1 AS 1289.1.

1—2001
(Incorporating Amendment Nos 1 and 2)
®
Australian Standard
Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes
AS 1289.1.1—2001

Method 1.1: Sampling and preparation of soils—

Preparation of disturbed soil samples for testing

This Standard incorporates Amendment No. 1 (November 2002) and Amendment No. 2
(October 2008). The changes required by the Amendments are indicated in the text by a
marginal bar and amendment number against the clause, note, table, figure or part thereof
affected.

METHOD

1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out a procedure for preparing disturbed samples, as received from the
field, for testing in accordance with the series of tests listed in AS 1289.0.
The method does not cover procedures for sampling.
NOTES:
1 Sampling and preparation of soils are described in AS 1289.1.2.1.
2 The size of the samples from which disturbed soils samples are to be prepared depends on the
tests that are to be carried out, and the maximum size and the relative proportion of coarse
and fine material in the original soil.

2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
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1152 Specification for test sieves

1141 Methods for sampling and testing aggregates
1141.2 Method 2: Basic testing equipment
1289 Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes
1289.0 Part 0: General requirements and list of methods
1289.1.2.1 Method 1.2.1: Sampling and preparation of soils—Disturbed samples—
Standard method
1289.2.1.1 Method 2.1.1: Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture
content of a soil—Oven drying method (standard method)
1289.2.1.2 Method 2.1.2: Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture
content of a soil—Sand bath method (subsidiary method)
1289.2.1.4 Method 2.1.4: Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture
content of a soil—Microwave-oven drying method (subsidiary
method)
1289.2.1.5 Method 2.1.5: Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture
content of a soil—Infrared lights method (subsidiary method)
1289.2.1.6 Method 2.1.6: Soil moisture content tests—Determination of the moisture
content of a soil—Hotplate drying method (subsidiary method)

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 AS 1289.1.1—2001 2

AS
1289.3.1.1 Method 3.1.1: Soil classification tests—Determination of the liquid limit of a
soil—Four point Casagrande method
1289.3.1.2 Method 3.1.2: Soil classification tests—Determination of the liquid limit of a
soil—One point Casagrande method (subsidiary method)
1289.3.2.1 Method 3.2.1: Soil classification tests—Determination of the plastic limit of a
soil—Standard method
1289.3.4.1 Method 3.4.1: Soil classification tests—Determination of the linear shrinkage
of a soil—Standard method
1289.3.5.1 Method 3.5.1: Soil classification tests—Determination of the soil particle
density of a soil—Standard method
1289.3.5.2 Method 3.5.2: Soil classification tests—Determination of the soil particle
density of combined soil fractions—Vacuum pycnometer
method
1289.3.6.1 Method 3.6.1: Soil classification tests—Determination of the particle size
distribution of a soil—Standard method of analysis by sieving
1289.3.6.3 Method 3.6.3: Soil classification tests—Determination of the particle size
distribution of a soil—Standard method of fine analysis using a
hydrometer
1289.3.9 Method 3.9: Soil classification tests—Determination of the cone liquid limit
of soil
1289.4.1.1 Method 4.1.1: Soil chemical tests—Determination of the organic matter
content of a soil—Normal method
1289.4.2.1 Method 4.2.1: Soil chemical tests—Determination of the sulfate content of a
natural soil and the sulfate content of the groundwater—Normal
method
1289.4.3.1 Method 4.3.1: Soil chemical tests—Determination of the pH value of a soil—
Electrometric method
1289.5.1.1 Method 5.1.1: Soil compaction and density tests—Determination of the dry
density/moisture content relation of a soil using standard
compactive effort
1289.5.2.1 Method 5.2.1: Soil compaction and density tests—Determination of the dry
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density/moisture content relation of a soil using modified

compactive effort
1289.6.1.1 Method 6.1.1: Soil strength and consolidation tests—Determination of the
California bearing ratio of a soil—Standard laboratory method
for a remoulded specimen
1289.6.7.1 Method 6.7.1: Soil strength and consolidation tests—Determination of
permeability of a soil—Constant head method for a remoulded
specimen
1289.6.7.2 Method 6.7.2: Soil strength and consolidation tests—Determination of
permeability of a soil—Falling head method for a remoulded
specimen
1289.6.7.3 Method 6.7.3: Soil strength and consolidation tests—Determination of
permeability of a soil—Constant head method using a flexible
wall permeameter
1289.6.8.1 Method 6.8.1: Soil strength and consolidation tests—Determination of the
resilient modulus and permanent deformation of granular and
unbound pavement materials

3 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions in AS 1289.0 apply.

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 3 AS 1289.1.1—2001

4 APPARATUS
The following apparatus is required for the preparation of disturbed soil samples for testing:
(a) Balances with sufficient capacity and limit of performance to weigh sub-samples of
A1
up to 150 kg.
NOTE: Division of sub-samples for weighing purposes is acceptable.
(b) Mortar and a rubber pestle (a rubber hardness of approximately Shore 87) or a
mechanical device suitable for breaking up soil aggregates without reducing the size
of the individual particles.
(c) AS 1152 sieves 19 mm, 6.7 mm, 2.36 mm and 425 µm.
(d) 10 mm screen.
NOTE: A commercial nominal 10 mm woven wire screen is acceptable.
(e) Sample divider of the multiple-slot type (riffle box) as detailed in AS 1141.2 or rotary
cone splitter (optional).
(f) Thermostatically controlled drying oven capable of maintaining a temperature of
45°C to 50°C (optional).
(g) Drying trays of suitable dimensions.

5 SAMPLE PREPARATION PROCEDURE

5.1 Preliminary preparation of soil
Reduce the size of soil clods as received by chopping, grating or crumbling until
aggregations of soil pass a 10 mm screen, taking care not to crush individual particles.
Recombine all particles retained on the 10 mm screen with the soil fraction and mix
thoroughly.
NOTE: If the material is too wet to permit preliminary preparation, it should be air-dried or
placed in an oven operating at a temperature not exceeding 50°C, until it is just dry enough to
permit crumbling of the soil aggregation to enable sieving through the 10 mm screen.
5.2 Sample for determination of moisture content
If the moisture content of the natural soil as received is required, obtain, by splitting, a
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representative sub-sample of the following minimum quantity:

(a) For fine-grained soil ..........................................................................................30 g.
(b) For medium-grained soil .................................................................................. 300 g.
(c) For coarse-grained soil ......................................................................................3 kg.
Then, determine the moisture content as described in AS 1289.2.1.1, AS 1289.2.l.2,
AS 1289.2.l.4, AS 1289.2.l.5 or AS 1289.2.l.6, whichever is appropriate.
5.3 Sample for determination of liquid limit, cone liquid limit, plastic limit and linear
shrinkage
5.3.1 General
Thoroughly mix the sample prepared in accordance with Clause 5.1.
Subdivide the sample by splitting, to obtain a representative sub-sample of sufficient size to
provide the following amounts passing the 425 µm sieve:
(a) Liquid limit of the soil by either of AS 1289.3.1.1 or AS 1289.3.9 and plastic limit by
AS 1289.3.2.1 ..................................................................................... at least 300 g.
(b) Liquid limit of the soil by either of AS 1289.3.1.2 and plastic limit by
AS 1289.3.2.1 ..................................................................................... at least 100 g.
(c) Linear shrinkage of the soil by AS 1289.3.4.1 ..................................... at least 300 g.

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 AS 1289.1.1—2001 4

5.3.2 Wet preparation method

The wet preparation method shall be as follows:
(a) Sieve the sub-sample on a 425 µm sieve, suitably protected by larger sieves.
(b) Retain all material passing the 425 µm sieve.
(c) Wash the material retained on the 425 µm sieve and all protecting sieves over that
sieve and collect all wash water.
(d) Evaporate the water at a temperature not exceeding 50°C, rub the dried material in a
mortar with a pestle and sieve through the 425 µm sieve.
(e) Add the material to that previously obtained, mix thoroughly and obtain a sufficient
sample by riffling or quartering
NOTE: An alternative wet preparation method, which has been found satisfactory for some
coarse-grained and medium-grained soils, is to use a fine water spray for washing the dry-sieved
retained 425 µm sieve material, keeping the wash water and mix thoroughly. Add the dry-sieved
material which passed the 425 µm sieve to the wash water and mix thoroughly. Some air-drying
may be required if there is too much wash water, but usually it is possible to proceed with liquid
and plastic limit tests after a 24 h curing period.
5.3.3 Dry preparation method
The dry preparation method shall be as given in Clause 5.3.3.1 or Clause 5.3.3.2.
5.3.3.1 Method using a mortar and pestle
The procedure shall be as follows:
(a) Dry the sub-sample to a state in which it may be crumbled. Drying may be carried out
in the air or in an oven operating at a temperature not exceeding 50°C.
NOTE: Air-drying has been specified in the preparation of a soil sample for testing, since
with some soils irreversible changes take place in the soil when it is oven-dried at 105°C to
110°C. With many soils, however, this effect is of negligible practical significance. Certain
soils, such as some organic or tropical soils, may even be affected by air-drying and should be
prepared in their natural state.
(b) Sieve the sub-sample on a 425 µm sieve suitably protected by larger sieves.
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(c) Retain all material passing the 425 µm sieve.

(d) Rub down, using a mortar and pestle, all material retained on the sieve in such a way
as will avoid any wearing of individual particles yet will break down all aggregations
of particles. Re-sieve on the 425 µm sieve.
(e) Add the material passing the 425 µm sieve to that previously obtained, mix
thoroughly, and obtain a sufficient sample by riffling or quartering.
5.3.3.2 Method using a mechanical device
The procedure shall be as follows:
(a) Dry the sub-sample to a state in which it may be crumbled. Drying may be carried out
in the air or in an oven operating at a temperature not exceeding 50°C.
NOTE: Air-drying has been specified in the preparation of a soil sample for testing, since
with some soils irreversible changes take place in the soil when it is oven-dried at 105°C to
110°C. With many soils, however, this effect is of negligible practical significance. Certain
soils, such as some organic or tropical soils, may even be affected by air-drying and should be
prepared in their natural state.
(b) Sieve the sample on the 2.36 mm sieve, breaking down all particle aggregations until
only discrete particles are retained.

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 5 AS 1289.1.1—2001

(c) Rub down, using a mechanical device, all material passing the 2.36 mm sieve, to
break down particle aggregations.
(d) Sieve the rubbed down material on the 425 µm sieve.
(e) Split or quarter the material passing the 425 µm sieve to obtain a sufficient sample for
the conduct of the test.
5.4 Sample for compaction and remoulded CBR, remoulded permeability and
resilient modulus and permanent deformation tests
The sample shall be prepared as follows:
(a) Thoroughly mix the sample prepared in accordance with Clause 5.1.
(b) Subdivide the sample by splitting until representative sub-samples of the following
minimum quantities are obtained for the following determinations:
(i) Dry density moisture content relationship of the soil, by AS 1289.5.1.1 or
AS 1289.5.2.1, using Mould A—sufficient material to contain about 20 kg
passing the 19 mm sieve.
(ii) Dry density moisture content relationship of the soil, by AS 1289.5.1.1 or
AS 1289.5.2.1, using Mould B—sufficient material to contain about 80 kg
passing the 37.5 mm sieve.
(iii) California bearing ratio of the soil, by AS 1289.6.1.1, permeability of the soil,
by AS 1289.6.7.1, AS 1289.6.7.2 or AS 1289.6.7.3, or resilient modulus and
permanent deformation of a soil, by AS 1289.6.8.1—about 7 kg for a fine-
grained soil and sufficient material to give about 8 kg passing the 19 mm sieve
for a medium-grained soil.
5.5 Sample for determination of soil particle density
The sample shall be prepared as follows:
(a) Thoroughly mix the sample prepared in accordance with Clause 4.1.
(b) Subdivide the sample by splitting, until a representative sub-sample is obtained
sufficient to give at least 200 g passing the 2.36 mm sieve and at least 5 kg retained
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on the 2.36 mm sieve, as appropriate, for determination of the soil particle density of
the soil by AS 1289.3.5.1 or AS 1289.3.5.2.
(c) As an alternative to Steps (a) and (b), obtain the sample during the performance of the
sieve analysis.
5.6 Sample for soil chemical tests
The sample shall be prepared as follows:
(a) Thoroughly mix the sample prepared in accordance with Clause 5.1.
(b) Subdivide the sample by splitting, until a representative sub-sample is obtained that
satisfies the following:
(i) Organic matter content of the soil by AS 1289.4.1.1 (dry mass equivalent), as
follows:
(A) For a fine grained soil ................................................................... 200 g.
(B) For a medium grained soil ............................................................. 500 g.
(C) For a coarse grained soil ..................................................................3 kg.
(ii) Sulfate content of the soil by AS 1289.4.2.1(dry mass equivalent), as follows:
(A) For a fine grained soil.................................................................... 200 g.

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 AS 1289.1.1—2001 6

(B) For a medium grained soil ............................................................. 500 g.

(C) For a coarse grained soil ..................................................................3 kg.
(iii) pH value of the soil by AS 1289.4.3.1—sufficient material to give 30 g material
passing the 2.36 mm sieve.
5.7 Sample for particle size distribution of a soil
The sample shall be prepared as follows:
(a) Thoroughly mix the sample prepared in accordance with Clause 5.1.
(b) Subdivide the sample by splitting, until a representative sub-sample is obtained that
satisfies the following:
(i) Sieve analysis of the soil in accordance with AS 1289.3.6.1, using sufficient
A1 material such that the accidental exclusion or inclusion of a single large particle
will not significantly affect the result (see Table 1).
(ii) Particle size distribution using a hydrometer in accordance with AS 1289.3.6.3,
using sufficient material to contain at least 50 g of material passing the 75 µm
sieve.
(c) As an alternative to Steps (a) and (b), obtain the sample for the hydrometer analysis
during the performance of the sieve analysis.

TABLE 1
MINIMUM MASS OF SUB-SAMPLE
Nominal maximum size of particle present Minimum mass of sub-sample
mm kg
150 125
100 70
75 45
50 20
37.5 15
26.5 10
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19.0 5
13.2 2.5
9.50 1
6.70 0.6
4.75 0.5
3.35 0.25
2.36 0.20
0.425 0.05
A2 NOTE: The minimum mass of sub-sample is based on the nominal maximum size of
the sample, i.e., not more than 10% by mass of the particles larger than the size
stated. When the largest particles are much greater in size than the body of the
sample (e.g., sand containing a small amount of coarse gravel particles), the masses
given in the Table can lead to serious errors. In this case, the sub-sample mass should
be determined from the table by reading the column headed ‘Nominal maximum size
of particle’ as ‘Maximum size of particle present in any proportion’.

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

 7 AS 1289.1.1—2001

AMENDMENT CONTROL SHEET

AS 1289.1.1—2001

Amendment No. 1 (2002)

REVISED TEXT
SUMMARY: This Amendment applies to Clauses 4(a) and 5.7(b)(i).
Published on 1 November 2002.

Amendment No. 2 (2008)

CORRECTION
SUMMARY: This Amendment applies to Table 1.
Published on 21 October 2008.
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 AS 1289.1.1—2001 8

This Australian Standard ® was prepared by Committee CE-009, Testing of Soils for Engineering Purposes. It was approved on behalf of the
Council of Standards Australia on 25 May 2001 and published on 12 July 2001.

The following are represented on Committee CE-009:

Australian Geomechanics Society

AUSTROADS
Crushed Stone Association of Australia
Department of Administrative Services, Scientific Services Laboratories, AGAL
Institution of Engineers Australia
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
University of Sydney

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Originated as part of AS A89—1996.

Previous edition AS 1289.1.1—1999.
Second edition 2001.
Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 (November 2002).
Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 2 (October 2008).

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 98522.

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or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of the publisher.
Published by Standards Australia Limited
GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia

ISBN 0 7337 3944 4 Printed in Australia

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