Standard Method of Test for Penetration Test and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils

Abstract

This test method describes the procedure, generally known as the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), for driving a split-barrel sampler to obtain a representative soil sample and a measure of the resistance of the soil to penetration of the sampler.

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 the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

For a specific precautionary statement, see Section 5.4.1.

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

Note 1—ASTM D4633 can be used for measuring the energy that enters the drill rod string during testing due to the hammer impact.

Note 2—ASTM D6066 can be used when testing loose sands below the water table for liquefaction studies or when a higher level of care is required when drilling these soils.

This practice provides information on drilling methods, equipment variables, energy corrections, and blow-count normalization