Designation: D 4220 95 (Reapproved 2007)Standard Practices forPreserving and Transporting Soil Samples1ThisstandardisissuedunderthexeddesignationD 4220;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.1. Scope*1.1These practices cover procedures for preserving soilsamplesimmediatelyaftertheyareobtainedintheeldandaccompanyingprocedures for transportingandhandlingthesamples.1.2LimitationsThese practices are not intendedtoad-dressrequirementsapplicabletotransportingofsoil samplesknown or suspected to contain hazardous materials.1.3This standarddoes not purport toaddress all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibilityoftheuserofthisstandardtoestablishappro-priatesafetyandhealthpracticesanddeterminetheapplica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. See Section 7.2. Referenced Documents2.1ASTM Standards:2D 420GuidetoSiteCharacterizationforEngineeringDe-sign and Construction PurposesD 653TerminologyRelatingtoSoil,Rock,andContainedFluidsD 1452Practice for Soil Investigation and Sampling byAuger BoringsD 1586Test MethodforPenetrationTest andSplit-BarrelSampling of SoilsD 1587Practicefor Thin-WalledTubeSamplingof Soilsfor Geotechnical PurposesD 2488Practice for Description and Identication of Soils(Visual-Manual Procedure)D 3550PracticeforThickWall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel,Drive Sampling of SoilsD 4564Test Methodfor Densityof Soil inPlacebytheSleeve MethodD 4700Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone3. Terminology3.1Terminologyinthesepractices is inaccordancewithTerminology D 653.4. Summary of Practices4.1The various procedures are given under four groupingsas follows:4.1.1Group ASamples for which only general visualidentication is necessary.4.1.2Group BSamples for which only water content andclassication tests, proctor and relative density, or prolelogging is required, and bulk samples that will be remolded orcompactedintospecimensfor swell pressure, percent swell,consolidation, permeability, shear testing, CBR, stabilimeter,etc.4.1.3Group CIntact, naturally formed or eld fabricated,samples for density determinations; or for swell pressure,percent swell, consolidation, permeabilitytestingandsheartestingwithorwithoutstress-strainandvolumechangemea-surements, to include dynamic and cyclic testing.4.1.4Group DSamples that are fragile or highly sensitivefor which tests in Group C are required.4.2Theprocedure(s)tobeusedshouldbeincludedintheproject specications or dened by the designated responsibleperson.5. Signicance and Use5.1Useof thevariousproceduresrecommendedinthesepractices is dependent on the type of samples obtained (Prac-tice D 420), the type of testingandengineeringpropertiesrequired, the fragility and sensitivity of the soil, and the1These practices are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil andRockandarethedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD18.02onSamplingandRelated Field Testing for Soil Evaluations.Current edition approved July 1, 2007. PublishedAugust 2007. Originallyapproved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D 4220 95 (2000).2Forreferenced ASTMstandards, visit the ASTMwebsite, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.1*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---climatic conditions. Inall cases, the primarypurpose is topreserve the desired inherent conditions.5.2The procedures presented in these practices were prima-rily developed for soil samples that are to be tested forengineeringproperties, however, theymaybeapplicableforsamples of soil and other materials obtained for other purposes.6. Apparatus6.1The type of materials andcontainers neededdependupontheconditions andrequirements listedunder thefourgroupingsAtoDinSection4, andalsoontheclimateandtransporting mode and distance.6.1.1SealingWax,includesmicrocrystallinewax,paraffin,beeswax, ceresine, carnaubawax, or combinations thereof.6.1.2Metal Disks, about116 in. (about 2mm) thickandhaving a diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of thetube, liner, or ring and to be used in union with wax or caps andtape, or both.6.1.3Wood Disks, prewaxed, 1 in. (25 mm) thick and havinga diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of the liner ortube.6.1.4Tape, either waterproof plastic, adhesivefriction, orduct tape.6.1.5Cheesecloth, to be used in union with wax in alterna-tive layers.6.1.6Caps, either plastic, rubber or metal, to be placed overthe end of thin-walled tubes (Practice D 1587), liners and rings(Practice D 3550), in union with tape or wax.6.1.7Oring(SealingEndCaps), usedtosealtheendsofsamples within thin-walled tubes, by mechanically expandingan Oring against the tube wall.NOTE 1Plastic expandable end caps are preferred. Metal expandableend caps seal equally well; however, long-termstorage may causecorrosion problems.6.1.8Jars, widemouthed, withrubber-ringedlidsor lidslinedwithacoatedpaper seal andof asizetocomfortablyreceive the sample, commonly12 pt (250 mL), 1 pt (500 mL)and quart-sized (1000 mL).6.1.9Bag, eitherplastic, burlapwithliner, burlaporclothtype (Practice D 1452).6.1.10PackingMaterial, toprotect against vibrationandshock.6.1.11Insulation, either granule (bead), sheet or foam type,to resist temperature change of soil or to prevent freezing.6.1.12SampleCubeBoxes, for transportingcube(block)samples. Constructedwith12to34in. (13to19mm)thickplywood (marine type).6.1.13Cylindrical SampleContainers, somewhatlargerindimension than the thin-walled tube or liner samples, such ascylindrical frozen food cartons.6.1.14ShippingContainers, eitherboxorcylindrical typeand of proper construction to protect against vibration, shock,and the elements, to the degree required.NOTE 2The length, girth and weight restrictions for commercialtransportation must be considered.6.1.15Identication MaterialThis includes the necessarywriting pens, tags, and labels to properly identify thesample(s).7. Precautions7.1Specialinstructions,descriptions,andmarkingofcon-tainers must accompany any sample that may include radioac-tive, chemical, toxic, or other contaminant material.7.2Interstatetransportationcontainment, storage, anddis-posal ofsoil samplesobtainedfromcertainareaswithintheUnitedStatesandthetransportationof foreignsoilsintoorthrough the United States are subject to regulations establishedby the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal, and PlantHealth Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs, andpossibly to regulations of other federal, state, or local agencies.7.2.1SamplesshippedbywayofcommoncarrierorU.S.Postal Service must comply with the Department of Transpor-tation Hazardous Materials Regulation, 49CRF Part 172.7.3Sample traceability records (see Fig. 1) are encouragedand should be required for suspected contaminated samples.7.3.1The possession of all samples must be traceable, fromcollection to shipment to laboratory to disposition, and shouldbe handled by as few persons as possible.7.3.2The sample collector(s) should be responsible forinitiating the sample traceability record; recording the project,sample identication and location, sample type, date, and thenumber and types of containers.7.3.3Aseparatetraceabilityrecordshall accompanyeachshipment.7.3.4When transferring the possession of samples theperson(s)relinquishingandreceivingthesamplesshall sign,date, record the time, and check for completeness of thetraceability record.8. Procedure8.1All SamplesProperlyidentifysampleswithtags, la-bels, and markings prior to transporting them as follows:8.1.1Job name or number, or both,8.1.2Sampling date,8.1.3Sample/boring number and location,8.1.4Depth or elevation, or both,8.1.5Sample orientation,8.1.6Special shippingorlaboratoryhandlinginstructions,or both, including sampling orientation, and8.1.7Penetration test data, if applicable (Test MethodD 1586).8.1.8Subdividedsamples must beidentiedwhilemain-taining association to the original sample.8.1.9If required, sample traceability record.8.2Group ATransport samples in any type of container bywayofavailabletransportation. Iftransportedcommercially,the container need only meet the minimum requirements of thetransportingagencyandanyotherrequirementsnecessarytoassure against sample loss.8.3Group B:8.3.1Preserve and transport these samples in sealed, mois-tureproof containers. All containers shall be of sufficientthickness and strength to ensure against breakage and moistureloss. The container types include: plastic bags or pails, glass orplastic (provided they are waterproof) jars, thin walled tubes,liners, and rings. Wrap cylindrical and cube samples in suitableD 4220 95 (2007)2Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---plastic lm or aluminum foil, or both, (Note 3) and coat withseveral layers of wax, or seal in several layers of cheeseclothand wax.8.3.2Transportthesesamplesbyanyavailabletransporta-tion. Ship these samples as prepared or placed in largershipping containers, including bags, cardboard, or woodenboxes or barrels.NOTE 3Some soils may cause holes to develop in aluminum foil, dueto corrosion. Avoid direct contact where adverse affects to samplecomposition are a concern.8.3.3Plastic BagsPlace the plastic bags as tightly aspossible aroundthe sample, squeezingout as muchair aspossible. They shall be 3 mil or thicker to prevent leakage.8.3.4Glass-Plastic JarsIf the jar lids are not rubberringed or lined with new waxed paper seals, seal the lids withwax.8.3.5Plastic PailsIf the plastic pail lids are not air tight,seal them with wax or tape.8.3.6Thin-Walled Tubes:8.3.6.1Expandable PackersThe preferred method ofsealingsampleendswithintubesiswithplastic, expandablepackers.8.3.6.2Wax With DisksFor short-termsealing, paraffinwax is acceptable. For long term sealing (in excess of 3 days)use microcrystalline waxes or combine with up to 15 %beeswax or resin, for better adherence to the wall of the tubeand to reduce shrinkage. Several thin layers of wax arepreferredoveronethicklayer. Theminimumnal thicknessshall be 0.4 in. (10 mm).8.3.6.3EndCapsSealmetal, rubber, orplasticendcapswith tape. For long term storage (longer than 3 days), also dipthem in wax, applying two or more layers of wax.8.3.6.4Cheesecloth and WaxUse alternating layers (aminimum of two each) of cheesecloth and wax to seal each endof the tube and stabilize the sample.NOTE 4Where necessary, spacers or appropriate packing materials, orboth, must beplacedprior tosealingthetubeendstoprovideproperconnement. Packing material must be nonabsorbent and must maintainits properties to provide the same degree of continued sample support.8.3.7Liners and RingsRefer to 8.3.6.3 or 8.3.6.4.8.3.8Exposed Samples:8.3.8.1Cylindrical,CubicalorOtherSamplesWrappedinPlastic, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, or foil shouldbe further protected with a minimum of three coats of wax.FIG. 1 Example Layout of Record FormD 4220 95 (2007)3Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---8.3.8.2Cylindrical and Cube Samples Wrapped in Cheese-cloth and Wax, shall be sealed with a minimum of three layersof each, placed alternatively.8.3.8.3CartonSamples(FrozenFoodCartons)Samplesplaced in these containers must be situated so that wax can bepoured completely around the sample. The wax should ll thevoid between the sample and container wall. The wax shouldbe sufficiently warm to ow, but not so hot that it penetrates thepores of the soil. Generally, the samples should be wrapped inplastic or foil before being surrounded with wax.8.4Group C:8.4.1Preserve and seal these samples in containers ascoveredin8.3. Inaddition, theymust beprotectedagainstvibration and shock, and protected from extreme heat or cold.8.4.2Samples transported by the sampling or testing agencypersonnel onseats of automobiles andtrucks needonlybeplaced in cardboard boxes, or similar containers into which thesealedsamplestsnugly, preventingbumping, rolling, drop-ping, etc.8.4.3For all other methods of transporting samples, includ-ing automobile trunk, bus, parcel services, truck, boat, air, etc.,place the sealedsamples inwood, metal, or other type ofsuitable shipping containers that provide cushioning or insula-tion, or both, for each sample and container. Avoid transportingby any agency whose handling of containers is suspect.8.4.4The cushioning material (sawdust, rubber, polysty-rene, urethane foam, or material with similar resiliency) shouldcompletelyencaseeachsample.Thecushioningbetweenthesamplesandwallsof theshippingcontainersshouldhaveaminimum thickness of 1 in. (25 mm). A minimum thickness of2 in. (50 mm) shall be provided on the container oor.8.4.5When required, the samples should be shipped in thesame orientation in which they were sampled. Otherwise,special conditions shall be providedsuchas freezing, con-trolleddrainage, or sufficient connement, or acombinationthereof, to maintain sample integrity.8.5Group D:8.5.1The requirements of 8.4 must be met, in addition to thefollowing:8.5.1.1Samplesshouldbehandledinthesameorientationin which they were sampled, including during transportation orshipping, with appropriate markings on the shipping container.8.5.1.2Forallmodesofprivateorcommercialtransporta-tion,theloading,transportingandunloadingoftheshipmentcontainers shouldbe supervisedas muchas possible byaqualied person.NOTE 5Aqualied person may be an engineer, geologist, soilscientist, soils technician or responsible person designated by the projectmanager.8.6Shipping Containers (see Figs. 2-7 for typical contain-ers):8.6.1The following features should be included in thedesign of the shipping container for Groups C and D.8.6.1.1It should be reuseable,8.6.1.2It should be constructed so that the samples can bemaintained, at all times, in the same position as when sampledor packed, or both,8.6.1.3It should include sufficient packing material tocushion or isolate, or both, the tubes from the adverse effect ofvibration and shock, and8.6.1.4It should include sufficient insulating material toprevent freezing, sublimation and thawing, or undesirabletemperature changes.8.6.2Wood Shipping Containers:8.6.2.1Wood is preferred over metal. Outdoor (marine)plywood having a thickness of 12 and 34 in. (13 to 19 mm) maybeused. Thetop(cover) shouldbehingedandlatched, orfastened with screws.8.6.2.2The cushioning requirements are given in 8.4.4.8.6.2.3For protection against freezing or extreme tempera-turevariation, theentireshippingcontainer shouldbelinedwith a minimum insulation thickness of 2 in. (50 mm).8.6.3Metal Shipping ContainersThe metal shipping con-tainers must incorporate cushioning and insulation material tominimumthicknesses in accordance with 8.6.2, althoughslightly greater thicknesses would be appropriate. Alterna-tively, the cushion effect could be achieved with a springsuspensionsystem, or anyother means that wouldprovidesimilar protection.8.6.4Styrene Shipping ContainersBulk styrene with slotscut to the dimensions of the sample tube or liner. A protectiveouter box of plywood or reinforced cardboard is recommended.8.6.5Other ContainersContainers constructed with lami-natedberboard, plasticorreinforcedcardboardouterwalls,and properly lined, may also be used.9. Reporting9.1Thedataobtainedintheeldshall berecordedandshould include the following:9.1.1Job name or number, or both,9.1.2Sampling date(s),9.1.3Sample/boring number(s) and location(s),9.1.4Depth(s) or elevation(s), or both,9.1.5Sample orientation,9.1.6Groundwater observation, if any,9.1.7Method of sampling, and penetration test data, ifapplicable,9.1.8Sample dimensions,9.1.9Soil description (Practice D 2488),9.1.10Names of technician/crewman, engineer, projectchief, etc.,9.1.11Commentsregardingcontaminatedorpossiblecon-taminated samples,9.1.12If used, a copy of traceability records,9.1.13Weather conditions, and9.1.14General remarks.10. Precision and Bias10.1This practice provides qualitative and general informa-tiononly. Therefore, a precisionandbias statement is notapplicable.11. Keywords11.1preservation; soil samples; transportationD 4220 95 (2007)4Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---FIG. 2 Shipping Box for 3-in. (76-mm) Thin-Walled TubesD 4220 95 (2007)5Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---NOTE 1Top and bottom halves are identical.FIG. 3 Styrene Shipping Container for 3-in. (76-mm) Thin-Walled TubesD 4220 95 (2007)6Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---BILL OF MATERIALSItemNo. Description of Item QuantityItemNo. Description of Item Quantity1 Plywood, 4 ft by 8 ft by34 in. (1220 mm by 2440 mm by 19.1mm) exterior, Grade AC1 Sheet 1314Rope, nylon,12-in. (12.7-mm) diameter, solid braidedCushioning Material, expanded polystyrene foam5 ft (1524 mm)10 ft3(0.28 m3)2 Hinge, strap, 4 in. (102 mm), heavy duty with screws 4 Each Notes (a) All wooden components can be sawed from one sheet of plywood.3 Hasp, hinged, 412 in. (114 mm), with screws 3 Each (b) This shipping box will accommodate approximately three 3-in. (76-mm)4 Screw, Wood, Steel, Flathead, No. 10 by 134 in. (44.5 mm) 72 Each diameter tubes or two 5-in (127-mm) diameter tubes up to 30 in. (7625 Bolt, Machine,38 in. (9.5 mm), with nut to secure hasps 3 Each mm) in length. For longer tubes the inside height of the box must be a6 Washer, at,38 in. (9.5 mm) 3 Each minimum of 6-in. (152 mm) greater than the length of the tube.7 Eye Bolt,12 by 2 in. (6.4 mm by 51 mm), zinc-plated, with nut 8 Each (c) All joints to be glued and fastened with screws.8 Washer, at,14 in. (6.4 mm), for hasp bolt 8 Each (d) Stencil all sides as follows (See Views B and C).9 S Hooks, 2 in. (51 mm), open, zinc-plated 8 Each TO PROTECT FROM FREEZING10 Clamp, adjustable, hose, steel, worm screw adjustment 2 Each (e) After suspending samples as indicated above, all void space must be11 Spring, expansion 8 Each lled with a suitable resilient packing material.12 Adhesive, woodworking 1 lb (454 g)FIG. 4 Suspension System Container for Thin-Walled TubesD 4220 95 (2007)7Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---NOTE 1Two in. (51 mm) of foam rubber covers 2 in. of styrofoam atthe base. One in. (25 mm) of foam rubber overlays the top of the tubes,and the remaining space to the lid is lled with styrofoam.FIG. 5 Shipping Barrel for Thin-Walled TubesD 4220 95 (2007)8Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---FIG. 6 Shipping Box for Liner (Short Tube) or Ring SamplesD 4220 95 (2007)9Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---SUMMARY OF CHANGESThissectionidentiesthelocationofchangestothesepracticesthathavebeenincorporatedsincethelastissue. CommitteeD-18hashighlightedthosechangesthat affect thetechnical interpretationoruseofthesepractices.(1) Section 11 was added since the last revision.(2) Section 2 was expanded since the last revision.FIG. 7 Preparing and Packaging a Block SampleD 4220 95 (2007)10Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the riskof infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every ve years andif not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standardsand should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of theresponsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you shouldmake your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,UnitedStates. Individual reprints(singleormultiplecopies)of thisstandardmaybeobtainedbycontactingASTMat theaboveaddress or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTMwebsite(www.astm.org).D 4220 95 (2007)11Copyright ASTM International Provided by IHS under license with ASTMLicensee=University of Texas Revised Sub Account/5620001114 Not for Resale, 12/04/2007 17:26:51 MST No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS--``,,,,,```,`,``,,```,,`,```,,`-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---