Which sampler is best for obtaining undisturbed soil samples?

Which sampler is best for obtaining undisturbed soil samples?

• A. Thick-wall tube
• B. Split-spoon sampler
• C. Thin-wall tube
• D. Standard penetration test sampler

Answer: (C)

The thin-wall tube sampler is specifically designed to retrieve undisturbed soil samples, making it the best choice among the options provided. This type of sampler features a thin-walled tube that minimizes disturbance to the soil during the sampling process. The design allows for a larger diameter sample to be extracted with minimal disruption to the soil structure, which is essential for obtaining accurate geotechnical data and understanding the in-situ conditions of the soil. The thin walls of the sampler help in reducing the friction and resistance during insertion, which aids in maintaining the original soil fabric and moisture content of the sample. This is particularly important when assessing soil properties, such as shear strength and consolidation characteristics, as even minor disturbances can significantly alter these properties. Other samplers, while useful in different contexts, do not provide the same level of integrity for undisturbed samples. The thick-wall tube sampler, for example, can collect samples, but due to its thicker walls and the methodology involved, it may disturb the soil more than desired. The split-spoon sampler is more suited for disturbed sampling situations, particularly in conjunction with standard penetration tests, and is less effective at preserving sample integrity. The standard penetration test sampler is primarily intended for in-situ testing and provides disturbed samples rather

The thin-wall tube sampler is specifically designed to retrieve undisturbed soil samples, making it the best choice among the options provided. This type of sampler features a thin-walled tube that minimizes disturbance to the soil during the sampling process. The design allows for a larger diameter sample to be extracted with minimal disruption to the soil structure, which is essential for obtaining accurate geotechnical data and understanding the in-situ conditions of the soil.

The thin walls of the sampler help in reducing the friction and resistance during insertion, which aids in maintaining the original soil fabric and moisture content of the sample. This is particularly important when assessing soil properties, such as shear strength and consolidation characteristics, as even minor disturbances can significantly alter these properties.

Other samplers, while useful in different contexts, do not provide the same level of integrity for undisturbed samples. The thick-wall tube sampler, for example, can collect samples, but due to its thicker walls and the methodology involved, it may disturb the soil more than desired. The split-spoon sampler is more suited for disturbed sampling situations, particularly in conjunction with standard penetration tests, and is less effective at preserving sample integrity. The standard penetration test sampler is primarily intended for in-situ testing and provides disturbed samples rather