CE 412

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING I

LABORATORY REPORT NO.1 : SOIL SAMPLING

LAB DATE: AUGUST 18, 2018

REPORT DATE: AUGUST 28, 2018
T.A.: ENGR. MARCELO R. TENOSO JR.
LAB GROUP: GROUP 1
LAB PARTNERS: BELTRAN, JOYCE ANN C.
CUETO, MEIDIOR D.
GONZALES, RESHEENA B.
GOYO, JAZZY
MANDE, ALEXANDER SOL H.
MENDOZA, JANINE MICAH B.
MORCILLA, GLAIZEL NICOLE A.
NIVERCA, JANISSARIES M.
VALENCIA, ARNI ALLYSON E.
Abstract
The group performed soil sampling to get a disturbed and undisturbed soil sample.
The experiment was conducted in a desired location at Pinagtungulan San Jose, Batangas and
the weather condition prior the activity is rainy. This experiment aims to get a disturbed and
undisturbed soil samples by selecting the preferred soil and clearing its top soil and digging
around 1 foot deep and setting around 1x1 m square and a clearance to its side by using the
materials the group has prepared. When the members successfully gather the soil samples, the
undisturbed soil sample has been waxed and sealed by a cling wrap to keep its quality and
moisture then it was kept in a large container with lid. When the experiment is done, the area
has been left cleaned by the members to prevent any accident. The collected soil samples
were then placed in a large plastic container with a lid and were kept in a safe place.
Table of Contents

Abstract .......... i

Objectives .......... 1

Theoretical Background .......... 1

Materials and Equipment .......... 1

Experimental Procedure .......... 1

Analysis of Data .......... 2

Discussion of Results .......... 2

Summary & Other Questions .......... 3

References .......... 3

Appendices A .......... 4

Appendices B .......... 5
Objectives

The group’s objective for this laboratory activity is to gather samples of disturbed and
undisturbed soil. The activity is performed to obtain information on the physical properties of
the soil located on the chosen site. Adherence to the procedure is observed to preserve the
soil’s properties desired during the experiment and for further use. Additionally, the samples
can be use to determine nutrient content, composition, and other soil characteristics such as
the acidity or pH level.

Theoretical Background

Soil sampling is a method that can be used for exploration of geothermal resources
that lack obvious surface manifestations. Properly collecting soil samples is the most
important step in any nutrient/soil amendment management program for it helps ensure
reliability of test results for making informed decisions related to soil inputs such as fertilizer
and lime.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

 Tape Measure
 Candle Wax
 Cling Wrap
 Shovel
 Trowel
 Crowbar
 Empty Container
 70-L Storage Box
 Disturbed Soil
 Undisturbed Soil

PROCEDURE

FOR DISTURBED SOIL:

1. Clear the area where the sample is desired to be excavated.

2. Use shovel, trowel and other digging tools in digging the soil.
3. Remove the portion of the soil on the excavated area.
4. Place the removed earth into the hole and clean up the area.
FOR UNDISTURBED SOIL:
1. Clear the area where the sample is desired to be excavated.
2. Use shovel, trowel and other digging tools in digging the soil.
3. Leave a small rectangular portion of soil at the center of the excavated area.
4. Remove that portion of the soil on that excavated area.
5. Cover all the faces of the undistributed soil sample by the use of the cling wrap.
6. Place the removed earth into the hole and clean up the area.
7. Place the covered sample in the container so that no air will pass through the sample.
8. Label the container with your group number and section.

Analysis of Data

Type of Soil Sample Disturbed and Undisturbed

Depth of Soil Sample Approximately 12 inches

Date and Time o Extraction August 18, 2018, 11:00am-12:00pm

Location Pinagtung ulan San Jose, Batangas

GPS 13˚47’2” N 121˚4’28” E

Weather before the date of the experiment Mostly Cloudy

Weather on the date of the experiment Rainy

Temperature Around 26 to 28 Degrees Celsius

Discussion of results

The group was able to gather enough samples of disturbed and undisturbed soil. Heavy
rain is observed the day before the samples are gathered therefore the soil sample for
disturbed and undisturbed is moist. With about 5 in of the top soil removed, the obtained
disturbed soil sample appears to be dark brown, feels gritty, and stains fingers slightly. For
the undisturbed soil sample, it is dark brown just as well. It is noted that for the soil’s
structure, the soil aggregates are small, porous and adhere weakly together being prone to
disintegration with the slightest configuration on its shape.
Summary
The group performed soil sampling, labelling and storage on 13˚47’2” N 121˚4’28” E
Pinagtung ulan, San Jose, Batangas, at 11am with a temperature around 26 to 28 degree
Celsius and a weather condition of rainy. Trowel, shovel, crowbar, tape measure and bolo
were used in performing this activity.

Soil sampling, labelling and storage consist of digging and getting disturbed and
undisturbed soil samples which is to be used in the preceding laboratory activities. Disturbed
soil samples are inserted inside the plastic container and sack while undisturbed sample is
cling wrapped and waxed.

Other questions:

1. Why do we need to perform soil sampling, labelling and storage?

Answer: We need to perform soil sampling, labelling and storage in order to obtain disturbed
and undisturbed soil samples. Geotechnical engineers and geologists collect soil samples to
learn about the properties of the strata below the land surface. Scientists commonly test
disturbed soil samples for soil type and texture, moisture content and nutrient and
contaminant analysis, among other evaluations. Undisturbed samples allow an engineer to
determine the geotechnical properties of strength, permeability, compressibility and fracture
patterns among others and the results of these analyses are instrumental in the design of a
new building.

2. What are the precautions in soil sampling, labelling and storage?

Answer: Proper care must be applied in getting the undisturbed sample. The undisturbed
sample must be properly wrapped and waxed in order to maintain its shape and moisture
content. Disturbed samples must be inserted in a good container to prevent alien species to
enter the sample.

References
https://openei.org/wiki/Definition:Soil_Sampling
https://www.pioneer.com/home/site/us/agronomy/library/soil-sampling-test-interpretation/
https://www.carlisle.k12.ky.us/.userfiles/1044/Classes/6685/040070.pdf
https://www.hunker.com/13406900/disturbed-vs-undisturbed-soil-sampling
Appendix A

Measure the part that will be excavated.

Dig the corner part and make a rectangle area in the middle.

Collect the disturbed sample from the corners and place it in a plastic bag for the mean time.
Appendix B

Get the undisturbed sample carefully from the rectangle on the center.

Use cling wrap to preserve the moisture of the soil sample.