scope:

This method covers a procedure for using a thin-walled metal tube to recover relatively undisturbed soil samples suitable for laboratory tests of engineering properties, such as strength, compressibility, permeability, and density. Thin-walled tubes used in piston-, plug-, or rotary-type samplers, such as the Denison or Pitcher, must comply with the portions of this practice that describe the thin-walled tubes (Section 5.3).

Note 1-This method does not apply to liners used within the above samplers.

Not all tubes specified in this method may be of sufficient diameter to perform all strength or consolidation testing. Refer to the appropriate test method for the minimum sample size to determine if the tube will be appropriate for that test.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of whoever uses this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of R 18 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with R 18 alone does not completely assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of R 18 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.