ASTM D4516-19a PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D4516-19a — Standard Practice for Classification of Drilled Soil and Rock Boring Samples Using the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and Visual-Manual Procedures for Description of Soils (modified title assumption where needed). This standard provides procedures for field and laboratory classification and description of soil and rock-boring samples using visual-manual techniques and the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), including guidance for sample identification, logging, and recording of descriptive properties.

Abstract

This document describes accepted visual-manual procedures for classifying and describing soils and rock core recovered from drilled borings. It establishes conventions for identifying soil texture, structure, color, consistency, moisture condition, and other relevant properties and gives guidance on using the Unified Soil Classification System for consistent, reproducible descriptions. The practice supports geotechnical site investigations, foundation design, site characterization, and reporting.

General information

• Status: Current (as of 2019 edition identifier)
• Publication date: 2019 (designated -19a indicates a 2019 revision or editorial change)
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 13.080.01 (Soil quality and soil classification); Geotechnical engineering / Civil engineering standards
• Edition / version: 2019 revision (–19a editorial revision suffix)
• Number of pages: Typically 6–12 pages (varies by print/online formatting); user should consult publisher for exact page count

Scope

The practice covers visual-manual classification techniques and the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) conventions to be used when describing soils and rock fragments recovered from drilled borings, test pits, and similar investigations. It is intended for routine geotechnical logging of samples and core for engineering evaluation, not for specialized laboratory identification methods. The practice includes field descriptors for grain size, plasticity, color, moisture, structure, consistency, organic content, and identification of rocks and cobbles, and provides uniform terminology to improve communication among engineers, geologists, and contractors.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) symbols and group names for coarse- and fine-grained soils.
• Standardized visual-manual procedures to estimate grain-size distribution and plasticity characteristics (including simple field tests such as feeling, rubbing, and ribboning).
• Guidance on describing soil color, moisture condition, consistency (e.g., very soft to very stiff), and structure (e.g., single grain, massive, layered).
• Procedures for logging sample type, depth intervals, sample disturbance, and recovery percentage.
• Instructions for noting presence of organic material, soluble salts, and other special conditions affecting engineering behavior.
• Recommendations for documenting rock core, cobbles, and boulders, and for distinguishing soil from weathered rock.

Typical use and users

This practice is used by geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, field technicians, environmental consultants, drilling contractors, and laboratory personnel involved in site characterization and subsurface investigations. Typical applications include foundation and earthwork design, slope stability studies, environmental site assessments, site remediation planning, and construction quality control where consistent field description of soils and rock is required.

Related standards

Standards commonly used with this practice include the Unified Soil Classification System references and related ASTM standards for sampling and testing such as those for disturbed and undisturbed sampling, Atterberg limits, particle-size analysis, rock core description, and field testing methods. Examples include standards governing soil sampling, Atterberg limit tests, particle-size analysis, and rock-core recovery and refusal logging.

Keywords

soil classification, Unified Soil Classification System, USCS, visual-manual description, soil logging, drilled borings, geotechnical investigation, sample description, soil texture, soil consistency

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4516-19a is a practice that provides visual-manual procedures and conventions for classifying and describing soils and rock samples from drilled borings using the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers field and simple laboratory descriptors for grain size, plasticity, color, moisture, structure, consistency, sample recovery, and basic methods to assign USCS group symbols and names for routine geotechnical logging.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, field technicians, environmental consultants, drilling contractors, and lab staff involved in subsurface site characterization and reporting.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The entry refers to the 2019 designation (–19a). Users should check with ASTM International for the most recent status and any subsequent revisions or reprints to confirm whether a newer version has superseded this edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of ASTM geotechnical and soil testing standards that collectively address sampling, classification, and testing methods; it commonly is used alongside standards for Atterberg limits, particle-size analysis, sampling procedures, and rock-core testing.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: USCS, soil classification, soil description, visual-manual, drilled borings, geotechnical logging, sample description