brk/>Fine-Grained Clayey Soil
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4186/D4186M-12 - Standard Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Saturated Cohesive Soils Using Controlled-Strain Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• 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 D3740-12 - 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-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011

Overview

ASTM D3213-19: Standard Practices for Handling, Storing, and Preparing Soft Intact Marine Soil provides comprehensive guidelines for the project reporting, handling, transportation, storage, and laboratory preparation of soft, cohesive, intact marine soil samples. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is essential for maintaining the integrity of geotechnical specimens used in marine engineering and environmental studies, especially where undisturbed soil structure is critical for reliable laboratory testing.

Disturbance imparted to marine sediments after sampling can significantly impact their geotechnical properties. As such, ASTM D3213-19 sets out procedures to minimize changes to soil structure due to handling, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent tests for density, consolidation, permeability, and shear strength.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application:

  • Intended for very soft and soft marine soils, specifically those with undrained shear strength less than 25 kPa (3.6 psi).
  • Applies to samples collected at or just below the seafloor, which can deform or lose structure if not supported properly.

• Sample Handling and Storage:

  • Guidelines for bringing soil cores aboard vessels, sealing, labeling, and storing samples in their original orientation.
  • Special requirements for fragile or highly sensitive samples to minimize disturbance and moisture loss.

• Preparation for Laboratory Testing:

  • Detailed steps for preparing samples for triaxial, consolidation, and permeability tests.
  • Use of appropriate thin-walled rings, liners, and subsampling devices to preserve sample integrity.

• Safety and Regulatory Compliance:

  • Handling of potentially hazardous or quarantined materials as per international and local regulations.
  • Emphasis on health, safety, and environmental precautions when managing marine sediments.

• Reporting and Documentation:

  • Requirements for detailed records including project identification, sampling details, storage orientation, and any disturbances or issues encountered during recovery, transport, or storage.
  • Recommendations for marking and tracing samples throughout their lifecycle.

Applications

ASTM D3213-19 is relevant for a range of marine and offshore geotechnical applications:

• Geotechnical Investigation:

  • Used by marine engineers and geologists to inform the design and construction of offshore structures, subsea pipelines, and foundations, where knowledge of the in-situ properties of marine soils is critical.

• Research and Environmental Assessment:

  • Applicable in environmental studies where undisturbed marine sediment samples are required for accurate laboratory analyses, such as contaminant migration or habitat assessment.

• Sample Preservation During Transport:

  • Key in ensuring samples remain undisturbed from collection at sea through transit to shore-based laboratories, with practical guidance on vibration reduction, temperature maintenance, and moisture loss prevention.

• Hazardous Material Management:

  • Supports organizations dealing with marine soils contaminated with hazardous substances or subject to strict quarantine regulations.

Related Standards

ASTM D3213-19 references and aligns with several other ASTM standards and international guidelines, including:

• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D1587/D1587M: Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
• ASTM D2435/D2435M: Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties
• ASTM D2488: Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
• ASTM D3740: Minimum Requirements for Testing/Inspection Agencies
• ASTM D4220/D4220M: Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples
• ASTM D4452: X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
• ASTM D4648/D4648M: Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test
• ASTM D8121/D8121M: Shear Strength by Handheld Vane Shear Device

Following ASTM D3213-19, in conjunction with these related standards, ensures the reliability and reproducibility of marine soil sample testing for geotechnical and environmental purposes.

Keywords: marine soil handling, soft marine sediment, ASTM D3213-19, soil storage, geotechnical sample preparation, intact soil samples, soil transport, laboratory testing.

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: D3213 − 19
Standard Practices for
Handling, Storing, and Preparing Soft Intact Marine Soil
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3213; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 These practices cover methods for project/cruise
reporting, and handling, transporting and storing soft cohesive
2. Referenced Documents
intact marine soil. Procedures for preparing soil specimens for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
triaxial strength, and consolidation testing are also presented.
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.2 These practices may include the handling and transport-
Fluids
ing of sediment specimens contaminated with hazardous ma-
D1587/D1587MPractice forThin-WalledTube Sampling of
terials and samples subject to quarantine regulations.
Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
D2435/D2435MTest Methods for One-Dimensional Con-
standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
solidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
informationonlyandarenotconsideredstandard.Reportingof
D2488Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as
(Visual-Manual Procedures)
nonconformance with this standard. D2850Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial
Compression Test on Cohesive Soils
1.4 These practices offer a set of instructions for performing
D3740Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
education or experience and should be used in conjunction
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
with professional judgment. Not all aspects of these practices
D4186/D4186MTestMethodforOne-DimensionalConsoli-
may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is
dation Properties of Saturated Cohesive Soils Using
not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by
Controlled-Strain Loading
which the adequacy of a given professional service must be
D4220/D4220MPractices for Preserving and Transporting
judged, nor should this document be applied without consid-
Soil Samples
eration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Stan-
D4452Practice for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
dard” in the title means only that the document has been
D4648/D4648MTest Methods for Laboratory Miniature
approved through the ASTM consensus process.
Vane Shear Test for SaturatedFine-Grained Clayey Soil
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D8121/D8121MTest Method for Approximating the Shear
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Strength of Cohesive Soils by the Handheld Vane Shear
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Device
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
Specific precautionary statements are given in Sections 1, 2
3.1 Definitions—The definitions of terms used in these
and 7.
practices shall be in accordance with Terminology D653.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Summary of Practice
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Procedures are presented for handling, transporting,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
storing, and preparing very soft and soft, fine-grained marine
sediment specimens that minimize disturbance to the test
ThesepracticesareunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and
Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2019. Published February 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ɛ1
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D3213–13 . DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D3213-19. the ASTM website.
*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
D3213 − 19
4 5
reader is referred to papers by Johns, et al., and Lee.
specimenfromthetimeitisinitiallysampledatseatothetime
it is placed in a testing device in the laboratory.
6. Apparatus
5. Significance and Use 6.1 Coring Device, capable of obtaining high-quality soil
specimens, including related shipboard equipment such as
5.1 Disturbance imparted to sediments after sampling can
cable and winch. Typical coring devices used in industry are
significantly affect some geotechnical properties. Careful prac-
the wireline push or piston samplers.
tices need to be followed to minimize soil fabric changes
NOTE 5—Some sampling devices, for example, box corers, obtain
caused from handling, transporting, storing, and preparing
samples of a size or shape that are difficult to preserve. Such cores can be
sediment specimens for testing.
subsampled aboard ship by pushing a thin-walled sampler into the larger
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
size core. This method can produce samples from soils obtained near the
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
seafloor. The subsamples can then be handled and stored according to
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
these practices.
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing/sampling/inspection, etc. Users of this standard are 6.1.1 Metal or Plastic Liners or Barrels (Pipe or Thin-
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
Walled Tubes), the soil will be obtained or stored within, or
reliable results. Reliable results depend on may factors; Practice D3740
both. Short sections of the liner, sharpened on one end, may
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
also be used to subsample larger sized cores (see Note 5). It is
5.2 Thepracticespresentedinthisdocumentshouldbeused
important to note that liners constructed of cellulose acetate
with soil that has a very soft or soft shear strength (undrained butyrate (CAB) plastic are pervious to water. Polycarbonate is
shear strength less than 25 kPa (3.6 psi)) consistency. nearly impervious and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is impervious
to water migration.
NOTE 2—Some soils that are obtained at or just below the seafloor
6.2 Equipment Required on Board Ship to Seal and Store
quickly deform under their own weight if left unsupported. This type of
behavior presents special problems for some types of testing. Special
Soil Samples:
handling and preparation procedures are required under those circum-
6.2.1 Identification Material—This includes the necessary
stances. Tests, such as the handheld vane (D4648/D4648M) or miniature
writing pens, tags, and labels to properly identify the
vane (D8121/D8121M), are sometimes performed at sea to minimize the
sample(s).
effect of storage time and handling on soil properties.An undrained shear
strength of less than 25 kPa was selected based on Terzaghi and Peck. 6.2.2 Caps,eitherplastic,rubber,ormetal,tobeplacedover
They defined a soft saturated clay as having an undrained shear strength
the end of thin-walled tubes, liners and rings, and sealed with
less than 25 kPa.
tape or wax, or both.
6.2.3 Packers, or add wax to top and bottom of core to seal
5.3 These practices shall apply to specimens of naturally
formed marine soil (that may or may not be fragile or highly the ends of samples within thin-walled tubes.
sensitive) that will be used for density determination,
NOTE 6—Plastic expandable packers are preferred. Metal expandable
consolidation, permeability testing or shear strength testing
packers seal equally well; however, long-term storage using metal
with or without stress-strain properties and volume change expandable packers may cause corrosion problems.
measurements (see Note 3). In addition, dynamic and cyclic
6.2.4 Filler Material, used to occupy the voids at the top
testing can also be performed on the sample.
and bottom of the sediment container. The material must be
slightlysmallerthantheinsidedimensionsofthecontainerand
NOTE 3—To help evaluate disturbance, X-Ray Radiography has proven
must be a light-weight, non-absorbing, nearly incompressible
helpful, refer to Practice D4452.
substance. For example, wooden disks of various thicknesses
5.4 These practices apply to fine-grained soils that do not
that have been coated with a waterproofing material can be
allow the rapid drainage of pore water. Although many of the
used.
procedures can apply to coarser-grained soils, drainage may
6.2.5 Tape, either waterproof electrical or duct tape.
occur rapidly enough to warrant special handling procedures
6.2.6 Cheesecloth or Aluminum Foil, to be used in conjunc-
