~~r~ Designation: D 1586 - 84 (Reapproved 1992)f1

Standard Test Method for

Penetration Test and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils1
This st:lndard is issued under the fixed designation D 1586: the number immediately following the designation indic:!tes the ye:lr of
original adoption or. in the c:lSe of revision. the ye:lr of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the Ye:lrof last reapprovaL A
superscript epsilon (,) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval. '

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of {he Depanmem of Defense. Consult the DOD Indo: of Specifications and
Stana'ards for the specific year of issue which has been adopted by the Depanmenl of Defense,

"Non-Editorial changes were made throughout OClOD<r1992.

1. 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 soil sample
and a measure of the resistance of the soil to penetration of
the sampler.
1.1 This standard does nOI purpon lO address all o/lhe
safelY problems, £f any, associated with ilS use. II is lhe
responsibiii(v of lhe user of lhis standard !O eswbiish appro-
priate safelY and heallh praclices and determine lhe appiica-
bility of regulalOry limilalions prior lO use. For a specific
precautionary statement. see 5.4.1.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
regarded as the standard.
2. Referenced Documents
1.1 ASTM Standards:
D 1487 Test Method for Oassification of Soils for Enci-
neering Purposes: - between the rope and the. cathead at the beginning of the
D 1488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
(Visual-~lanual Procedure):!
D 4120 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil
Samples:
D 4633 Test Method for Stress Wave Energv Measure-
ment for Dynamic Penetrometer Testing Sy~tems:
hammer, hammer fall guide, the anvil, and any hammer
drop system.
3.1.5 hammer-that portion of the drive-weight assembly
consisting of the 140 ± 2 Ib (63.5 ± 1 kg) impact weight
which is successively lifted and dropped to provide the
energy that accomplishes the sampling and penetration.
3.1.6 hammer drop system-that portion of the drive-
weight assembly by which the operator accomplisbes the
lifting and dropping of the hamme: to produce the blow.
3.1.7 hammer fall guide-that part of the drive-weight
assembly used to guide the fall of the hammer.
3.1.8 A'-value-the blowcount representation of the pene-
tration resistance of the soil. The J\'-value, reponed in blows
per foot, equals the sum of the number of blows required to
drive the sampler over the depth interval of 6 to 18 in. (150
to 450 mm) (see 7.3).
3.1.9 .~N-the number of blows obtained from each of
the 6-in. (l50-mm) intervals of sampler penetration (see 7.3).
3.1.1 0 number of rope turns-the total contact angle
operator's rope slackening to drop the hammer, divided by
360· (see Fig. I).
3.1.11 sampling rods-rods that conne::t the drive-weight
assembly to the sampler. Drill rods are often used for this
purpose.
3.1.12 SPT -abbreviation for Standard Penetration Test.
a term by which engineers commonly refer to this method.

3. Terminology
3.1 Descriptions of Terms Specific lO This Standard
3.1.1 anvil-that portion of the drive-weight assembly
which the hammer strikes and through which the hammer
energy passes into the drill rods.
3.1.1 cathead-the rotating drum or windlass in the
rope-cathe:ld lift system around which the operator wraps a
rope to lift and drop the hammer by successively tightening
and loosening the rope turns around the drum.
3.1.3 drill rods-rods used to transmit downward force
and torque to the drill bit while drilling a borehole.
3.1.4 drive-weight assembly-a device consisting of the
I This method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Commin~ 0-18 on Soil and
Rock and is the dire<=!responsibility of Subcommin~ D I8.02 on Sampling and
Related F:eid Testing for Soil Investigations.
Cum:lt edition approved SepL 11. 1984, Published ~ovember 1984. Originally
published as D 1586 - 58 T. Last previous edition D 1586 - 61 (1974).
: Annuai Booie o/ASTM Standards. Yol 04.08.
4. Significance and Use
4. I This test method provides a soil sample for identifica-
tion purposes and for labor:ltory tests appropriate for soil
obtained from a sampler that may produce large shear strain
disturbance in the sample.
4.2 This test method is used extensively in a great variety
of geotechnical exploration projects. Many local correlations
and widely published correlations which relate SPT blow-
count, or N-value, and the engineering behavior of earth-
works and foundations are available.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Drilling Equipment-Any drilling equipment that
provides at the time of sampling a suitably dean open hole
before insertion of the sampler and ensures that the penetra-
tion test is performed on undisturbed soil shall be acceptable.
The following pieces of equipment have proven to be

121
 ~~
(a) counterclockWIseretatlon
approximateiy 1:l,1. rums
(b) c:ockwise re:aoon
approXlmate!y2'/. rums
FIG. 1 Definitions of the Number of Rope Tums and the Angle for (a) Counterclockwise
Cathead
litable for advancing a borehole in some subsurface condi-
ons.
. 5.1.1 -Drag, Chopping: and Fishrail Bits, less than 6.5 in.
162 mm) and gTe:ner than 2.2 in. (56 mm) in diame~er may
e used in conjuction with ope:l-bole rma.ry drilling or
:..sing-adva:lceme:lt drilling me~hods. To avoid disturbance
f the underlying soil, bonom discharge bits are not per-
lined: only side discharge bits are permined.
5.1.2 Roller-Cone Bits, less than 6.5 in. (: 62 mm) and
'eater than 2.2 in. (56 mm) in diameter may be used in
mjunction \\-1th open-hole rotary drilling or casing-ad-
mceme:lt drilling methods if the drilling fluid discharge is
~r1ected.
5.1.3 Hollow-Stem Continuous Flight Augers, with or
ithout a ce::lter bit assembly, may be used to drill the
)ring. Tne inside diameter of the hollow-stem augers shall
: less than 6.5 in. (162 mm) and greater than 2.2 in. (56
.m).
5.1.4 Soiid. Continuous Flight, Bucket and Hand Augers,
5S than 6.5 in. (162 mm) and greater than 2.2 in. (56 mm)
diameter may be used if the soil on the side of the boring
les not cave onto the sampler or sampling rods during
mpling.
5.1 Sampling Rods-Rush-joint steel drill rods shall be
;ed to connect the split-barrel sampler to the drive-weight
sembly. Toe sampling rod shall have a stiImess (moment
. inertia) equal to or greater than that of parallel wall ~A "
d (a steel rod wmch has an outside diameter of 15/8 in.
1.1 mm) and an inside diameter'of II/s in. (28.5 mm).
D 1586
~Rope
Cat head
Section A-A
Section B-B
Rotation and (b) Clockwise Rotation of the
NOTE l-Re:e:Jt reseJIcn and comparative :::ocingiDdiC2testhe :ype
rod used. ",ith stillness ranging from ~A- size rod to ~N"'size rod.. ",ill
usually have a negligible e:l~ on the ;V-vaiues ;0 depths oi at le:lSt 100
n(30m) .. '
5.3 Split-Barrel Sampier- The sampier shall be con-
struc::ed \\-1th the dime:lsions indicated in Fig. 2. The driving
shoe shall be of harde:led steel and stall be replaced or
repaired whe::l it becomes de:lred or disLorted. Tue use of
liners to produce a constant inside diameter of 13/8 in. (35
mm) is permined. but shall be noted on the pe:lerration
record if used. The use of a sampie retainer basket is
permined, and should also be noted on the pe::letration
record if used.
NOTE 2-Both theory and available test data suggest that N-value5
may ince:l.Se berween 10 to 30 % when line:> are used.
5.4 Drive- Weight Assembi,v:
5.4.1 Hammer and Anvii- The hammer shall weigh 140
± 2 Ib (63.5 ± 1 kg) and shall be a solid rigid metallic mass .
The hammer shall strike the anvil and make steel on steel
contact when it is dropped. A hammer fall guide permitting a
free fall shall be used. Hammers used with the cathead and
rope method shall have an unimpeded overlift capacity of at
le:J.St4 in. (100 mm). For safety reasons, the use of a hammer
assembly with an internal anvil is encouraged.
NOTE 3-It is suggested that the hamme, fall guide be permanently
marked to enable the operator or inspector to judge the hammer drop
height.
5.4.1 Hammer Drop System-Rope-cathead, trip, semi-
automatic, or automatic hammer drop systems may be used,
providing the lifting apparatus will not cause penetration of
 ~W1 D 1586

OPEN SHOE HEAD ROLlPIN

F
E

I
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ILLI frll II II 1,.-.,.,
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.• 1-7// // //---'--J ~~jl
•• I /I ;1 I;
.. --'-~l~

1~J"
1/ AI I/ / / / / /1

~ !C I I // 1:\ \ II 1/7/ II II 't-'i; __1i I

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IIII~~~'~' ....
I / /1 ';; 1D \ \

BALL '~
G
B. (2 ar h
diameter)
in.

A = 1.0 to 2.0 in. (25 to 50 mm)

8 = 18.0 to 30.0 in. (0.457 to 0.762 m)
C =
1.375:: 0.005 in. (34.93 = 0.13 mm)
o = 1.50:: 0.05 - 0.00 in. (38.1 = 1.3 - 0.0 mm)
E = 0.10:: 0.02 in. (2.54 = 0.25 mmJ
F = 2.00:: 0.05 - 0.00 In. (50.8 = 1.3 - 0.0 mm)
G = 16.0° to 23.0°
The 1 'I.in. (38 mml inside diameter sciit barrel may be usee with a 16-gage wail tnlcKness split liner. The pene!l'anr.g enD of tne cnve sr.a<=may be siigmly rouncec . .I.1e!aJ
or plastic :-etamers may be usee to retaJn soii samples.

FiG. 2 Split-Barrel Sampler

the sampler while re-engaging and lifting the hammer.

5.5 Accessory Equ(Dmenr-Accessories such as labels.
sample containe:'s, data sheecs, and groundwater level me2-
suring devices shall be provided in ac:ordance' \'v1th the
require:nems of the proje::t and other ASTM S'L2.ndards.

6. Drilling Procedure
6.1 Tne boring shall be advanced inc:-e:nentally
 ~@1 D 1586

9.5 The variability in N-values produced by different drill adjustment is given in Test Method 04633.
rigs and operators may be reduced by measuring that pan of
the hammer energy delivered into the drill rods from the 10. Keywords
sampler and adjusting N on the basis of comparative 10.1 blow count; in-situ test; penetration resistance: split-
energies. A method for energy measurement and N-value barrel sampling; standard penetration test

The Amencan Saciery far Testing and Materials takes na pasitian respecting the validiry .ofany patent rights assert~ in cannection
with any item mentioned in this stanoard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determmatlon .of the validiry of any such
patent rights, and the nsk .of infringement .of such rights, are entirely their .own respansibility.

This standard is subject ta revision at any time by the respansible techmcal cammlttee and musr be reviewed every five years and
if nar revised, either reaapraved .or withdrawn. Yaur comments are invired either far revisian .of this standard or far additianal srandaros
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Yaur comments will receive careful cansiderarion ar a meetmg of the respansible
techmcal committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have nat received a fair hearing you snould make your
views known ta the ASTM Cammittee .on Standaras, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia. PA 19103.

125
 ~~ D 1586

9.5 The variability in N-vaJues produced by different drill adjustment is given in Test Method 04633.
rigs and operators may be reduced by me::J.Suringthat pan of
the hammer energy delivered into the drill rods from the 10. Keywords
sampler and adjusting N on the basis of comparative 10.1 blow count; in-situ test: penetration resistance: split-
energies. A method for energy measurement and N-vaJue barrel sampling; standard penetration test

The Amerrcan Saclery far Testing and Materials takes na pasitian respecting the validiry .ofany patent rights asserrea in cannectian
with any item mentianed in this stanaard. Users .of this standard are expressly adVised that determmatlan .of the validiry .of any such
patent rights. and the risk .of infringement .of such rights. are entirely thelf .own respansibility.

This standard is subject ta revisian at any time by the respansible techmcal cammlttee and must be reviewed every five years and
if nat revised. either reaapraved .or withdrawn. Yaur camments are invited either far revisian .of this standard .or far additianal stanaaras
and shauld be addressed ta ASTM Headquarrers. Yaur camments will receive careful cansideratian at a meetmg .of the respansible
tech meal cammlttee. which yau may attend. If yau feel that yaur camments have nat received a fair hearrng yau snauld make yaur
views knawn t.o the ASTM Cammlttee .on Standaras. 1916 Race Sr.. Philadelphia. PA 19103.

125