Undisturbed soil samples retain the structural integrity of the soil and have a high recovery rate within

the sampler. Collecting a perfectly undisturbed sample is difficult and the samplers may contain a small
portion of undisturbed soil at the top and bottom of the sample length. Undisturbed samples allow an
engineer to determine the geotechnical properties of strength, permeability, compressibility and
fracture patterns among others. Results of these analyses are instrumental in the design of a new
building.

Engineers use drill rigs to collect undisturbed soil samples at depth. Common sampling tools include long
split-spoon samplers, piston samplers and a pitcher barrel sampler. Piston samplers are thin-walled tube
samplers that collect undisturbed samples in soft soil. The piston samples do not work well in gravel,
sand or lithified sediments. Like the piston sampler, a pitcher barrel sampler is pushed into the soil to
collect the undisturbed sample. These methods produce the best undisturbed samples possible;
however, engineers must remember to inspect the sample for signs that the soil was disturbed during
collection, especially near the top and bottom of the sample. Engineers will disregard the disturbed
portions of the sample during testing.

sampling?Disturbed soil sampling is needed in a soil testing and evaluation because disturbedsamples
are generally obtained to determine the soil type gradiation, classification,consistency, moisture-density
relations, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), presence of contaminants, stratification, etc. (U.S. Department
of Transportation, 2011).2.

Why is it that moist tight sample containers are sealed with paraffin wax or candle?Explain.To maintain
the natural moisture content of the soil sample, sealing the container thatcontains the sample with
impervious layer of wax would allow no fluid to enter. Theparaffin wax or candle wax should be poured
to seal the container against moisture loss.3.

Why is it that samples placed in a moist-tight containers are labelled? ExplainThe containers must be
labelled for security and identification purposes. The labels

identify the soil samples’ properties at the time it was extracted from ground. Any

changes to the color, appearance, and other visible changes will also be noted using theforehand labels
on the containers.What is the importance of storing the soil sample in a cool room? Explain.Physical and
chemical properties of soil can be altered if exposed to change of temperature. The samples taken by
the group was stored in a cool to maintain its roomtemperature and for the group to be able to take
standard observations afore and afterthe storing process.

VII.
Conclusion

Geotechnical exploration and testing play an important role in determining the the
engineeringproperties of soil. Disturbed soil sampling, labelling, and storage are crucial aspect of soil
testingbecause it describes most of the physical properties of the soil. The analyses of these tests
aremeasures for verifying geophysical and in-situ exporation results.

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