not covered in these practices.
tion with wax for block sample.
6.2.7 Sealing Wax, non-shrinking, non-cracking wax, in-
5.5 These practices apply primarily to soil specimens that
are obtained in thin-walled or similar coring devices that cludesmicrocrystallinewax,beeswax,ceresine,carnaubawax,
or combination thereof.
produce high-quality cores or that are obtained by pushing a
thin-walledtubeintocorestakenwithanothersamplingdevice.
NOTE7—Thewaxmustbeabletoadheretothecontainerandbeductile
enough not to chip or flake off during handling at cold temperatures.
5.6 These practices can be used in conjunction with soils
containing gas, however, more specialized procedures and
equipment that are not covered in these practices have been
Johns, M. W., Taylor, E., and Bryant, W. R., “Geotechnical Sampling and
developed for use with such materials.
Testing of Gas-Charged Marine Sediments at In Situ Pressures,” Geo-Marine
Letters, Vol 2, 1982, pp. 231–236.
NOTE 4—For information on handling gas charged sediments, the 5
Lee, H. J., “State of the Art: Laboratory Determination of the Strength of
Marine Soils,” Strength Testing of Marine Sediments, ASTM STP 883, ASTM,
1985, pp. 181–250.
Noorany, I., “Underwater Soil Sampling and Testing: A State of the Art
Terzaghi,K.andPeck,R.B., Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice,2nded., Review”, Underwater Soil Sampling, Testing, and Construction Control, ASTM
Wiley, 1967, p. 729. STP 501, ASTM, 1972, pp. 3–41.
D3213 − 19
Microcrystalline wax alone or in combination with other waxes has been
6.5.2 Thin-Walled Piston Subsampler,usedtoobtaintriaxial
shown to be satisfactory in sealing the ends of cores stored at low
test specimens from soil that quickly deforms under its own
temperatures.
weight if left unsupported (see Fig. 1).
6.2.8 Plastic Wrap, used to prevent the wax from adhering
NOTE 11—To minimize soil disturbance, the sampler wall thickness
tootherobjectsandprovidingadditionalprotectionagainstsoil
shouldbethethinnestpossiblethatwilladequatelyobtainatestspecimen.
moisture loss.
The area ratio (see Note 10) should be less than 10% and the inside
clearance ratio (refer to Practice D1587/D1587M) should be zero.
6.2.9 Core Storage Boxes.
6.2.10 Rope, Cord, or Chains, used to immobilize
7. Hazards
containers, boxes, or other core storage fixtures aboard ship.
7.1 Preserving and transporting soil samples may involve
6.2.11 Shipboard Refrigeration Equipment, when
personnel contact with hazardous materials, operations, and
geochemical, or gas-charged sediments are present or other
equipment. It is the responsibility of whoever uses these
special use. Refrigeration may not be needed under some
practices to consult and establish appropriate safety and health
circumstances, such as coring in shallow water in the tropics.
practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory
6.3 Equipment for Transporting Cores, used from the ship
limitations and requirements prior to use.
to a shore-based laboratory facility.
7.2 Special instructions, descriptions, and marking of con-
6.3.1 Packing—Material to protect against vibration and
tainersmustaccompanyandbeaffixedtoanysamplecontainer
shock, includes foam rubber.
thatmayincluderadioactivematerial,toxicchemicals,orother
6.3.2 Insulation, if refrigeration is not used, either granule
hazardous materials.
(bead) sheet, or foam type, to resist temperature change of soil
or to prevent freezing. 7.3 International or interstate transportation, containment,
storage, and disposal of soil samples obtained from certain
6.3.3 Shipping Containers, either box or cylindrical type
areaswithinorbetweencountriesmaybesubjecttoregulations
and of proper construction to protect against vibration, shock,
established by both the source and destination countries and/or
and other adverse conditions. Refer to Practices D4220/
local agencies.
D4220M.
NOTE 12—For example, transportation of soil samples from certain
NOTE 8—The length, girth, and weight restrictions for commercial
areas of the United States and foreign soils into or through the United
transportation must be considered.
States are subject to regulati
...

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.
´1
Designation: D3213 − 13 D3213 − 19
Standard Practices for
Handling, Storing, and Preparing Soft Intact Marine Soil
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3213; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorially updated units of measurement statement in April 2018.
1. Scope*
1.1 These practices cover methods for project/cruise reporting, and handling, transporting and storing soft cohesive intact
marine soil. Procedures for preparing soil specimens for triaxial strength, and consolidation testing are also presented.
1.2 These practices may include the handling and transporting of sediment specimens contaminated with hazardous materials
and samples subject to quarantine regulations.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for
information only and are not considered standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as
nonconformance with this standard.
1.4 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
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 means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM
consensus process.
1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Sections 1, 2 and 7.
1.6 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:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D1587D1587/D1587M Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
D2435D2435/D2435M Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedures)
D2850 Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial Compression Test on Cohesive Soils
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4186D4186/D4186M Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Saturated Cohesive Soils Using
Controlled-Strain Loading
D4220D4220/D4220M Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples
D4452 Practice for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
D4648/D4648M Test Methods for Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test for SaturatedFine-Grained Clayey Soil
These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and Related
Field Testing for Soil Evaluations.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2013Feb. 1, 2019. Published December 2013February 2019. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20082013
ɛ1
as D3213 – 08.D3213 – 13 . DOI: 10.1520/D3213-13E01.10.1520/D3213-19.
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.
*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
D3213 − 19
D8121/D8121M Test Method for Approximating the Shear Strength of Cohesive Soils by the Handheld Vane Shear Device
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The definitions of terms used in these practices shall be in accordance with Terminology D653.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Procedures are presented for handling, transporting, storing, and preparing very soft and soft, fine-grained marine sediment
specimens that minimize disturbance to the test specimen from the time it is initially sampled at sea to the time it is placed in a
testing device in the laboratory.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Disturbance imparted to sediments after sampling can significantly affect some geotechnical properties. Careful practices
need to be followed to minimize soil fabric changes caused from handling, transporting, storing, and preparing sediment specimens
for testing.
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
testing/sampling/inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results.
Reliable results depend on may factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
5.2 The practices presented in this document should be used with soil that has a very soft or soft shear strength (undrained shear
strength less than 25 kPa (3.6 psi)) consistency.
NOTE 2—Some soils that are obtained at or just below the seafloor quickly deform under their own weight if left unsupported. This type of behavior
presents special problems for some types of testing. Special handling and preparation procedures are required under those circumstances. Test Tests, such
as the handheld vane (D4648/D4648M) or miniature vane (D8121/D8121M), are sometimes performed at sea to minimize the effect of storage time and
handling on soil properties. An undrained shear strength of less than 25 kPa was selected based on Terzaghi and Peck. They defined a very soft saturated
clay as having an undrained shear strength less than 25 kPa.
5.3 These practices shall apply to specimens of naturally formed marine soil (that may or may not be fragile or highly sensitive)
that will be used for density determination, consolidation, permeability testing or shear strength testing with or without stress-strain
properties and volume change measurements (see Note 3). In addition, dynamic and cyclic testing can also be performed on the
sample.
NOTE 3—To help evaluate disturbance, X-Ray Radiography has proven helpful, refer to Practice D4452.
5.4 These practices apply to fine-grained soils that do not allow the rapid drainage of pore water. Although many of the
procedures can apply to coarser-grained soils, drainage may occur rapidly enough to warrant special handling procedures not
covered in these practices.
5.5 These practices apply primarily to soil specimens that are obtained in thin-walled or similar coring devices that produce
high-quality cores or that are obtained by pushing a thin-walled tube into cores taken with another sampling device.
5.6 These practices can be used in conjunction with soils containing gas, however, more specialized procedures and equipment
that are not covered in these practices have been developed for use with such materials.
4 5
NOTE 4—For information on handling gas charged sediments, the reader is referred to papers by Johns, et al., and Lee.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Coring Device, capable of obtaining high-quality soil specimens, including related shipboard equipment such as cable and
winch. Typical coring devices used in industry are the wireline push or piston samplers.
NOTE 5—Some sampling devices, for example, box corers, obtain samples of a size or shape that are difficult to preserve. Such cores can be subsampled
aboard ship by pushing a thin-walled sampler into the larger size core. This method can produce samples from soils obtained near the seafloor. The
subsamples can then be handled and stored according to these practices.
6.1.1 Metal or Plastic Liners or Barrels (Pipe or Thin-Walled Tubes), the soil will be obtained or stored within, or both. Short
sections of the liner, sharpened on one end, may also be used to subsample larger sized cores (see Note 5). It is important to note
that liners constructed of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) plastic are pervious to water. Polycarbonate is nearly impervious and
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is impervious to water migration.
Terzaghi, K. and Peck, R. B., Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice, 2nd ed., Wiley, 1967, p. 729.
Johns, M. W., Taylor, E., and Bryant, W. R., “Geotechnical Sampling and Testing of Gas-Charged Marine Sediments at In Situ Pressures,” Geo-Marine Letters, Vol 2,
1982, pp. 231–236.
Lee, H. J., “State of the Art: Laboratory Determination of the Strength of Marine Soils,” Strength Testing of Marine Sediments, ASTM STP 883, ASTM, 1985, pp.
181–250.
Noorany, I., “Underwater Soil Sampling and Testing: A State of the Art Review”, Underwater Soil Sampling, Testing, and Construction Control, ASTM STP 501, ASTM,
1972, pp. 3–41.
D3213 − 19
6.2 Equipment Required on Board Ship to Seal and Store Soil Samples:
6.2.1 Identification Material—This includes the necessary writing pens, tags, and labels to properly identify the sample(s).
6.2.2 Caps, either plastic, rubber, or metal, to be placed over the end of thin-walled tubes, liners and rings, and sealed with tape
or wax, or both.
6.2.3 Packers, or add wax to top and bottom of core to seal the ends of samples within thin-walled tubes.
NOTE 6—Plastic expandable packers are preferred. Metal expandable packers seal equally well; however, long-term storage using metal expandable
packers may cause corrosion problems.
6.2.4 Filler Material, used to occupy the voids at the top and bottom of the sediment container. The material must be slightly
smaller than the inside dimensions of the container and must be a light-weight, nonabsorbing,non-absorbing, nearly incompressible
substance. For example, wooden disks of various thicknesses that have been coated with a waterproofing material can be used.
6.2.5 Tape, either waterproof electrical or duct tape.
6.2.6 Cheesecloth or Aluminum Foil, to be used in conjunction with wax for block sample.
6.2.7 Sealing Wax, non-shrinking, non-cracking wax, includes microcrystalline wax, beeswax, ceresine, carnaubawax, carnauba
wax, or combination thereof.
NOTE 7—The wax must be able to adhere to the container and be ductile enough not to chip or flake off during handling at cold temperatures.
Microcrystalline wax alone or in combination with other waxes has been shown to be satisfactory in sealing the ends of cores stored at low temperatures.
6.2.8 Plastic Wrap, used to prevent the wax from adhering to other objects and providing additional protection against soil
moisture loss.
6.2.9 Core Storage Boxes.
6.2.10 Rope, Cord, or Chains, used to immobilize containers, boxes, or other core storage fixtures aboard ship.
6.2.11 Shipboard Refrigeration Equipment, when geochemical, or gas charged gas-charged sediments are present or other
special use. Refrigeration may not be needed under some circumstances, such as coring in shallow water in the tropics.
6.3 Equipment for Transporting Cores, used from the ship to a shore-based laboratory facility.
6.3.1 Packing—Material to protect against vibration and shock, includes foam rubber.
6.3.2 Insulation, if refrigeration is not used, either granule (bead) sheet, or foam type, to resist temperature change of soil or
to prevent freezing.
6.3.3 Shipping Containers, either box or cylindrical type and of proper construction to protect against vibration, shock, and the
elements. other adverse conditions. Refer to Practices D4220D4220/D4220M.
NOTE 8—The length, girth, and weight restrictions for commercial transportation must be considered.
6.4 Equipment for Storing Cores, used at the shore-based laboratory facility.
6.4.1 Refrigeration Unit, capable of maintaining a temperature close to the in situ condition, see 6.2.11.
6.4.2 Core Storage Boxes or Racks, capable of supporting all cores in the vertical same, typically near-vertical, orientation in
which they were obtained.
NOTE 9—An environment that is close to 100 % relative humidity may be required to minimize sediment water loss during storage of samples obtained
within cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) liners unless they are totally coated with impervious wax and plastic wrap. Other liner materials, such as
polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be more suitable for sample storage because of their low water transmissibility.
6.5 Equipment for Preparing Specimens, used for laboratory testing.
6.5.1 Thin-Walled Rings, made of stainless steel or other noncorrosive metal or material, used to obtain samples for
consolidation or permeability testing.
NOTE 10—The sampling ring may also be used as the test confining ring. For size and deformation requirements of consolidation test rings refer to
Test Methods D2435D2435/D2435M and D4186D4186/D4186M. Because of the small height to diameter ratio of consolidation samples and due to the
nature of consolidation testing, the inside clearance ratio as specified by Practice D1587D1587/D1587M can be reduced from 1 % to zero. The ring area
2 2 2
ratio, A , equal to [(Do − Di )/Di ] × 100 (terms are defined in Practice D1587D1
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