ASTM D1586-08
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method provides a disturbed soil sample for moisture content determination, for identification and classification (Practices D 2487 and D 2488) purposes, and for laboratory tests appropriate for soil obtained from a sampler that will produce large shear strain disturbance in the sample such as Test Methods D 854, D 2216, and D 6913. Soil deposits containing gravels, cobbles, or boulders typically result in penetration refusal and damage to the equipment.
This test method provides a disturbed soil sample for moisture content determination and laboratory identification. Sample quality is generally not suitable for advanced laboratory testing for engineering properties. The process of driving the sampler will cause disturbance of the soil and change the engineering properties. Use of the thin wall tube sampler (Practice D 1587) may result in less disturbance in soft soils. Coring techniques may result in less disturbance than SPT sampling for harder soils, but it is not always the case, that is, some cemented soils may become loosened by water action during coring; see Practice D 6151, and Guide D 6169.
This test method is used extensively in a great variety of geotechnical exploration projects. Many local correlations and widely published correlations which relate blow count, or N-value, and the engineering behavior of earthworks and foundations are available. For evaluating the liquefaction potential of sands during an earthquake event, the N-value should be normalized to a standard overburden stress level. Practice D 6066 provides methods to obtain a record of normalized resistance of sands to the penetration of a standard sampler driven by a standard energy. The penetration resistance is adjusted to drill rod energy ratio of 60 % by using a hammer system with either an estimated energy delivery or directly measuring drill rod stress wave energy using Test Method D 4633.
Note 1—The reliability of data and interpretations generated by this practice i...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the procedure, generally known as the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), for driving a split-barrel sampler to obtain a representative disturbed soil sample for identification purposes, and measure the resistance of the soil to penetration of the sampler. Another method (Test Method D 3550) to drive a split-barrel sampler to obtain a representative soil sample is available but the hammer energy is not standardized.
1.2 Practice D 6066 gives a guide to determining the normalized penetration resistance of sands for energy adjustments of N-value to a constant energy level for evaluating liquefaction potential.
1.3 Test results and identification information are used to estimate subsurface conditions for foundation design.
1.4 Penetration resistance testing is typically performed at 5-foot depth intervals or when a significant change of materials is observed during drilling, unless otherwise specified.
1.5 This test method is limited to use in nonlithified soils and soils whose maximum particle size is approximately less than one-half of the sampler diameter.
1.6 This test method involves use of rotary drilling equipment (Guide D 5783, Practice D 6151). Other drilling and sampling procedures (Guide D 6286, Guide D 6169) are available and may be more appropriate. Considerations for hand driving or shallow sampling without boreholes are not addressed. Subsurface investigations should be recorded in accordance with Practice D 5434. Samples should be preserved and transported in accordance with Practice D 4220 using Group B. Soil samples should be identified by group name and symbol in accordance with Practice D 2488.
1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D 6026, unless superseded by this test method.
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard, except as noted below...
General Information
Relations
Buy Standard
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D 1586 – 08
Standard Test Method for
Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling
1
of Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1586; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope* parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, which
are provided for information only and are not considered
1.1 This test method describes the procedure, generally
standard.
known as the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), for driving a
1.8.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
split-barrel sampler to obtain a representative disturbed soil
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
sample for identification purposes, and measure the resistance
(lbf)representsaunitofforce(weight),whiletheunitformass
of the soil to penetration of the sampler.Another method (Test
is slugs.
Method D3550) to drive a split-barrel sampler to obtain a
1.9 Penetration resistance measurements often will involve
representative soil sample is available but the hammer energy
safety planning, administration, and documentation. This test
is not standardized.
method does not purport to address all aspects of exploration
1.2 Practice D6066 gives a guide to determining the nor-
andsitesafety. This standard does not purport to address all of
malized penetration resistance of sands for energy adjustments
the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of N-value to a constant energy level for evaluating liquefac-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tion potential.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.3 Test results and identification information are used to
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.Performanceofthe
estimate subsurface conditions for foundation design.
test usually involves use of a drill rig; therefore, safety
1.4 Penetration resistance testing is typically performed at
requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards (for
5-footdepthintervalsorwhenasignificantchangeofmaterials
2 3
example, OSHA regulations, NDA Drilling Safety Guide,
is observed during drilling, unless otherwise specified.
drilling safety manuals, and other applicable state and local
1.5 This test method is limited to use in nonlithified soils
regulations) must be observed.
and soils whose maximum particle size is approximately less
than one-half of the sampler diameter.
2. Referenced Documents
1.6 This test method involves use of rotary drilling equip-
4
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ment (Guide D5783, Practice D6151). Other drilling and
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
sampling procedures (Guide D6286, Guide D6169) are avail-
Fluids
able and may be more appropriate. Considerations for hand
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
driving or shallow sampling without boreholes are not ad-
Water Pycnometer
dressed. Subsurface investigations should be recorded in ac-
D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils
cordance with Practice D5434. Samples should be preserved
for Geotechnical Purposes
and transported in accordance with Practice D4220 using
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Wa-
GroupB.Soilsamplesshouldbeidentifiedbygroupnameand
ter (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
symbol in accordance with Practice D2488.
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.
1.8 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
as standard, except as noted below. The values given in
2
Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200
Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
3
Available from the National Drilling Association, 3511 Center Rd., Suite 8,
1
This method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Brunswick, OH 44212, http://www.nda4u.com.
4
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2008. Published March 2008. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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:D1586–99 Designation: D 1586 – 08
Standard Test Method for
Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling
1
of Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1586; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1This test method describes the procedure, generally known as the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), for driving a split-barrel
sampler to obtain a representative soil sample and a measure of the resistance of the soil to penetration of the sampler.
1.2This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. For a specific precautionary statement, see 5.4.1.
1.3The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.
NOTE1—Practice D6066 can be used when testing loose sands below the water table for liquefaction studies or when a higher level of care is required
whendrillingthesesoils.Thispracticeprovidesinformationondrillingmethods,equipmentvariables,energycorrections,andblow-countnormalization.
1.1 Thistestmethoddescribestheprocedure,generallyknownastheStandardPenetrationTest(SPT),fordrivingasplit-barrel
sampler to obtain a representative disturbed soil sample for identification purposes, and measure the resistance of the soil to
penetration of the sampler. Another method (Test Method D3550) to drive a split-barrel sampler to obtain a representative soil
sample is available but the hammer energy is not standardized.
1.2 Practice D6066 gives a guide to determining the normalized penetration resistance of sands for energy adjustments of
N-value to a constant energy level for evaluating liquefaction potential.
1.3 Test results and identification information are used to estimate subsurface conditions for foundation design.
1.4 Penetration resistance testing is typically performed at 5-foot depth intervals or when a significant change of materials is
observed during drilling, unless otherwise specified.
1.5 This test method is limited to use in nonlithified soils and soils whose maximum particle size is approximately less than
one-half of the sampler diameter.
1.6 This test method involves use of rotary drilling equipment (Guide D5783, Practice D6151). Other drilling and sampling
procedures(GuideD6286,GuideD6169)areavailableandmaybemoreappropriate.Considerationsforhanddrivingorshallow
sampling without boreholes are not addressed. Subsurface investigations should be recorded in accordance with Practice D5434.
SamplesshouldbepreservedandtransportedinaccordancewithPracticeD4220usingGroupB.Soilsamplesshouldbeidentified
by group name and symbol in accordance with Practice D2488.
1.7 AllobservedandcalculatedvaluesshallconformtotheguidelinesforsignificantdigitsandroundingestablishedinPractice
D6026, unless superseded by this test method.
1.8 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegardedasstandard,exceptasnotedbelow.Thevaluesgiveninparentheses
are mathematical conversions to SI units, which are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.8.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf)
represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs.
1.9 Penetration resistance measurements often will involve safety planning, administration, and documentation. This test
method does not purport to address all aspects of exploration and site safety. 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
and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.Performanceofthetestusuallyinvolves
2
use of a drill rig; therefore, safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards (for example, OSHAregulations, NDA
1
ThismethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoilandRockandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD18.02onSamplingandRelatedField
Testing for Soil Evaluations.
Current edition approved
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.