ABSTRACT
Collection of soil samples for investigation or monitoring involves both science and art. The science part requires that the investigator include sufficient quality control procedures in the project plan to assure that variables associated with sampling are identified and quantified. An acceptable sampling program must include collection procedures which produce high quality samples, representative of the variability of site conditions, within the project budget. The main purpose of a general site investigation is to define the variability of soil across the site and to compare the results against the “normal” condition of the site. The chapter discusses several general types of sampling strategies. Selection of the “best” sampling procedure is often a complex task based on the goals and objectives of the sampling plan. It is prudent, therefore, for the investigator to prepare a formal sampling plan which meets all of the objectives of the project before initiating the field work.
