ASTM D1587/D1587M-15
Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes

Standard No.

ASTM D1587/D1587M-15

Release Date

2015

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D1587/D1587M-15

Scope

5.1 Thin-walled tube samples are used for obtaining intact specimens of fine-grained soils for laboratory tests to determine engineering properties of soils (strength, compressibility, permeability, and density). Fig. 2 shows the use of the sampler in a drill hole. Typical sizes of thin-walled tubes are shown on Table 1. The most commonly used tube is the 3-in. [75 mm] diameter. This tube can provide intact samples for most laboratory tests; however some tests may require larger diameter tubes. Tubes with a diameter of 2 in. [50 mm] are rarely used as they often do not provide specimens of sufficient size for most laboratory testing.

1.5

(A) The three diameters recommended in Table 2 are indicated for purposes of standardization, and are not intended to indicate that sampling tubes of intermediate or larger diameters are not acceptable. Lengths of tubes shown are illustrative. Proper lengths to be determined as suited to field conditions. Wall thickness may be changed (5.2.1, 6.3.2). Bwg is Birmingham Wire Gauge (Specification A513/A513M).

5.1.1 Soil samples must undergo some degree of disturbance because the process of subsurface soil sampling subjects the soil to irreversible changes in stresses during sampling, extrusion if performed, and upon removal of confining stresses. However, if this practice is used properly, soil samples suitable for laboratory testing can be procured. Soil samples inside the tubes can be readily evaluated for disturbance or other features such as presence of fissures, inclusions, layering or voids using X-ray radiography (D4452) if facilities are available. Field extrusion and inspection of the soil core can also help evaluate sample quality.

5.1.2 Experience and research has shown that larger diameter samples (5 in. [125 mm]) result in reduced disturbance and provide larger soil cores available for testing. Agencies such as the U.S Army Corps of Engineers and US Bureau of Reclamation use 5-in. [125-mm] diameter samplers on large exploration projects to acquire high quality samples (1, 2, 3).3

5.1.3 The lengths of the thin-walled tubes (tubes) typically range from 2 to 5 ft [0.5 to 1.5 m], but most are about 3 ft [1 m]. While the sample and push lengths are shorter than the tube, see 7.4.1.

5.1.4 This type of sampler is often referred to as a “Shelby Tube.”

5.2 Thin-walled tubes used are of variable wall thickness (gauge), which determines the Area Ratio (A_r). The outside cutting edge of the end of the tube is machined-sharpened to a cutting angle (