STP 104-5

Standard Test Section: SOILS

Procedures Manual Subject: GROUP INDEX SAMPLING

1. SCOPE

1.1. Description of Test

This method covers the sampling of materials for group index. The resulting information
is sued for pavement design thickness.

2. APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

2.1. Equipment Required

A suitable rig equipped with a 150 mm auger.

Plastic bags (with tags).

3. PROCEDURE

3.1. Test Procedure

Group index samples will be taken directly following the completion of the new grade.

Take a 3-4 kg sample every 150 m. Stagger sampling from centreline to 2.5 - 3.0 m inside
the finished shoulder lines as indicated in Figure 104-5 below.

Obtain the group index sample from the section of subgrade 15-30 cm below the top of the
grade. Extreme care must be taken to ensure that no contamination occurs by material
from the prepared subgrade (top 5-15 cm).

Date: 1993 05 05 Page 1 of 2

 Standard Test Procedures Manual STP 104-5
Section: Subject:
SOILS GROUP INDEX SAMPLING

4. RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS

4.1. Reporting Results

Record control section, station and offset on the sample bag or double tag. One tag inside
the bag and the second attached to the bag.

Report control section, hole number, stationing, and offset for further testing as testing is
done at the district lab.

5. ADDED INFORMATION

5.1. General

Keep samples dry while stored in the field and transport to the district lab at earliest
opportunity. A special trip is not required.

Group index sampling is required on all types of soil material.

Page: 2 of 2 Date: 1993 05 05

 Standard Test Procedures Manual STP 104-5
Section: Subject:
SOILS GROUP INDEX SAMPLING

APPROVAL SHEET

New Revision X Date of Previous Document 82-04-01

Effective Date: - -

Description of Revision (Reason for Revision):

Format of test procedure updated.

Review/Implementation Process:

Reviewed by the Materials Section of the Technical Standards and Policies

Branch.

Other Manuals/Policies Affected:

Nil

Follow Up/Training Required:

Nil

Comments/Concerns/Implications (Budget/Environment/Stakeholders):

Prepared and Recommended by D. MacLeod 93-05-05

Materials Standards Engineer Date

Approval Recommended by R.A. Widger - -

Senior Materials Engineer Date

Approval Recommended by A.R. Gerbrandt - -

Dir., Technical Standards & Policies Br. Date

Approved by D.G. Metz - -

Assistant Deputy Minister, Infrastructure Date
Electronic File Updated -

Date: 1993 05 05 Page: 3 of 2