23 Soil Testing

In-situ sampling and preparation

In-situ Sampling and Preparation Formation of Soil

The correct sampling, description and preparation of soil
Soil is formed from the effects of weathering
and soil mixtures is necessary if subsequent tests are to be and erosion. Some of the factors include:
meaningful and provide representative results. Various
National and International Standards specify a range of Geology
procedures and equipment necessary to ensure The composition of the underlying bedrock will often
representative sampling. determine the suitability of a soil or natural aggregate as an
engineering construction material.
With the use of simple hand tools, it is often possible to obtain
considerable information regarding the sub-surface structure and
hence the likely engineering characteristics of the area under
investigation.

Soil Colour Charts

■ 9 constant hue charts displaying 322 colours
■ Apertures cut between adjacent colours for easy
viewing of sample against colour
■ Charts held in pocket-sized loose-leaf binder
A standard identification of colour is an essential component of a Climate
soil-profile description. Soil colour charts are widely used by civil All aspects of climate, but particularly
engineers, agronomists, soil scientists, geologists and archaeologists temperature and precipitation,
as a means of providing a standard colour reference. contribute to the erosion of soil and
natural aggregate.
Ordering Information
EL23-7100
Soil Colour Charts. The set consists of 7 constant hue charts
on a neutral gray chart stock. Included in the set is a Gley Colour
Chart for submerged soils.This displays 28 matt colour chips, weak
cromas and neutrals on value level 4 to 7 for hues, 5GY, 5G, 5BG
and 5B. Weight 910 g
Vegetation
EL23-7120 The absence or removal of vegetation is often a cause of
Tropical Soil Colour Chart. Set of 2, for use with reddish weathering and erosion of the soil structure.
tropical soils and recommended for regions such as South and
Central America, Africa, India, Malaysia and similar tropical areas.
The charts fit into the binder supplied with EL23-7100.
Weight 230 g

EL23-7100 Soil Colour Chart

The engineenng characterisitics of a soil depend on

three major components of the soil structure
● Mineral particles
● Water
● Air

Mineral particles provide the bulk and therefore the

strength of the soil.

Water in small quantities provides a lubricating effect

to the soil particles thus assisting in compaction and
adhesion.

Air (voids) in the soil structure will lead to a

deterioration of the material and should therefore be
removed e.g. by compaction.

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 Soil Testing
In-situ sampling and preparation 23
Extension Rods, Handles and Tools
Hand Boring and Sampling
Ordering Information
The items listed provide the engineer with an economic range of Model number Description Weight
equipment for field survey work. Using this equipment it is possible
to obtain disturbed or undisturbed samples at reasonable depths EL23-1541 Extension Rod with tube connector, 1.7 kg
subject to ground conditions. Most items may be inter-connected. constructed of steel tubing
approximately 1 metre long
Soil and Gravel Auger Heads EL23-1543 Stillson Wrench size 14, for use 1.2 kg
with EL23-1541. Two required
These auger heads are suitable for boring in cohesive soils or sands EL23-1547 Handle and T-piece 2.0 kg
and gravels.The soil augers are constructed of heavy duty steel
plates forming an open tube partly interlocked at the cutting end. EL23-1549 Chisel, for breaking large stones. 3.0 kg
Gravel augers comprise a one piece steel casting with a spiral point Fits standard extension rods
and two plates designed to close when lifting samples from the EL23-1587 Jarring Link, for driving sample tubes 4.0 kg
borehole.The Dutch Auger is of similar construction to the Soil EL23-1617 Spiral Auger, 40 mm diameter x 200 mm 1.5 kg
Augers and is particularly useful in very fine silty-clayey sands. long with rod and T-piece attached.
Overall nominal length 1250 mm
Ordering Information
Suitability Model no. Description Weight Sample Tube
Cohesive soils EL23-1501 Soil Auger Head, 1.5 kg Supplied less Adaptor but with 2 end caps
100 mm diameter Model Internal Tube length Adaptor
EL23-1504 Soil Auger Head, 2.5 kg number diameter
150 mm diameter
Gravel and Sand EL23-1517 Gravel Auger Head, 1.2 kg
150 mm EL23-1577 38 mm 230 mm EL23-1579
Fine Silty Sand EL23-1525 Dutch Soil Auger Head, 1.5 kg
50 mm

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 23 Soil Testing
In-situ sampling and preparation

ELE Subsurface Kit ELE Prospecting Kit

This equipment is particularly useful for initial site investigation The ELE prospecting kit contains a range of selected items for
work in remote areas. Used in conjunction with control boreholes general hand boring and sampling up to a diameter of 150 mm.
considerable areas can be investigated quickly and cost effectively. Depending on the type of soil, depths of up to 8 metres may be
The equipment is capable of probing to a depth of 10 metres achieved.The kit is supplied in a strong carrying case.
depending on ground conditions.The use of specially designed
extension rod couplers reduces bore hole friction to a minimum, System Set Includes:-
permitting easy operation to a considerable depth.
1 Soil Auger, 100 mm diameter
1 Soil Auger, 150 mm diameter
System Set Includes:- 1 Gravel Auger, 150 mm diameter
1 Dutch Auger, 50 mm diameter
10 Boring Rods, 1 m long 1 Short Driving Point 10 Extension Rods, each 1 metre long
10 Couplers 1 Box Spanner 2 Stillson Wrenches
2 Pipe Wrenches 1 Auger Tool 1 Steel Handle
1 Tap Wrench 1 Standard Core Tube 1 Chisel
1 Core Tube Adaptor 1 Hammer 10 Sample Tubes, 38 mm diameter x 230 mm long
1 Driving Head 1 Lifting/Driving Tool 2 Adaptors
1 Clay Core Tube 1 of each – 1 Jarring Link.
1 Clearing Rod Die Nut and Hand Tap
1 Long Driving Point (for cleaning threads)
Ordering Information
All equipment is supplied in a strong carrying case
EL23-1737
Ordering Information ELE Prospecting Kit Weight 58.5 kg

EL23-1717
Subsurface Boring Kit Weight 40 kg Water Level Indicators
Spares The following two models are drum-mounted with on/off indicator.
A light and audible signal are activated when the probe touches
Model number Description the water. Battery operated, the cable is marked at metre intervals.
EL23-1717/10 Boring Rod 1 m long
Ordering Information
EL23-1717/12 Rod Couple
EL23-1757
Water Level Indicator visual and sonic, 50 metre cable marked
EL23-1717 Subsurface Boring Kit at metre intervals.

EL23-1759
Water Level Indicator visual and sonic, 100 metre cable
marked at metre intervals

EL23-1757 Water Level Indicator

EL23-1737 ELE Prospecting Kit

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 Soil Testing
In-situ sampling and preparation 23
Riffle Boxes (Sample Dividers)
BS 1377, 1924, 812; EN 932-1

For the rapid preparation of samples, i.e. division into two

representative portions. Detailed below is a range of dividers, each
constructed of heavy gauge sheet metal, with particular attention
given to reinforcement of the partitions to maintain the accuracy
of the slot dimensions.

The units offered are supplied in a range of sizes from 7 mm to

64 mm slots.

Ordering Information
Model Recommended Slot Number Approx Weight
number max particle width of slots capacity kg
size - mmmm (litres)
(BS) (EN)
EL23-3000 4.5 3.5 7 12 0.3 1.5
EL23-3050 8.5 6.5 13 12 2.0 6.0
EL23-3070 10.0 7.5 15 12 2.0 8.0
EL23-3100 12.5 9.5 19 10 4.0 9.0
EL23-3150 16.5 12.5 25 10 4.0 11.5
EL23-3170 20.0 15 30 10 4.0 17.5
EL23-3200 25.0 19 38 8 11.0 17.5 EL23-3425 Gilson Sample Splitter
EL23-3300 33.0 25 50 8 14.0 22.5
EL23-3350 42.5 32 64 8 18.0 27.0
Gilson Sample Splitter
Selection of Riffle Boxes
This splitter is designed for the reduction of test samples which are
too large in volume to be conveniently handled. It divides samples
so that half is representative of the original total sample and
handles material upto 6 inches in particle size.

The lever-actuated unit is constructed of heavy gauge welded steel

with a hopper which holds up to 1 ft3.The single splitter chute
provides wide flexibility in sizes of opening and adjustment is
provided for chutes of 0.5,1.5, 2, 3, 4 or 6 inch by positioning of the
chute bars. Overall height approximately
1 metre. Hopper size 735 mm long x 480 mm wide (approx).

Ordering Information
EL23-3425
Gilson Sample Splitter complete with 2 material pans and a
bag-loading chute. Weight 61.5 kg

Sample Reduction
The reduction of particles within the soil mass is necessary for a
number of tests. For most purposes crushing of individual particles
must be avoided.This reduction process is best achieved using a
porcelain mortar and rubber headed pestle.

Ordering Information
EL23-3500
Rubber Headed Pestle specially made for gently grinding soils
without breaking the individual particles. Suitable for BS 1377, 1924;
ASTM D421; AASHTO T87. Weight 120 g

EL23-3505
Mortar and Pestle porcelain. Weight 5 kg

Mortar and Pestle

(rubber and porcelain versions)

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 23 Soil Testing
In-situ sampling and preparation

Extruders and Soil Lathes Proctor/CBR/Marshall/Core Cutter

BS 1377-1 Extruders
The removal of soil cores from sampling tubes must be Two extruders comprising a frame and hydraulic jack supplied with
accomplished with the minimum of disturbance, particularly when adaptor plates to enable a range of sample extrusion from all ELE
small specimens have to be prepared in order to carry out moulds indicated in the table.
laboratory tests. Large extrusion forces used indiscriminately will
compress soil resulting in false values of shear strength and Ordering Information
consolidation.
Model number Extrudes samples from
38 mm Hand-operated Extruder EL23-4200 EL24-9000 BS Compaction mould
Proctor/Core EL24-9060 Proctor Mould
This Sample Extruder comprises a vertically mounted lever action Cutter Extruder EL29-5300 100 mm Core Cutter
hydraulic jack, with the body extended to form a chamber which EL45-6310 Marshall Mould
accommodates a 38 mm diameter sample tube. Supplied complete EL23-4250 EL24-9198 BS CBR Mould
with trimming knife. CBR/Extruder EL24-9228 ASTM CBR Mould
A specially designed split former is available which accepts the
extruded specimen without additional handling. Accessories
EL23-4300 Adaptor Set For use with EL23-4250.
Ordering Information Comprising an adaptor plate, retaining
EL23-4090 screws and a nominal 100 mm ram plunger.
38 mm Hydraulic Extruder Enables extrusion from all ELE 100 mm
moulds and core cutters listed in the table.
Accessories Weight 2.2 kg
EL23-4120 Split Former
Wire Saw see EL81-0708 Hand-operated Soil Lathes
Ordering Information
EL23-4090 38 mm Hydraulic Extruder, shown with optional items EL23-5800
Hand-operated Soil Lathe for producing 38 mm diameter
specimens.The lathe platen is adjustable in height and will accept
specimens up to 100 mm in length.

Accessories
Wire Saw see EL81-0708
Trimming Knife see EL81-0710

EL23-5800 Hand-operated Soil Lathe, shown with optional tools

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 23 Soil Testing
In-situ sampling and preparation

Bench-mounting Mixer
Sample Mixers 10 litre capacity
BS 598-107, 1377-1, 1924-1
A regular laboratory requirement is the mixing of samples
with water and/or other constituents to provide a This mixer has a three speed gearbox driven by an electric motor
homogeneous mixture prior to subsequent testing.The enclosed within the transmission case.The low speed drive
following range of mixers provide an efficient means of automatically comes into action when the high or intermediate
mixing samples. speed is disengaged. Supplied with stainless steel bowl, beater, whisk
and hook.
Bench-mounting Mixer
5 litre nominal capacity Specification
BS 598-107, 1377-1, 1924-1 Dimensions (l x w x h) 489 x 406 x 738 mm
Speeds (rpm) Beater Central shaft
The mixer has two electrically switched mixing speeds which 1 low 108 61
obviates the need to switch off during speed selection.The mixing 2 intermediate 198 113
head comprises a beater which contra-rotates about a central shaft 3 high 361 205
using planetary gearing. A lever-acting lifting device facilitates the
insertion and removal of the bowl. Rated power 375 W
Weight 79 kg
This mixer is suitable for the mixing of soil samples, mortar,
bituminous mixtures and associated materials where comparatively Ordering Information
small samples are being prepared. Supplied with stainless steel EL23-6240/01
bowl, beater and whisk. Bench-mounting Mixer, 10 litre capacity
For 220 ~ 240 V AC, 50 Hz, 1 ph
Specification
Spares
Dimensions (l x w x h) 545 x 380 x 550 mm
Speeds (rpm) Beater Central shaft Model number EL23-6191 EL23-6240
Low 140 62
Stainless steel bowl EL23-6191/10 (5 ltr) EL23-6240/10 (10 ltr)
High 285 125
Whisk EL23-6240/12
Rated power 500 W
Weight 50 kg

Ordering Information
EL23-6191/01
Bench-mounting Mixer, 5 litre nominal capacity
For 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz, 1 ph

Accessory for EL23-6191/01

5 litre Isomantle see EL45-5580/01

EL23-6191 series 5 litre (nominal) Mixer

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 Soil Testing
Moisture content 23
Accessories
Moisture Content EL23-7700 Calcium Carbide Powder supplied in
400 g container.
Rapid Method by Speedy Moisture Important: Calcium Carbide is a hazardous substance. For export
Tester orders the container of calcium carbide is removed from the case and
BS 812; ASTM D4944; AASHTO T217 packed separately.

Attention is drawn to the limitations imposed on the form of

■ Reliable and accurate moisture measurement in transportation. Only in special circumstances can Calcium Carbide be
the field transported by air.
■ Direct-reading in percent moisture
■ Rapid results in minutes EL23-7600 Speedy Calibration Kit. A self-
contained unit designed to enable an
■ New versions with heavy-duty plastic carrying operator to check the accuracy of the
case and portable electronic balance Speedy Moisture Tester.The unit comprises
a master dial, integral air pump, control
The new range of Speedy Moisture testers now includes an connections and tools for checking gauge
electronic balance and a heavy-duty plastic case. accuracy and pressure leaks, with
instructions for simple re-calibrations.
Designed for the most demanding on-site conditions, the new
waterproof and durable case offers high levels of protection.The
new models comprise: Speedy Moisture tester, electronic balance,
beaker, cleaning cloth, cap, washer, scoop, steel pulverizing balls, and
cleaning brushes.

Used to weigh a sample before placing it in the Speedy Moisture

Tester, the portable battery powered balance includes LCD display
with a measuring range 0 – 200 g x 0.1g.The % moisture content
of the sample is read directly from the calibrated pressure gauge.

Ordering Information
Specifications
Model number EL23-7452 EL23-7462 EL23-7502
Model D2 Large G2 Large D2 Small
Moisture range 0 to 20 % 0 to 50 % 0 to 20 %
The standard method for determining the moisture content of soil is
Gauge divisions 0.2% 0.5% 0.2% the Oven Drying Method which is recommended for a Soils
Sample weight 20 g 8g 6g Laboratory. Details on suitable drying and weighing equipment are
Weight complete 8.4 kg 7.5 kg 5.5 kg included in the 78 Section, Drying and Weighing.

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