This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D420 − 18

Standard Guide for

Site Characterization for Engineering Design and
Construction Purposes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D420; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

INTRODUCTION

Site characterization for engineering design and construction purposes involves both simple and
complex techniques that may be accomplished by many different procedures and may be variously
interpreted. These studies are frequently site specific and are influenced by geological and
geographical settings, by the purpose of the site characterization, by design requirements for the
project proposed, and by the background, training, and experience of the staff involved.
This document is a guide to the selection of the various ASTM standards that are available for the
exploration of soil, rock, and groundwater for projects that involve surface and/or subsurface
construction, or both. It is intended to improve consistency of practice and to encourage rational
planning of a site characterization program. Since the subsurface conditions at a particular site are
usually the result of a combination of natural, geologic, topographic, and climatic factors, and of
historical modifications both natural and manmade, an adequate and internally consistent exploration
program will allow evaluation of the results of these influences.

1. Scope* 1.3.1 In addition the location and nature of underground and

1.1 This guide refers to ASTM methods to perform site overhead utilities should be identified to ensure that there is no
characterization for engineering, design, and construction pur- impact to the proposed site characterization. Impacts may
poses. The objective of the site characterization should be to include but are not limited to interference with geophysical
identify and locate, both horizontally and vertically, significant methods, damaging utilities, creating an unsafe work
soil and rock types and groundwater conditions present within condition, and limiting accessibility for exploratory equipment.
a given site area and to establish the characteristics of the 1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
subsurface materials by sampling or in situ testing, or both. are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in each
1.2 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system
samples is specified by other ASTM standards not listed herein. shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
Subsurface exploration for environmental purposes is also from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
outside the scope of this guide. standard. Inch-pound units are provided in brackets for conve-
nience.
1.3 Prior to commencement of the site characterization the
site should be checked for potentially hazardous or otherwise 1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information
contaminated materials or cultural/archeological conditions. If or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
evidence of unknown potentially hazardous or otherwise con- course of action. This document cannot replace education or
taminated materials or conditions are encountered in the course experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
of the site characterization, work shall be interrupted until the judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
circumstances have been evaluated and revised instructions circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
issued. sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
1
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface
unique aspects. The word“ Standard” in the title of this
Characterization. document means only that the document has been approved
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2018. Published March 2018. Originally through the ASTM consensus process.
published as D420 – 65T. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as
D420 – 93(2003), which was withdrawn January 2012 and reinstated February 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2018. DOI: 10.1520/D0420_D0420M-18. safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 D420 − 18
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Saturated Fine-Grained Soils
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- D3213 Practices for Handling, Storing, and Preparing Soft
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Intact Marine Soil
1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the D3282 Practice for Classification of Soils and Soil-
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Aggregate Mixtures for Highway Construction Purposes
Practice D6026. D3385 Test Method for Infiltration Rate of Soils in Field
1.8 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the D3404 Guide for Measuring Matric Potential in Vadose
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the Zone Using Tensiometers
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce- D3550/D3550M Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- D4044/D4044M Test Method for (Field Procedure) for In-
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to stantaneous Change in Head (Slug) Tests for Determining
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be Hydraulic Properties of Aquifers
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope D4050 Test Method for (Field Procedure) for Withdrawal
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis and Injection Well Testing for Determining Hydraulic
methods for engineering design. Properties of Aquifer Systems
D4083 Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual-
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor- Manual Procedure)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
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D4220/D4220M Practices for Preserving and Transporting

ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Soil Samples
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- D4394 Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Deformation of Rock Mass Using Rigid Plate Loading
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. Method
2. Referenced Documents D4395 Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of
Deformation of Rock Mass Using Flexible Plate Loading
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 Method
C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone D4403 Practice for Extensometers Used in Rock
C294 Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Con- D4428/D4428M Test Methods for Crosshole Seismic Test-
crete Aggregates ing
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates D4429 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Soils in Place (Withdrawn 2018)3
Fluids D4452 Practice for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples
D1195/D1195M Test Method for Repetitive Static Plate D4506 Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of
Load Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement Components, Deformation of Rock Mass Using Radial Jacking Test
for Use in Evaluation and Design of Airport and Highway D4544 Practice for Estimating Peat Deposit Thickness
Pavements D4553 Test Method for Determining In Situ Creep Charac-
D1196/D1196M Test Method for Nonrepetitive Static Plate teristics of Rock (Withdrawn 2017)3
Load Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement Components, D4554 Test Method for In Situ Determination of Direct
for Use in Evaluation and Design of Airport and Highway Shear Strength of Rock Discontinuities
Pavements D4555 Test Method for Determining Deformability and
D1452/D1452M Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling Strength of Weak Rock by an In Situ Uniaxial Compres-
by Auger Borings sive Test
D1586 Test Method for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and D4623 Test Method for Determination of In Situ Stress in
Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils Rock Mass by Overcoring Method—Three Component
D1587/D1587M Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Borehole Deformation Gauge
Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes D4630 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity and
D2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Storage Coefficient of Low-Permeability Rocks by In Situ
Rock for Site Exploration Measurements Using the Constant Head Injection Test
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering (Withdrawn 2017)3
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) D4631 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity and
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils Storativity of Low Permeability Rocks by In Situ Mea-
(Visual-Manual Procedures) surements Using Pressure Pulse Technique (Withdrawn
D2573/D2573M Test Method for Field Vane Shear Test in 2017)3
D4633 Test Method for Energy Measurement for Dynamic
2
Penetrometers
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.

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D4645 Test Method for Determination of In-Situ Stress in D6431 Guide for Using the Direct Current Resistivity
Rock Using Hydraulic Fracturing Method (Withdrawn Method for Subsurface Investigation
2017)3 D6432 Guide for Using the Surface Ground Penetrating
D4700 Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone Radar Method for Subsurface Investigation
D4719 Test Methods for Prebored Pressuremeter Testing in D6635 Test Method for Performing the Flat Plate Dilatom-
Soils (Withdrawn 2016)3 eter
D4729 Test Method for In Situ Stress and Modulus of D6914/D6914M Practice for Sonic Drilling for Site Charac-
Deformation Using Flatjack Method (Withdrawn 2017)3 terization and the Installation of Subsurface Monitoring
D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures Devices
D4879 Guide for Geotechnical Mapping of Large Under- D7015 Practices for Obtaining Intact Block (Cubical and
ground Openings in Rock (Withdrawn 2017)3 Cylindrical) Samples of Soils
D4971 Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of D7046 Guide for Use of the Metal Detection Method for
Deformation of Rock Using Diametrically Loaded 76-mm Subsurface Exploration
(3-in.) Borehole Jack D7128 Guide for Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for
D5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core Shallow Subsurface Investigation
Samples (Withdrawn 2017)3 D7400 Test Methods for Downhole Seismic Testing
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
Used at Waste Sites ASTM Test Methods
D5092/D5092M Practice for Design and Installation of G51 Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in
Groundwater Monitoring Wells Corrosion Testing
D5093 Test Method for Field Measurement of Infiltration G57 Test Method for Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity
Rate Using Double-Ring Infiltrometer with Sealed-Inner Using the Wenner Four-Electrode Method
Ring IEEE/ASTM SI-10 American National Standard for Metric
D5126 Guide for Comparison of Field Methods for Deter- Practice
mining Hydraulic Conductivity in Vadose Zone
3. Terminology
D5195 Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock In-Place at
Depths Below Surface by Nuclear Methods 3.1 Definitions:
D5731 Test Method for Determination of the Point Load 3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
Strength Index of Rock and Application to Rock Strength standard, refer to Terminology D653.
Classifications
D5753 Guide for Planning and Conducting Geotechnical 4. Significance and Use
Borehole Geophysical Logging 4.1 An adequate site characterization will provide pertinent
D5776 Test Method for Bromine Index of Aromatic Hydro- information for decision making on one or more of the
carbons by Electrometric Titration following subjects:
D5777 Guide for Using the Seismic Refraction Method for 4.1.1 Location of the structure, both vertically and
Subsurface Investigation horizontally, within the area of the proposed construction and
D5778 Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone and Piezo- selection of construction methods and equipment.
cone Penetration Testing of Soils 4.1.2 Location and preliminary evaluation of suitable bor-
D5878 Guides for Using Rock-Mass Classification Systems row and other local sources of construction aggregates.
for Engineering Purposes 4.1.3 Need for special excavating and dewatering tech-
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical niques with the corresponding need for information, even if
Data only approximate, on the distribution of soil water content or
D6032/D6032M Test Method for Determining Rock Quality pore pressure, or both, and on the piezometric heads and
Designation (RQD) of Rock Core apparent permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of the various
D6151/D6151M Practice for Using Hollow-Stem Augers for subsurface strata.
Geotechnical Exploration and Soil Sampling 4.1.4 Evaluation of slope stability in natural slopes, cuts,
D6169/D6169M Guide for Selection of Soil and Rock Sam- and embankments.
pling Devices Used With Drill Rigs for Environmental 4.1.5 Conceptual selection of embankment types and hy-
Investigations draulic barrier requirements.
D6282/D6282M Guide for Direct Push Soil Sampling for 4.1.6 Conceptual selection of alternate foundation types and
Environmental Site Characterizations elevations of the corresponding suitable bearing strata.
D6286 Guide for Selection of Drilling Methods for Environ- 4.1.7 Development of additional detailed site characteriza-
mental Site Characterization tions for specific structures or facilities.
D6391 Test Method for Field Measurement of Hydraulic 4.2 The site characterization may require the collection of
Conductivity Using Borehole Infiltration sufficiently large soil and rock samples of such quality as to
D6429 Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods allow adequate testing to determine the soil or rock classifica-
D6430 Guide for Using the Gravity Method for Subsurface tion or mineralogic type, or both, and the engineering proper-
Site Characterization ties pertinent to the proposed design.
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4.3 This guide is not meant to be an inflexible description of 6.3 Permit and access requirements as well as private or
requirements; methods defined by other ASTM standards or governmental organization issues should be identified. Prior to
non-ASTM techniques may be appropriate in some circum- any onsite activities, all necessary approvals and permits shall
stances. The intent is to provide a list to assist in preparation of be obtained including those related to cultural and wildlife
a site characterization plan. resources.
5. Reconnaissance of Project Area 6.4 A complete site characterization covering soil, rock, and
groundwater may encompass the following activities:
5.1 Available technical data from literature, internet, or
6.4.1 Review of available information, both regional and
from personal communication should be reviewed before a
local, on the geologic history, rock, soil, and groundwater
field program is started. These include, but are not limited to,
conditions occurring at the proposed location and in the
topographic maps, aerial photography, satellite imagery, geo-
immediate vicinity of the site.
logic maps, soil surveys and mineral resource surveys, and
engineering soil maps covering the proposed project area. 6.4.2 Interpretation of aerial photography and other remote
Available site characterization reports of nearby or adjacent sensing data.
projects should be studied. 6.4.3 Field reconnaissance for identification of surficial
geologic conditions, mapping of stratigraphic exposures and
5.2 Older maps and reports may be obsolete and of limited outcrops, and examination of the performance of existing
value in the light of current knowledge; however comparing structures.
the old with the new can often reveal valuable information. 6.4.4 On site examination of the surface and subsurface
5.3 Each soil type has a distinctive soil profile due to age, materials by geophysical surveys, borings, or test pits.
parent material, relief, climatic condition, and biological activ- 6.4.5 Recovery of representative disturbed samples for
ity. Consideration of these factors can assist in identifying the laboratory classification tests of soil, rock, and local construc-
various soil types, each requiring special engineering consid- tion material. These may be supplemented by intact specimens
erations and treatment. Similar engineering soil properties are
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suitable for the determination of those engineering properties

often found where similar soil profiles characteristics exist. pertinent to the site characterization.
Changes in soil properties in adjacent areas often indicate 6.4.6 Identification of the position of the groundwater sur-
changes in parent material or relief. faces (water tables), perched groundwater zones, or potentio-
5.4 In areas where descriptive data are limited by insuffi- metric surfaces (piezometric surfaces) of artesian aquifers. The
cient geologic or soil maps, the soil and rock in open cuts in the variability of these positions in both short and long time frames
vicinity of the proposed project should be studied and various should be considered. Color mottling of the soil strata may be
soil and rock profiles noted. Field notes of such studies should indicative of long-term seasonal high groundwater positions.
include data described later in this guide. The location of any surface water to groundwater interactions
(caves, sinkholes, losing streams, springs, seeps, etc.) that may
5.5 If a preliminary map covering the project area is desired,
impact development, and may need protection during and after
it can be prepared on maps compiled from aerial photography
development.
that show the ground conditions. The distribution of the
6.4.7 Identification and assessment of the location of suit-
predominant soil and rock deposits likely to be encountered
able foundation material and adequate onsite fill material.
during the site characterization may be shown using data
obtained from geologic maps, landform analysis and limited 6.4.8 Field identification of soil sediments, and rock, with
ground reconnaissance. Experienced photo-interpreters can particular reference to type and degree of decomposition (for
deduce much subsurface data from a study of black and white, example, saprolite, karst, decomposing or slaking shales), the
color, and infrared photographs because similar soil or rock depths of their occurrence and the types and locations of their
conditions, or both, usually have similar patterns of appearance structural discontinuities.
in regions of similar climate or vegetation. This preliminary 6.4.9 Evaluation of the performance of existing
map may be expanded into a detailed engineering map by installations, relative to their structure foundation material and
locating test holes, pits, and sampling stations and by revising environment in the immediate vicinity of the site.
boundaries as determined from the detailed subsurface survey.
7. Equipment for Use in Exploration
5.6 In areas where documentary information is insufficient,
some knowledge of subsurface conditions may be obtained 7.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Practices D1452/D1452M,
from land owners, local well drillers, and representatives of the D2113, D4544, D5088, D5092/D5092M, D5778, D6151/
local construction industry. D6151M; Test Methods D1586 and D4633, and Guides D6282/
D6282M and D6286.
6. Exploration Plan
7.2 The type of equipment required for a site characteriza-
6.1 Available project design and performance requirements tion subsurface depends upon various factors, including the
must be reviewed prior to final development of the exploration type of subsurface material, depth of exploration, the nature of
plan. the terrain, and the intended use of the data.
6.2 Preliminary site characterization may be planned to aid 7.2.1 Hand Augers, Hole Diggers, Shovels, and Push Tube
the team in determining the areas or conditions needing more Samplers are suitable for characterization of surficial soils to
elaborate site characterization. depths of 1 to 5 m [3 to 15 ft].

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7.2.2 Earth Excavation Equipment, such as backhoes, 8.5.1 The seismic refraction method may be especially
draglines, and drilled pier augers (screw or bucket) can allow useful in determining depth to, or rippability of, rock in
in situ examination of soil deposits and sampling of materials locations where successively denser strata are encountered.
containing very large particles. Be aware of the possibility of 8.5.2 The seismic reflection method may be useful in
permanent disturbance of potential bearing strata by unbal- delineating geological units at depths below 10 ft [3 m]. It is
anced pore pressure in test excavations. not constrained by layers of low seismic velocity and is
7.2.3 Soil and rock boring and drilling machines and proof- especially useful in areas of rapid stratigraphic change.
ing devices may be used to depths of 60 to 90 m [200 to 300 8.5.3 The ground penetrating radar method may be useful in
ft] in soil and to a much greater depth in rock. Well drilling defining soil and rock layers, voids and small caves manmade
equipment may be suitable for deep geologic exploration. structures (for example, buried tanks and utilities) and histori-
Normally, samples are in the form of sand-sized cuttings cal landfills (dump sites) in the depth range of 0.3 to 10 m [1
captured from the return flow, but coring devices are available. to 30 ft].
7.2.4 Geophysical Equipment, includes handheld or vehicle 8.5.4 Electromagnetic methods can be especially useful to
mounted devices for evaluating soil and rock. Equipment may map horizontal variations in stratigraphy.
be technique specific such as ground penetrating radar, or may 8.5.5 The electrical resistivity method, Test Method G57,
be equipment connected to multiple probes inserted into an may be similarly useful in determining depth to rock and
existing borehole. anomalies in the stratigraphic profile, in evaluating stratified
formations where a denser stratum overlies a less dense
8. Geophysical Exploration stratum, and in locating prospective sand-gravel resources or
8.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Test Methods D4428/ sources of borrow material. Resistivity parameters also are
D4428M, D5778, D7400, and G57; Guides D5753, D5777, required for the design of grounding systems and cathodic
D6429, D6430, D6431, D6432, D7046, and D7128. protection for buried structures.
8.2 Remote sensing techniques may assist in mapping the 8.6 Electromagnetic induction, electrical resistivity, and in-
geological formations and for evaluating variations in soil and duced polarization (or complex resistivity) techniques may be
rock properties. Some ground control is generally required to used to map variations in water content, clay horizons,
verify information derived from remote sensing data. stratification, and depth to aquifer/bedrock.
8.2.1 Satellite and aircraft spectral mapping tools, such as 8.7 Other geophysical techniques such as gravity, magnetic,
LIDAR, may be used to find and map the areal extent of and shallow ground temperature methods may be useful under
subsurface materials and geologic structure. Interpretation of certain specific conditions.
the data obtained with these tools may also locate and identify
significant geologic features that may be indicative of faults 8.8 Table 1 in Guide D5753 is an excellent summary of 15
and fractures. borehole geophysical logs, many of which are commonly used
for site characterization.
8.3 Surface, subsurface, and aerial geophysical survey
methods may be used to supplement borehole and outcrop data
9. Sampling
and to interpolate between holes. Surface geophysical explo-
rations can be useful in determining boring or test hole 9.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Practices D75/D75M,
locations. If possible, the interpretation of geophysical studies D1452/D1452M, D1587/D1587M, D2113, D3213, D3550/
should be verified by borings or test pits. D3550M, D4220/D4220M, D4452, D5079, and D7015; Test
8.4 Seismic, ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic Method D1586; and Guide D4700, D4840, and D6169/
methods, and electrical resistivity methods can be particularly D6169M.
valuable when distinct differences in the properties of contigu- 9.2 Obtain samples that adequately represent each subsur-

