ASTM D4700-91(1998)e1 - 15.7.1991
 
1. Scope

1.1 This guide addresses procedures that may be used for obtaining soil samples from the vadose zone (unsaturated zone). Samples can be collected for a variety of reasons including the following:

1.1.1 Stratigraphic description,

1.1.2 Hydraulic conductivity testing,

1.1.3 Moisture content measurement,

1.1.4 Moisture release curve construction,

1.1.5 Geotechnical testing,

1.1.6 Soil gas analyses,

1.1.7 Microorganism extraction, or

1.1.8 Pore liquid and soils chemical analyses.

1.2 This guide focuses on methods that provide soil samples for chemical analyses of the soil or contained liquids or contaminants. However, comments on how methods may be modified for other objectives are included.

1.3 This guide does not describe sampling methods for lithified deposits and rocks (for example, sandstone, shale, tuff, granite).

1.4 In general, it is prudent to perform all field work with at least two people present. This increases safety and facilitates efficient data collection.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D653-26a

Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids (Includes all amendments and changes 6/15/2026).

D3740-26

Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D1452-09

Standard Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger Borings

D6914-04

Standard Practice for Sonic Drilling for Site Characterization and the Installation of Subsurface Monitoring Devices

D6907-22

Standard Practice for Sampling Soils and Contaminated Media with Hand-Operated Bucket Augers

D6151-25

Standard Practice for Using Hollow-Stem Augers for Geotechnical Exploration and Soil Sampling

D6169-98

Standard Guide for Selection of Soil and Rock Sampling Devices Used With Drill Rigs for Environmental Investigations

D6282-98

Standard Guide for Direct Push Soil Sampling for Environmental Site Characterizations

D6286-19

Standard Guide for Selection of Drilling and Direct Push Methods for Geotechnical and Environmental Subsurface Site Characterization

D6519-15

Standard Practice for Sampling of Soil Using the Hydraulically Operated Stationary Piston Sampler

D6640-21

Standard Practice for Collection and Handling of Soils Obtained in Core Barrel Samplers for Environmental Investigations

D5434-25

Standard Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations of Soil and Rock

D4220-95(2000)

Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples

D1586-11

Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils

D1587-08

Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes

D2488-26

Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Visual-Manual Procedures)

D3550-01

Standard Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils