scope:

This document gives general guidance on the development of site investigation strategies and detailed guidance on the development of sampling strategies, when collecting information on

- the average properties of soil,

- the variability of soil properties, and

- the spatial distribution of soil properties.

It is applicable to soil samples intended for chemical testing and determination of a variety of other properties (e.g. physical).

Although the main focus of this document is the collection of material (field samples) for transfer to a laboratory for testing, it is also applicable when measurements are made directly in the field.

NOTE 1 This document also provides information on the statistical principles underlying the development of appropriate sampling strategies and statistical methodologies.

NOTE 2 Guidance on other forms of related sampling activities are given in other International Standards [for soil gas (ISO 18400-204) and for biological testing purposes (ISO 18400-206)]. Guidance on sampling groundwater is provided in ISO 5667-11 and ISO 5667-22 and on sampling methods and groundwater measurements in geotechnical investigations in ISO 22475-1.