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ous subsurface materials are indicated. Borehole geophysical face material that is significant to the project design and
logging can provide data on subsurface conditions that supple- construction. The size and type of sample required is depen-
ments core data and in some cases can provide data obtainable dent upon the tests to be performed, the relative amount of
in no other way. coarse particles present, and the limitations of the test equip-
8.5 Shallow seismic refraction/reflection and ground pen- ment to be used.
etrating radar techniques can be used to map soil horizons and NOTE 1—The size of disturbed or bulk soil samples for routine tests
depth profiles, groundwater surface, and depth to bedrock in may vary at the discretion of staff performing the site characterization, but
many situations, but depth penetration and resolution vary with the following quantities are suggested as suitable for most materials:
local conditions. Deep seismic and electrical methods may be (a) Visual classification—50 to 500 g [2 oz to 1 lb];
(b) Soil constants and particle size analysis of non-gravelly soil—500 g
used for mapping stratigraphy and structure of rock in con- to 2.5 kg [1 to 5 lb];
junction with logs. Crosshole and downhole shear wave (c) Soil compaction tests and sieve analysis of gravelly soils—20 to 40
velocity measurements can provide soil and rock parameters kg [40 to 80 lb];
for dynamic analyses and seismic site class determinations. (d) Aggregate manufacture or aggregate properties tests—50 to 200 kg
Parallel seismic measurements can be used to determine depth [100 to 400 lb].
extent of piles, sheet piles, bridge abutments, and retaining 9.3 Accurately identify each sample with the boring, test
walls. hole, or test pit number and depth below reference ground

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surface from which it was taken. Place a waterproof identifi- sufficiently deep to identify potentially critical ground condi-
cation tag inside the container. Securely close the container, tions and alignment issues.
protect it to withstand rough handling. Properly identify the 11.3 When project construction or performance of the
outside of the container using an indelible marker. facility may be affected by either pervious water-bearing
9.4 Keep samples for natural water content determination in materials or impervious materials that can block internal
sealed containers to minimize moisture loss. Practices D4220/ drainage, borings should extend sufficiently to determine those
D4220M and D5079 address the transportation of samples engineering and hydrogeologic properties that are relevant to
from field to laboratory. the project design.
10. Classification of Earth Materials 11.4 In all borrow areas the locations should be sufficient in
number and depth to find the required quantities of material
10.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Terminology C119; De-
meeting the specified quality requirements.
scriptive Nomenclature C294; Practices D2487, D2488,
D3282, D4083; Test Methods D5731, D5878, D6032/ 11.5 Where frost penetration or seasonal desiccation may be
D6032M. significant in the behavior of soil and rock, borings should
extend well below the depth from finished grade of the
10.2 Additional description of samples of soil and rock may
anticipated active zone.
be added after submission to the laboratory for identification
and classification tests in accordance with one or more ASTM 11.6 Exploration records should be kept in a systematic
laboratory standards or other applicable references, or both. manner for each project. Such records may include:
Subsection 11.6.3 discusses the use, for identification and for 11.6.1 Description of each site or area explored. Each test
classification purposes, of some of the standards listed in 10.1. hole, boring, test pit, or geophysical test site shall be clearly
located (horizontally and vertically) with reference to some
11. Determination of Subsurface Conditions established coordinate system, datum, or permanent monu-
11.1 Subsurface conditions are positively defined only at the ment.
individual location(s) (for example, test pit, hole, boring, 11.6.2 Logs of each test hole, boring, test pit, or cut surface
piezocone, or open cut) examined. Conditions between loca- exposure. Such logs should show clearly the field description
tions may be different from those encountered. A stratigraphic and location of materials and water encountered, either by
profile can be developed by detailed site characterizations only symbol or word description. Reference to a soil-color or
where determinations of a continuous relationship of the depths rock-color chart designation, such as the Munsell Geological
and locations of various types of soil and rock can be inferred. Rock-Color Chart is a substantial aid to an accurate description
This phase of the site characterization may be implemented by of soil and rock materials.
plotting logs of soil and rock exposures in walls of excavations
NOTE 3—Color photographs of rock cores, soil samples, and exposed
or cut areas and by plotting logs of the test borings. Then one
strata may be of considerable value. Each photograph should include an
may consider interpolation between, and extrapolation a rea- identifying number or symbol, a date, and reference scale. A color
sonable distance beyond, these logs, and geophysical methods reference chart should be used to address the effect of ambient lighting.
may then be used to increase the confidence of the 11.6.3 Identification of all soils based on Practice D2487,
intrapolations/extrapolations. D2488, or D4083. Identification of rock materials based on
11.1.1 The spacing of the individual locations should de- Terminology C119 or Descriptive Nomenclature C294. Clas-
pend on the geologic complexity of the project area and on the sification of soil and rock is discussed in Section 10.
importance of soil and rock continuity to the project design.
11.6.4 Location and description of seepage and water-
The site characterization at each location should be deep
bearing zones and records of piezometric elevations found in
enough to identify strata that might be significantly affected by
each hole, boring, piezometer, or test pit.
the proposed use of the site and to develop the engineering data
required to allow analysis of the items listed in Section 5 for 11.6.5 The results and locations of in situ test results such as
each project. those mentioned in Section 12.
11.6.6 Percentage of core recovery and rock quality desig-
NOTE 2—Plans for a program of intrusive subsurface site characteriza- nation in core drilling as described in D2113 and D6032.
tion should consider possible requirements for permits for installation and
proper closure of bore holes and wells at the completion of the site
11.6.7 Graphical presentation of field and laboratory data.
characterization. Such presentation and its interpretation facilitates comprehen-
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sive understanding of the subsurface conditions.

11.2 Exploratory borings or test pits for roadbeds, airport
paving, or vehicle parking areas should penetrate at least 1.5 m
[5 ft] below the proposed subgrade elevation. Depths greater 12. In Situ Testing
than 1.5 m [5 ft] may be required under special circumstances. 12.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Test Methods D1195/
11.2.1 Exploratory borings for structures, excavations, or D1195M, D1196/D1196M, D1586, D2573/D2573M, D3385,
embankments should extend below the level of significant D4044/D4044M, D4050, D4394, D4395, D4429, D4506,
stress or groundwater influence from the proposed load as D4553, D4554, D4555, D4623, D4630, D4631, D4645,
determined by subsurface stress analysis. D4719, D4729, D4971, D5093, D5195, D5776, D5778,
11.2.2 Exploratory borings for tunnels should extend one to D6391, D6635, G51; Guides D3404, D5126; and Practice
two tunnel diameters below the proposed invert level or D4403.

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12.2 In situ testing is useful for: (a) measurement of soil and to make a complete application of the soil, rock, and ground-
rock parameters in their intact condition with all of the water investigation. Complete design recommendations may
restraining or loading effects, or both, of the surrounding soil or require a more detailed study than that discussed in this guide.
rock mass, or (b) for rapid or closely spaced measurements, or 13.3 Delineate subsurface profiles only from actual
both, of earth properties without the necessity of sampling. geophysical, test-hole, test-pit, or cut-surface data. Interpola-
NOTE 4—Other standards for in situ test procedures and automated data tion between locations should be made on the basis of available
collection are being prepared by ASTM Committee D18 for publication at geologic knowledge of the area and should be clearly identi-
a later date. fied. The use of geophysical techniques as discussed in Section

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8 is a valuable aid in such interpolation.
13. Interpretation of Results
13.1 Interpret the results of an site characterization in terms 14. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)
of actual findings and make a reasonable effort to collect and 14.1 Pertinent ASTM Standards—Terminology D653; Prac-
include field and laboratory data from previous site character- tices D6026, E177; and Guide D4879.
izations in the same area. Extrapolation of data into local areas 14.2 The report of a site characterization should include:
not surveyed and tested should be done only where geologi- 14.2.1 The purpose and objective of the site characteriza-
cally uniform stratigraphic and structural relationships are tion. The location of the characterized area in terms pertinent to
known to exist on the basis of other data. Cross sections may the project. This may include sketch maps or aerial photos on
be developed as part of the site characterization if required to which the test pits, bore holes, and sample areas are located, as
demonstrate the site conditions. well as geomorphological data relevant to the determination of
13.1.1 Cross sections included with the presentation of the various soil and rock types. Such data include elevation
basic data from the site characterization should be limited to contours, streambeds, sink holes, cliffs, and the like. Where
the ground surface profile and the factual subsurface data feasible, include in the report a geologic map or an agronomic
obtained at specific exploration locations. Stratigraphic units soils map, or both, of the characterized area. Maps should
between the locations of intrusive explorations should only be include a north arrow and scale.
indicated if supported by continuous geophysical profiles. 14.2.2 A description of the site characterization procedures,
13.1.2 Cross sections showing interpretations of strati- including borings and test hole logs, graphic presentation of
graphic units and other conditions between intrusive explora- compaction, consolidation, or load test data tabulation of
tions but without support of continuous geophysical profiles laboratory and field test results, and graphical interpretations of
should be presented in an interpretative report appendix or in a geophysical measurements.
separate interpretative report. The interpretive cross sections 14.2.3 A summary of the findings obtained under Sections
should be accompanied by notes describing anomalies or 5, 8, 11, 12, and 13, using subhead titles for the respective
otherwise significant variations in the site conditions that sections and appropriate recommendations and disclaimers for
should be anticipated for the intended design or construction the use of the report.
activities.
15. Precision and Bias
NOTE 5—Additional exploration should be considered if there is not
sufficient knowledge to develop interpretative cross sections, with realistic 15.1 This guide provides qualitative data only; therefore, a
descriptions of anticipated variations in subsurface conditions, to meet precision and bias statement is not applicable.
project requirements.
13.2 Subject to the restrictions imposed by state licensing 16. Keywords
law, recommendations for design parameters can be made only 16.1 explorations; feasibility studies; field explorations;
by professional engineers and geologists specializing in the foundation explorations; geological explorations; geophysical
field of geotechnical engineering and familiar with purpose, explorations; groundwater; hydrologic explorations; maps;
conditions, and requirements of the study. Soil mechanics, rock preliminary explorations; reconnaissance surveys; sampling;
mechanics, and geomorphological concepts must be combined site characterization; site explorations; soil surveys; subsurface
with knowledge of geotechnical engineering or hydrogeology explorations

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 D420 − 18
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(1998(2003)) that may impact the use of this standard. (February 1, 2018)

(1) Updated technology information and deleted references as (2) Updated groundwater to one word.
they were not specifically referred to in the standard. (3) Editorial changes made throughout.

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