ASTM D1586/D1586M-18e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1586/D1586M-18e1 — Standard Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Split‑Barrel Sampling of Soils. Specifies the procedure for driving a split‑barrel sampler with a drop hammer to obtain disturbed soil samples for identification and to measure penetration resistance (the SPT “N” value), including apparatus, test procedure, recording, limitations, and related corrections and practices.

Abstract

This standard defines the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and split‑barrel sampling technique used in subsurface exploration to obtain disturbed soil samples and measure in‑situ penetration resistance (N‑value). It describes the sampler and hammer system, blow count measurement (0.5–1.5 ft drive interval), recommended test intervals, limitations (non‑lithified soils and maximum particle size), and references to energy correction and companion practices used for geotechnical interpretation and liquefaction evaluation.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: 2018 (designation D1586/D1586M-18, editorial correction e1; published late November–December 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 93.020 — Earthworks; Excavations; Foundation construction; Underground works.
• Edition / version: D1586/D1586M-18e1 (2018, with editorial amendment e1).
• Number of pages: 26 pages (typical published length for the 2018 edition).

Scope

This test method covers the procedure commonly called the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) for driving a 2‑in. (50 mm) split‑barrel sampler with a nominal 140 lb (63.5 kg) hammer dropped 30 in. (750 mm) to obtain disturbed soil samples for identification and to determine the penetration resistance (N value). It addresses apparatus, sampling, blow counting (0.5–1.5 ft increment of a 1.5 ft drive), recommended test intervals, limitations (non‑lithified soils, particle size limits), and references energy measurement and correction methods for normalized N values for specific applications such as liquefaction evaluation.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and purpose of the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and split‑barrel sampling.
• Required test apparatus: sampler dimensions, hammer mass and drop height, driving head, drill rods and anvil.
• Procedure for conducting SPT: seating drive, recording blows for 0–6 in., 6–12 in., and the 0.5–1.5 ft interval to determine N value.
• Limitations and applicability: non‑lithified or un‑cemented soils; maximum particle size roughly ≤ one‑half sampler diameter; problems with very soft clays and gravels.
• Energy measurement and corrections: reference to Test Method D4633 for hammer energy and Practice D6066 for energy‑corrected N values in liquefaction studies.
• Reporting, sample classification, and recommended companion practices for sample handling and detailed lithology.
• Notes on safety, drilling methods influence, and recognized uncertainties in interpretation.

Typical use and users

Used widely in geotechnical and geoenvironmental site investigations by geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, drilling contractors, and consultants to characterize subsurface soils, estimate relative density and stiffness, support foundation and liquefaction assessments, and provide disturbed samples for laboratory identification and simple property tests. Procedures are commonly applied during preliminary and detailed site investigations, design of foundations and earthworks, and seismic/ liquefaction evaluations.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and companion documents include ASTM Test Method D4633 (energy measurement for dynamic penetrometers), Practice D6066 (energy‑corrected penetration resistance for liquefaction evaluation), Practice D1587/D1587M (thin‑walled tube sampling), Practice D4220 (sample preservation and transport), Practice D6026 (significant digits and rounding), ISO 22476‑3 (equivalent SPT description), and other D18 committee standards on drilling and sampling.

Keywords

Standard Penetration Test, SPT, split‑barrel sampler, N‑value, blow count, hammer energy, in‑situ test, soil sampling, geotechnical investigation, liquefaction, ASTM D1586.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1586/D1586M-18e1 is the ASTM standard test method that defines the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) procedure and split‑barrel sampling technique used to obtain disturbed soil samples and measure penetration resistance (N value).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers required apparatus, sampler and hammer details, test procedure and blow counting, reporting requirements, limitations of the test, and references to energy measurement and correction practices for interpretation (for example D4633 and D6066).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, drilling contractors, and consultants performing subsurface exploration and foundation or seismic/l​iquefaction assessments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D1586/D1586M-18 edition with editorial correction e1 is the 2018 published edition (active at publication). Users should verify whether a newer revision or withdrawal has occurred since 2018 before final use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is maintained by ASTM Committee D18 (Soil and Rock) and is used alongside related D18 standards and practices (for example D4633, D6066, D1587, D6151) and international standards such as ISO 22476‑3.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: SPT, split‑barrel, N‑value, blow count, hammer energy, soil sampling, geotechnical.