ABSTRACT
Block sampling of soils can produce samples of the highest quality. However, during block sampling attention has to be given to a number of practical aspects to minimize disturbance to the material. Mechanisms by which disturbances can be introduced include strains imposed to samples during the act of sampling, swelling, stress relief and moisture content changes during storage.
This paper describes a number of techniques to obtain block samples. Techniques referred to include sampling of soil from test pits, auger holes and tunnels as well as down hole block sampling under high water table conditions. The mechanisms by which disturbance to samples can occur are discussed, and practical guidelines to minimize the level of disturbance are suggested.
