ASTM D2488-17e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D2488-17e1 — Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual‑Manual Procedures). This practice provides standardized visual and manual procedures for describing soils for engineering purposes and, at the user’s option, for identifying soils using the group symbols and names of the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) as given in Test Method D2487.

Abstract

This standard defines a field‑ and laboratory‑usable procedure to record soil descriptive characteristics (color, texture, grain size, consistency, structure, plasticity indicators, organic content, etc.) and to perform a visual‑manual identification of naturally occurring soils. It is intended to supplement laboratory classification (D2487) when visual‑manual identification is used and to reduce unnecessary testing by grouping visually similar samples.

General information

• Status: Active (published/maintained by ASTM International; last updated April 4, 2018).
• Publication date: July 15, 2017 (designation D2488‑17e1).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 93.020 — Earthworks; excavations; foundation construction; underground works.
• Edition / version: D2488‑17e1 (includes editorial changes noted by the e1 suffix).
• Number of pages: 13 pages.

Scope

The practice covers procedures for the visual description of soils for engineering purposes and optional visual‑manual identification using the classification group symbols and names of Test Method D2487. Identification procedures in this practice are limited to naturally occurring soils and to particles smaller than 3 in. (75 mm). The standard may be used in the field, in the laboratory, or at other locations where soil samples are inspected and described, and it may be used in combination with Practice D4083 when working with frozen soils.

Key topics and requirements

• Visual description elements: color (Munsell references), particle size composition (sand, silt, clay, gravel %), structure, fabric, and visible organic content.
• Manual tests: grain‑size by feel, plasticity and stickiness indications, dilatancy and consistency by hand.
• Use of D2487 group symbols/names for optional identification — identification must be reported as “visual‑manual” when that method is used.
• Limitations: applies to naturally occurring soils; particles larger than 75 mm are excluded from group assignment; not a substitute for laboratory tests when precise classification is required.
• Reporting requirements: clearly state that classification is based on visual‑manual procedures and record descriptive fields to allow later verification and correlation with laboratory data.
• Competence and quality: results are dependent on operator experience; agencies meeting Practice D3740 criteria are generally considered capable, but D3740 compliance alone does not guarantee reliable results.
• Supplementary provisions: guidance for frozen soils (Practice D4083), optional appendices for descriptive treatment of materials such as shale, claystone, shells, and crushed rock.
• Safety/health note: users are responsible for establishing appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices prior to use.

Typical use and users

Commonly used by geotechnical engineers, field technicians, drillers and samplers, geologists, laboratory personnel, and construction contractors to record standardized soil descriptions during site investigations, borehole log preparation, test pit logging, and preliminary classification where rapid, low‑cost screening is needed prior to laboratory testing. It is also used in engineering reports and project specifications to ensure consistent descriptive language.

Related standards

Closely related to and intended to supplement Test Method ASTM D2487 (Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes — USCS). Other referenced/associated standards and guides commonly used with D2488 include Practice D3740 (minimum requirements for testing agencies), Practice D1587 (thin‑walled tube sampling), Practice D4083 (frozen soils), and various test methods for particle‑size and Atterberg limits (e.g., D1140, D4318).

Keywords

soil description, soil identification, visual‑manual, Unified Soil Classification System, USCS, field logging, grain size, plasticity, color, structure, geotechnical investigation.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2488‑17e1 is a standardized practice for visually describing soils and for optionally identifying soils by visual‑manual methods using the group symbols and names of the Unified Soil Classification System.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the procedures and descriptive fields (color, texture, particle‑size estimation, consistency, structure, organic content, etc.), limits on identification (naturally occurring soils, particles < 3 in / 75 mm), and reporting conventions when visual‑manual methods are used; it also gives guidance when working with frozen soils.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, field and laboratory technicians, drilling and sampling personnel, geologists, and construction professionals involved in site characterization and preliminary soil classification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published, D2488‑17e1 is the active ASTM practice (designation D2488‑17e1) with the ASTM record showing the active version and an editorial update dated April 4, 2018. Users should consult ASTM or their standards administrator to confirm whether any later revisions or reissues have been released since that date.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM D18 committee’s geotechnical identification and classification family of standards and is intended to be used alongside classification and sampling standards such as D2487 (USCS classification) and other D‑series geotechnical test and practice standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Soil description, visual‑manual identification, USCS, grain size, plasticity, field logging, geotechnical investigation.