ASTM D1586/D1586M-18e1
Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils

Standard No.

ASTM D1586/D1586M-18e1

Release Date

2018

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D1586/D1586M-18e1

Scope

1.1 This test method describes the procedure, generally known as the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), for driving a split-barrel sampler with a 140 lb [63.5 kg] hammer dropped 30 in. [750 mm] to obtain a soil sample for identification purposes, and measure the resistance of the soil to penetration of the standard 2 in. [50 mm] diameter sampler. The SPT “N” value is the number of hammer blows required to drive the sampler over the depth interval of 0.5 to 1.5 ft [0.15 to 0.45 m] of a 1.5 ft [0.45 m] drive interval. 1.2 Test Method D4633 is generally necessary to measure the drill rod energy of a given drop hammer system and using the measured drill rod energy, N values can be corrected to a standard energy level. Practice D6066 uses Test Methods D1586 and D4633 and has additional requirements for hammers, hammer energy, and drilling methods to determine energy corrected penetration resistance of loose sands for liquefaction evaluation. 1.3 Practice D3550/D3550M is a similar procedure using a larger diameter split barrel sampler driven with a hammer system that may allow for a different hammer mass. The penetration resistance values from Practice D3550/D3550M do not comply with this standard. 1.4 Test results and identification information are used in subsurface exploration for a wide range of applications such as geotechnical, geologic, geoenvironmental, or geohydrological explorations. When detailed lithology is required for geohydrological investigations, use of continuous sampling methods (D6282/D6282M, D6151/D6151M, D6914/D6914M) are recommended when the incremental SPT N value is not needed for design purposes (see 4.1.1). 1.5 Penetration resistance testing is typically performed at 5 ft [1.5 m] depth intervals or when a significant change of materials is observed during drilling, unless otherwise specified. 1.6 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. 1.7 This test method involves use of rotary drilling equipment (Guide D5783, Practice D6151/D6151M). Other drilling and sampling procedures (Guides D6286 and D6169/D6169M) 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 D5434. Samples should be preserved and transported in accordance with Practice D4220/D4220M using Group B. Soil samples should be identified by group name and symbol in accordance with Practice D2488. 1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method. 1.8.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data. 1.9 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Reporting of test results in units other than inch-pound shall not be regarded as 1 This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations. Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2018. Published December 2018. Originally approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D1586 – 11. DOI: 10.1520/D1586_D1586M-18E01. *A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 1 nonconformance with this practice. SI equivalent units shown herein are in general conformance with existing international standards. 1.10 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. 1.11 Performance of the test usually involves use of a drill rig; therefore, safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards (for example, OSHA regulations,2 NDA Drilling Safety Guide,3 drilling safety manuals, and other applicable local agency regulations) must be observed. 1.12 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.13 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D1586/D1586M-18e1 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1452/D1452M Standard Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger Borings
• ASTM D1587/D1587M Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes*， 2024-04-20 Update
• ASTM D2216 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D2487 Standard Test Method for Classification Of Soils For Engineering Purposes
• ASTM D2488 Recommended Practice for Description Of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
• ASTM D2573/D2573M Standard Test Method for Field Vane Shear Test in Saturated Fine-Grained Soils
• ASTM D3550/D3550M Standard Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils
• ASTM D3740 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D4220/D4220M Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples*， 2024-04-20 Update
• ASTM D4633 Test Method For Stress Wave Energy Measurment For Dynamic Penetrometer Testing Systems
• ASTM D5088 Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Nonradioactive Waste Sites
• ASTM D5092 Standard Practice for Design and Installation of Ground Water Monitoring Wells in Aquifers
• ASTM D5299 Standard Guide for Decommissioning of Groundwater Wells, Vadose Zone Monitoring Devices, Boreholes, and Other Devices for Environmental Activities
• ASTM D5434 Standard Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations of Soil and Rock
• ASTM D5778 Standard Test Method for Performing Electronic Friction Cone and Piezocone Penetration Testing of Soils
• ASTM D5782 Standard Guide for Use of Direct Air-Rotary Drilling for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices
• ASTM D5783 Standard Guide for Use of Direct Rotary Drilling with Water-Based Drilling Fluid for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water-Quality Monitoring Devices
• ASTM D5784/D5784M Standard Guide for Use of Hollow-Stem Augers for Geoenvironmental Exploration and the Installation of Subsurface Water Quality Monitoring Devices
• ASTM D5872/D5872M Standard Guide for Use of Casing Advancement Drilling Methods for Geoenvironmental Exploration and Installation of Subsurface Water Quality Monitoring Devices
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D6066 Standard Practice for Determining the Normalized Penetration Resistance of Sands for Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential
• ASTM D6151/D6151M Standard Practice for Using Hollow-Stem Augers for Geotechnical Exploration and Soil Sampling*， 2024-04-20 Update
• ASTM D6169/D6169M Standard Guide for Selection of Subsurface Soil and Rock Sampling Devices for Environmental and Geotechnical Investigations*， 2021-11-01 Update
• ASTM D6282/D6282M Standard Guide for Direct Push Soil Sampling for Environmental Site Characterizations*， 2024-04-20 Update
• ASTM D6286 Standard Guide for Selection of Drilling Methods for Environmental Site Characterization
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D6913/D6913M Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
• ASTM D6914/D6914M Standard Practice for Sonic Drilling for Site Characterization and the Installation of Subsurface Monitoring Devices*， 2024-01-01 Update
• ASTM D854 Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement Method*， 2023-11-01 Update

ASTM D1586/D1586M-18e1 history

• 2018 ASTM D1586/D1586M-18e1 Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
• 2018 ASTM D1586/D1586M-18 Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
• 2011 ASTM D1586-11 Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
• 2008 ASTM D1586-08a Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
• 2008 ASTM D1586-08 Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
• 1999 ASTM D1586-99 Standard Test Method for Penetration Test and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils