1.1 This guide covers guidance for the selection of soil and rock sampling devices used for the purpose of characterizing in situ physical and hydraulic properties, chemical characteristics, subsurface lithology, stratigraphy and structure, and hydrogeologic units in geotechnical and environmental investigations.

1.2 This guide should be used in conjunction with referenced ASTM Guides D420 and D5730, and individual practices for sampling devices referenced in 2.1. Soil and rock samplers are most often used in drilled/pushed boreholes using various drilling methods/technologies in Guide D6286 and it addresses ability to use these samplers.

1.3 Refer to Practice D6640 and Guide D4547 for handling of samples for environmental investigations. Practices D4220/D4220M and D5079 are used for preserving and transporting soil and rock samples.

1.4 This guide does not address selection of sampling devices for hand-held soil sampling equipment (Guide D4700) and soil sample collection with solid-stem augering devices (Practice D1452/D1452M), or collection of grab samples or hand-carved block samples (D7015/D7015M) from accessible excavations. Refer to X1.2 for additional guidance on use of soil and rock sampling devices for both environmental and geotechnical applications.

1.5 This guide does not address devices for collecting cores from submerged sediments or other sampling devices for solid wastes. Refer to Guides D4823 and D6232 for these materials.

1.6 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 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.

1.7 This guide offers an organized collection of information or series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education and experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.8 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.

1.9 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.