SOIL ANALYSIS CHECKLIST
This checklist can be used in the field to determine soil type(s) present in an excavation. A separate analysis is to be done on each layer of soil in the excavation.
Date:
*
-
Month
-
Day
Year
Date
Time:
*
Hour Minutes
AM
PM
AM/PM Option
Location:
*
Depth of excavation:
*
Width:
*
Length of time open:
*
Sample taken from:
Wall
*
Depth
*
Bottom
*
Samples collected by:
*
VISUAL TEST
This analysis is to be taken to determine qualitative information regarding the excavation site in general, the soil adjacent to the excavation, the soil forming the sides of the open excavation, and the soil taken as samples from excavated material.
1. Observe the sample of soil that is excavated and the soil in the sides of the excavation. Estimate the range of particle sizes and the relative amounts of particle sizes. Soil that is primarily composed of fine-grained material is cohesive material. Soil composed primarily of coarse-grained sand or gravel is granular material. RESULTS:
*
2. Observe soil as it is excavated. Soil that remains in clumps when excavated is cohesive. Soil that breaks up easily and does not stay in clumps is granular. RESULTS:
*
3. Observe the sides of the opened excavation and the surface area adjacent to the excavation. Crack-like openings such as tension cracks could indicate fissured material. If chunks of soil spall off a vertical side, the soil could be fissured. Small spalls are evidence of moving ground and are indications of potentially hazardous situations. RESULTS:
*
Back
Next
4. Observe the area adjacent to the excavation and the excavation itself for evidence of existing utilities and other underground structures, and to identify previously disturbed soil. RESULTS:
*
5. Observe the open sides of the excavation to identify layered systems. Examine layers for sloping toward the excavation. Estimate the degree of slope of the layers. RESULTS:
*
6. Observe the adjacent area of the excavation for sources of vibration that may affect the stability of the excavation face. RESULTS:
*
7. Observe the adjacent area of the excavation, sides of the excavation for any evidence of water. RESULTS:
*
Rev. January 2021
Page 2 of 2
Preview PDF
Submit
Should be Empty: