NORTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Borrow Pit Sampling Manual

Materials and Tests Unit

GeoMaterials Laboratory
 Borrow Pit Sampling

February 5, 2003
Revised November 2, 2016

North Carolina Department of Transportation

Materials and Tests Unit – GeoMaterials Laboratory

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 Table of Contents
Section 1 - Purpose…………………………………………………………………5

Section 2 – Importance of Proper Sampling………………………………………..5

Section 3 – AASHTO Classification System………………………………………6

Section 4 – Soil Terminology and Identification Properties……………………….9

Section 5 – General Sampling Procedures…………………………………………11

Section 6 – Sampling Procedures – Contractor……………………………………13

Section 7 – Sampling Procedures – NCDOT………………………………………13

Section 8 – Approving Borrow Source…………………………………………….14

Appendix A – Product Summary of Select Material and Shoulder/Slope…15

Appendix B – Boring Log Example……………………………………….23

Appendix C – Sample Card Examples…………………………………….27

Appendix D – Soil Classification Test Report Examples…………………29

Appendix E – HiCAMS data entry…………………..…………………….31

Appendix F – Stockpile Sampling Procedures………………….…………37

Glossary……………………………………………………………………39

Contact Information – GeoMaterialsLaboratory..……………………..….41

Borrow Material Criteria …………………………………………………42

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 Section 1 - Purpose
The purpose of this manual, in conjunction with the class presentation and other related
NCDOT reference manuals (described in Section 2), is to explain the techniques for
obtaining soil samples from a proposed borrow pit or stockpile of existing soil. A borrow
pit is generally utilized by the Contractor when a project requires a larger amount of fill
material versus amount of usable material obtained from cut sections. Additional fill
material which must meet other specification criteria may also be required for pipe
backfill (i.e. Select Material). Due to various soil types in North Carolina, a field
investigation must be performed to determine if the material meets minimum criteria for
use in a project. This field investigation must include documented observations from the
borrow pit/stockpile and laboratory testing of soil samples obtained from the proposed
site. Borrow Material, Select Material – Class I, Class II Type 2, Class III Type 2 and
Shoulder/Slope Material must be naturally occurring soil (i.e. not from a manufacturing
process) and tested for “Source Approval/Evaluation”. Appendix A provides a summary
of various select material products that may be used on a project. Soil sampling and
recorded observations completed during the field investigation of a proposed borrow pit
or stockpile of material must be performed by project personnel having a valid Borrow
Pit Sampling Certification.

Section 2 - Importance of Proper Sampling

A sample is defined as a “portion, piece, or segment that is representative of a whole”. It
is therefore important that the procedure(s) used to obtain this small portion not
compromise the requirement that it be representative of the larger portion.
As will be discussed in the sections that follow, each borrow pit sample will be taken to a
NCDOT laboratory and tested for soil classification. The soil classification is utilized to
determine if the soil has the desired engineering properties (i.e. load-carrying capacity).
Unsuitable soils placed in an embankment or subgrade may cause structural failure in the
roadway leading to costly maintenance repairs; therefore, following proper sampling
procedures cannot be overemphasized. The NCDOT Construction Manual can provide
guidance when sampling a proposed borrow pit or, during the construction phase, provide
guidance when excavating soil from the pit. Project personnel should become familiar
with Divisions and/or Sections listed in Table 1.

Classification Reference Division

Materials (borrow sampling) Division 10 (pages 10-21 thru 10-23)
Earthwork (borrow excavation) Division 5 Section 230
Table 1 Reference sections from the NCDOT Construction Manual

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The NCDOT Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures (Standard
Specifications) can also provide guidance when sampling a proposed borrow pit/stockpile
or, during the construction phase, provide guidance when excavating soil. Project
personnel should become familiar with sections listed in Table 2.

Classification Reference Section

Select Material Section 1016
Borrow Material Section 1018
Shoulder and Slope Material Section 1019
Borrow Excavation Section 230
Table 2 Reference sections from the Standard Specifications

Project personnel should also review all contract related documents including the Project
Special Provisions for any items that may influence the sampling and/or excavation of a
borrow pit or stockpile.

Section 3 - AASHTO Classification System

The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has
adopted a standardized method for determining soil classification or AASHTO
classification. Soils are grouped by the same general load-carrying capacity from the best
being A-1 to the worst being A-7. There is a wide range of load-carrying capacity within
groups and an overlapping of capacity between groups. For example, an A-2 soil may
contain material that makes it inferior to a specific A-5 soil. A Group Index number is
used to designate the load-carrying capacity within the same AASHTO classification.
For example, an A-4 (5) and A-4 (20) have the same AASHTO classification however;
the group index number indicates that A-4 (5) has the greater load-carrying capacity.
Several tests must be performed to determine AASHTO classification for a particular
soil.

First, the overall distribution or “gradation” of particle sizes is analyzed by performing

AASHTO T 88. For this AASHTO soil test, two different test methods must be utilized.
The first method measures the distribution of coarse and fine sand by screening a
representative sample over specific sieves to determine the percent passing each sieve.
The second method measures the distribution of fine particles such as clay or silt by using
a hydrometer. The hydrometer test relies on the general concept of how quickly different
soil particles settle when placed in a solution of water. For example, when soil is placed
in a container with water and the mixture is agitated, the sand will settle to the bottom of
the container first followed by the silt and finally the clay particles.

The second step is to determine the Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index.
These tests are commonly referred as the Atterburg Limits of the soil. AASHTO T 89 is
performed to determine the Liquid Limit (L.L.) of the soil. The Liquid Limit is defined
as the moisture content where the soil passes from the plastic state to the liquid state. A
high Liquid Limit indicates a high clay content and low load-carrying capacity.
AASHTO T 90 is also performed to determine the Plastic Limit (P.L.) and the Plasticity
Index (P.I.) of a soil. The Plastic Limit is defined as the moisture content at which the

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soil changes from a semisolid state to a plastic state. Load-carrying capacity of a soil
increases rapidly below the Plastic Limit and decreases rapidly above the Plastic Limit.
The Plasticity Index is defined as the numerical difference between the Liquid Limit and
the Plastic Limit. Refer to the formula given below.

P.I. = L.L. – P.L.

The general concept behind the Atterburg Limits tests relies on the reaction soil particles
have with water. Depending on the type and amount of particles in a given soil, different
states of consistency will exist based on the amount of water within the soil. For
example, “beach sand” generally has extremely small amounts of clay particles and
therefore would have a Plasticity Index (P.I.) of 0 or, what is commonly reported as,
Non-Plastic (N.P.). Figure 1 graphically demonstrates these differences as water is added
or removed. Refer to the glossary provided in the back of this manual for definitions of
the terms in Figure 1.

Liquid
State Amount of water

Liquid limit

Liquid Limit minus the Plastic Limit

Plastic equals Plasticity Index; equals range in
moisture content through which soil is
State plastic

Plastic limit

Semisolid
State

Shrinkage limit

Solid
State

Dry

Figure 1 Summary – Characteristics of soil and water relationship

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Results from each AASHTO test are used to determine the soil classification. Table 3
lists the main AASHTO groups, a general rating for use in subgrade, and a general
description.

General
AASHTO
Subgrade General Description
Classification
Rating
Well graded coarse to fine; non-plastic or feebly plastic; includes coarse
A-1 Excellent
without binder
A-1-a Excellent Mostly stone fragments or gravel
Mostly coarse sand; may need added fines for a firm base; suitable or can
A-1-b Excellent
be made suitable for granular base coarse
A-2-4
Excellent Granular with binder characteristics of A-4 and A-5 soils
A-2-5
A-2-6 Excellent to
Granular with binder characteristics of A-6 and A-7 soils
A-2-7 Good
Soils are inferior to A-1 soils due to poor grading, inferior binder, or both
A-2 Good generally are suitable as a blanket for very plastic subgrades slated to
receive concrete pavement
Sands deficient in soil binder and coarse material; equigranular; examples
A-3 Good
are fine beach or desert blown sands. Water has little effect on A-3 soils
Composed mostly of silt with only moderate to small amounts of coarse
A-4 Fair material and only small amounts of clay; can vary texturally from sandy
loams to silt to clay loams
Similar to A-4 except that they include very poorly graded soils containing
A-5 Fair
such things as mica; is a poor stability soil.
Composed predominately of clay with moderate to negligible amounts of
coarse material; have low stability at high moisture contents but are pretty
A-6 Fair to Poor
stable otherwise; show shrinkage cracks during dry weather; is a good soil
other than the fact that it has great affinity for water
Composed predominately of clay like A-6 but due to the presence of one-
A-7 Poor
size silt particles, organic matter, mica flakes, or lime carbonate, is elastic
Moderate plasticity indexes; may be highly elastic. P.I. less than or equal
A-7-5 Poor
to L.L. –30
A-7-6 Poor High plasticity indexes P.I. greater than L.L. –30
Table 3 Summary of AASHTO Classifications (subgrade rating and general description)

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 Section 4 - Soil Terminology and Identification Properties
When sampling a borrow pit or existing stockpile, a boring log must be completed with a
description of the material encountered. To aid in completing a general description for a
boring log, refer to the general terms and definitions provided in Table 4.

Terms Definition
A rock fragment, usually rounded by weathering or abrasion, with average dimension
Boulder
of 12 inches or more
A rock fragment, usually rounded by weathering or abrasion, with average dimension
Cobble
between 3 to 12 inches
Rounded, sub-rounded, or angular particles of rock that will pass a 3-inch square
Gravel
opening sieve and be retained on a Number 4 Sieve.
Sand Particles that will pass the Number 4 Sieve and be retained on the Number 200 Sieve
Material passing the Number 200 Sieve that is non-plastic and exhibits little or no
Silt
strength when dried
Material passing the Number 200 Sieve that can be made to exhibit plasticity within a
Clay
wide range of water contents and exhibits considerable dry strength
Fines The portion of a soil sample passing a Number 200 Sieve
Marl Unconsolidated white or dark gray calcium carbonate deposit
Muck Finely divided organic material containing various amounts of mineral soil
Peat Organic material in various stages of decomposition
Organic Clay Clay containing microscopic size organic matter
Organic Silt Silt containing microscopic size organic matter
Coarse-Grained Soil Soil having a predominance of gravel and/or sand
Fine-Grained Soil Soil having a predominance of silt and/or clay
Mixed-Grained Soil Soil having significant proportions of both fine and coarse grained soil particles
Table 4 Soil terminology and description

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Table 5 provides methods for identifying items encountered while performing the field
investigation.

Item Method of Identification

Boulder Identify by particle size
Cobble Identify by particle size
Gravel Identify by particle size.
Identify by particle size. Gritty grains that can easily be seen and felt. No plasticity or
Sand
cohesion. Size ranges between gravel and silt.
Identify by behavior. Fines that have no plasticity. May be rolled into a thread but will
Silt easily crumble. Has no cohesion. When dry, can be easily broken by hand into powdery
form.
Material passing the Number 200 Sieve that can be made to exhibit plasticity within a wide
Clay
range of water contents and exhibits considerable dry strength.
A white or gray calcium carbonate paste. May contain granular spheres, shells, organic
Marl
material or inorganic soils.
Black or dark brown finely divided organic material mixed with various proportions of sand,
Muck silt, and clay. May contain minor amounts of fibrous materials such as roots, leaves, and
sedges.
Black or dark brown plant remains. The visible plant remains range from coarse fibers to
Peat
finely divided organic material.
Organic Dark gray clay with microscopic size organic material dispersed throughout. May contain
Clay shell and/or fibers. Has weak structure which exhibits little resistance to kneading.
Organic Silt containing microscopic size organic matter.
Silt
Man-made deposits of natural soils and/or waste materials. If encountered, document
Fill
components carefully.
Table 5 Summary of identification methods for types of soil

The following steps can be followed in identifying a soil encountered during the field
investigation:

Step 1 - Decide if soil sample is coarse-grained, fine-grained, mix-grained or

organic. If mix-grained, decide whether coarse-grained or fine-grained
predominates and record conclusion

Step 2 – Determine principal or primary component. Use noun in soil description

(i.e. Sand).

Step 3 – Determine secondary component. Use adjective in soil description (i.e.

Silty Sand).

Step 4 – Determine if additional components exist. Use as additional adjectives

(i.e. Silty Sand, Gravelly) and record conclusion

Some typical examples of soil component descriptions include: Silty Fine Sand, Gravelly
Sand, Clayey Gravel, Clayey Silt, Silty Clay, etc.

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Table 6 lists additional information which should be documented on the boring log.

Item Descriptions
Color of sample Brown, Gray, Red, Black, etc.
Moisture Condition Dry, Moist, Wet Judge by appearance as the material is initially removed
Plastic, Low Plastic, Non-plastic. Sample must be in moist or wet
Plasticity
condition for plasticity determination.
Table 6 Additional descriptive information for field investigation

The data obtained from the field investigation and the GeoMaterials Laboratory test
results will serve to establish a soil profile of the borrow pit. The soil profile is the
vertical cross-section composed of three major layers designated as A, B, and C-horizons.

Horizon A: basically topsoil containing organic matter except for possibly the
bottom part of the layer
Horizon B: the subsoil
Horizon C: the mother soil

The usable soil can primarily be found in the B-horizon however, the lowest portion of
the A-horizon and the top part of the C-horizon may also contain usable material.

Section 5 – General Sampling Procedures

When sampling a borrow pit/stockpile, the Contractor or NCDOT may provide
equipment and personnel for obtaining soil samples. The sampling procedures outlined
below shall apply to either the Contractor or NCDOT. When sampling from an existing
stockpile, follow procedures provided in Appendix F of this manual

1. Prior to performing any sampling, the Contractor shall furnish the Resident
Engineer with a dimensioned plot plan of the proposed site to a scale such that
it can be placed on 8 ½” X 11” or 11” X 17” sheet. The Contractor shall also
provide a release from the property owner allowing access to the property and
the right to obtain samples from the property.

2. Samples shall be obtained by the use of hand auger or power flight auger.
Other equipment such as a dragline or backhoe may be used if approved by
the Engineer.

3. Samples shall be obtained by the Resident Engineer or his/her representative

with a valid Borrow Pit Sampling Certification

4. Each sample shall consist of 5 to 8 pounds of soil (fill sample bag one quarter
full). Place a completed sample card (refer to Appendix C) in each bag.

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5. A minimum of two (2) test borings per acre will be required. The minimum
number shall be increased if determined necessary in order to obtain
representative samples for the entire source.

6. Each test boring shall be identified by a stake driven adjacent to the test
boring hole. The test boring number shall be shown on the stake.

7. Within each bore site samples will be acquired from any significantly
different layer of soil. Combining materials from different layers into a
composite sample will not be permitted.

8. Each test boring shall be designated numerically (S-1, S-2, S-3, etc.) in the
order of drilling.

9. The first sample from a test boring shall be identified by the test boring
number. Any additional samples from a test boring shall be identified by the
test boring number plus an alphabetical letter (S-1, S-1A, S-1B, etc.) These
additional samples shall be designated alphabetically in order from the surface
down.

10. If the same soil type exists between multiple bore sites the sample can be
referenced to the original soil sample. For example, if bore location number 3
from 0 – 2 feet in depth contains the same soil as encountered at bore location
number 1 (0 - 2 feet) then an entry can be made on the boring log to reference
soil at site #3 back to S-1 (i.e. R S-1). Therefore, no sample would be
required from bore location number 3 from 0 – 2 feet in depth. Referencing
soils should only be completed when the individual is confident that the
material is the same (if in doubt take a sample). Refer to Appendix B for a
boring log example.

11. A boring log shall be kept of each test boring and will show the following:

a. Test boring number

b. Visual description of the material encountered
c. Elevation or depth below surface of layer of material encountered
d. Location of samples obtained
e. Location of water table
f. Total depth of boring

12. For each source, a site map shall be prepared showing the following:

a. The location of the source in relation to natural landmarks, property lines

and/or existing public roads in the area.
b. A plan view of the property and all test borings with identifying numbers
labeled

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 Section 6 - Sampling Procedures – Contractor
If the Contractor provides resources used in obtaining samples, the following procedures
will apply in addition to the procedures listed in the previous section.

1. The Contractor shall furnish all sampling equipment and competent personnel
to operate the equipment.

2. A Division of Highways representative with a valid Borrow Pit Sampling

Certification shall determine the frequency and location of all test borings.

3. All samples will be taken according to Section 5 of this manual in the

presence of the Resident Engineer or his/her Borrow Pit Sampling Certified
representative.

4. The Resident Engineer shall be responsible for ensuring that sufficient test
borings are made and samples taken are representative of the proposed source.

5. The Contractor will be responsible for marking and placing an identifying

stake at each boring site.

6. The Division of Highways representative shall transport all samples to a

Materials and Test Unit laboratory. The Contractor shall not deliver any
samples for testing. The Division of Highways will be responsible for any
soil treatment necessary because of quarantine regulations of the U. S. and/or
N.C. Department of Agriculture.

7. The Division of Highways representative shall maintain the boring log and
prepare the site map. Upon completion of the investigation, one (1) copy of
each will be transmitted to the Materials and Tests Unit.

Section 7 – Sampling Procedures – NCDOT

If the Department provides resources to obtain samples, the following procedures will
apply in addition to the procedures listed in the general sampling section.

1. The Contractor’s request for Department to perform the sampling shall be

submitted to the Resident Engineer in writing.

2. The Resident Engineer will forward the request and the other required data to
the Geotechnical Engineering Unit.

3. The Geotechnical Engineering Unit, prior to performing any sampling, will

contact the Resident Engineer to determine if he/she desires that project
personnel be present.

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 4. The Geotechnical Engineering Unit will obtain the samples in accordance to
Section 5 of this manual and transport them to a Materials and Tests Unit
laboratory for testing.

5. The Geotechnical Engineering Unit will be responsible for marking and

placing an identifying stake at each boring site.

6. The Geotechnical Engineering Unit will be responsible for any soil treatment
necessary due to quarantine regulations of the U. S. and/or N. C. Department
of Agriculture.

7. The Geotechnical Engineering Unit will be responsible for submitting cost

data to the Finance Department for invoicing the Contractor.

Section 8 – Approving Borrow Source

The Materials and Tests Unit will submit copies of all test reports to the Resident
Engineer for analysis. The Resident Engineer, utilizing the appropriate section(s) of the
Standard Specifications, will analyze the test results, boring logs, and site map to
determine the acceptability of the source. The Resident Engineer will also consider any
applicable project special provisions as the basis for making the determination. The
Geotechnical Engineering Unit, if requested, will assist the Resident Engineer in
evaluating the material. The Resident Engineer will advise the Contractor in writing the
following issues:

1. The limits of acceptable material.

2. If special handling of the material is necessary.

3. Approval of the source for borrow material is based on the limited sampling
and test results of the samples submitted. Therefore, such approval is with the
understanding that the Division of Highways reserves the right to use visual
inspection and additional sampling on the roadway, as deemed appropriate by
the Engineer, to reject any unsuitable material encountered. The rejection
may occur regardless of whether or not such material was indicated as
acceptable during initial borrow pit sampling.

4. Where deemed appropriate, the Resident Engineer will designate how the
material is to be removed from the pit and also where to isolate areas or layers
of unsuitable material in the pit.

5. Any material found on the roadway that fails to meet the acceptability
requirements, shall be removed and replaced with acceptable material at no
cost to the Department.

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 Appendix A
Product Summary of Select Material and Shoulder / Slope Material

Refer to Section 1016 of the Standard Specifications for additional information

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 Appendix B
Boring Log Example and Blank Boring Log Sheets

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 Appendix C
Sample Card Examples

The following sample card examples represent typical borrow samples obtained from a
pit. Note the samples in this example are to be checked for borrow source approval and
Select Material Class II Type 2 source approval. Sample cards shall be legible and
completed with all required information.

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 Appendix D
Soil Classification Test Report Examples

Using test reports, appropriate sections of the Standard Specifications, and the Boring
Log, establish a soil profile of the proposed pit. Designate sections of the pit where soil
may not be acceptable or have restricted uses (i.e. not to be used in top 2 feet of
embankment). Refer to Section 8 in this manual for additional information.

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 Appendix E
This appendix summarizes the steps for entering borrow pit soil samples into HiCAMS.
If the technician sampling a proposed borrow pit does not have an active Borrow Pit
Sampling Certification the sample will not count towards the minimum sampling
frequency as required by the Minimum Sampling Guide. Any samples obtained by a
technician without a valid certification will be used for information only. For this
example, the sample was obtained for a construction project in the Cumberland County
area.

Step 1 Select Sample Details window

Step 2 Enter “Sampled Date:”

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Step 3 Enter information prompted by the next screen.

Step 4 After information has been entered select “Retrieve” and then select “OK”

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Step 5 Enter sample information within the “General” tab

Step 6

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Step 7 Select the “Cont/Loc” tab and enter sample information

Step 8 Note: this project has more than one borrow pit as indicated in the “Location”
entry window. The approximate depth from which the soil sample was obtained is also
listed in the “Location” window. If station(s) are provided, enter into “Station” windows.
“Coastal Plain” is checked due to Cumberland County falling within the coastal plain
criteria requirements. Refer to Section 1018 Borrow Material in the Standard
Specifications to determine if the proposed borrow pit meets statewide or coastal plain
criteria.

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Step 9 Select the “Tracking” tab and enter sample information

Step 10 Enter sample information and select the save button. Record the “Sample ID” in
the top right box of the sample card (labeled “HICAMS #:”).

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Since the HiCAMs database is changed periodically, personnel responsible for entering
data into the system should monitor the Construction Unit’s website for updates.

HiCAMs Information

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 Appendix F
This appendix describes sampling procedures when obtaining soil samples from a
stockpile. Samples are to be tested for “Source Approval/Evaluation”. Utilize plans,
Standard Specifications or appropriate Project Special Provisions to determine which
minimum criteria the soil must meet. Indicate on each sample card which criteria the
sample should be checked against (i.e. Class I, Class II Type 2, etc.) Additional
information regarding select material is provided in Appendix A.
If the material to be sampled has been stockpiled, a wheeled or tracked loader unit should
be used to obtain representative samples. The equipment and procedures for obtaining a
sample are as follows:

Equipment

1. Flat shovel
2. Large scoop
3. Sample bags (in good condition)
4. Plastic ties
5. Sample cards
6. Plastic bags (for sample cards)
7. Boring log sheet

Procedures

1. A minimum of three samples should be taken from three different locations

around the stockpile
2. The loader unit should approach the pile with the bucket as low as possible
3. While moving forward push the bucket into the pile and lift the bucket up through
the pile
4. This first bucket of material is placed to the side
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 at the same location and obtain one full loader bucket of
material
6. Dump the material and, using the loader unit, strike off the top half of the conical
shaped pile
7. Using a flat shovel divide the flat surface of the struck off pile into four quadrants
by scribing a “plus“sign.
8. Designate the quadrants as “A” , “B”, “C” and “D”
9. Obtain one large scoop or shovel full of material from two opposing quadrants
(i.e. A and D or B and C)
10. Repeat steps 2 through 10 at opposing locations around the stockpile for the
remaining two samples
11. If needed, additional samples may be taken (especially if the material within the
pile varies)
12. Complete a sample card for each bag (note on the sample card which criteria to
check sample against i.e. Class I, Class II - Type 2, etc.)
13. Place each sample card in a plastic bag

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14. Place a completed sample card in each bag
15. Complete boring log and include a sketch of stockpile along with approximate
sample locations
16. Submit samples to the Soils Laboratory
17. As soil is excavated from the stockpile and delivered to the project note if changes
occur in the material
18. If needed re-sample soil to verify it meets minimum specification criteria
19. Complete boring log and include sketch of stockpile along with approximate
sample locations

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 Glossary
Atterburg Limits – Four states of soil consistency as defined by the liquid limit, plastic
limit and shrinkage limit tests.

Capillary Action (Capillarity) – The rise or movement of water in the interstices of a

soil due to capillary forces

Capillary Water – Water subject to the influence of capillary action

Cohesion – All of the shear strength of a soil not due to friction; the capacity of sticking
or adhering together

Consolidation – The gradual reduction in volume of a soil mass resulting from an

increase in compressive stress

Elasticity – Ability of a soil to return to its original shape after having been deformed by
a load for a short period of time

Equigranular – A soil that is made up of predominately one grain size

Friable – Easily crumbled, as would be the case with rock that is poorly cemented

Liquid Limit – The water content, as determined by the standard liquid limit test, at
which a soil passes from a plastic to a liquid state.

Optimum Moisture Content – The moisture content at which a soil can be compacted to
its maximum dry density with a given compactive effort.

Plasticity – The property of a soil that allows it to be deformed beyond the point of
recovery without cracking or appreciable volume change.

Plastic Index – The numerical difference between the liquid limit and the plastic limit.

Plastic Limit – The lowest water content, as determined by the standard plastic limit test,
at which a soil remains plastic.

Shrinkage and Swell – Volume change due to build-up and release of capillary tensile
stresses within the soil’s pore water.

Soil – Any earthen material, excluding bed rock, composed of loosely bound mineral
grains of various sized and shapes, organic material, water, and gases.

Soil Binder – The finer sized particles in a soil that serve the purpose of holding the soil
together.

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Soil Horizon – One of the layers of the soil profile, distinguished principally by its
various layers, as developed by deposition or weathering or both.

Soil Profile – Vertical section of a soil, showing the nature and sequence of the various
layers, as developed by deposition or weathering or both.

Soil Texture (Grain Size Distribution or Gradation) – Proportion of a material of each

grain size present in a given soil.

Water Content (Moisture Content) – The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the

weight of water in a given soil mass to the weight of solid particles

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 Contact Information – GeoMaterials Laboratory
GeoMaterials Laboratory Technical Training Staff
Name Office Mobile Email
Jim Sawyer, PE
(919) 329-4150 (919) 418-0771 [email protected]
GeoMaterials Training Engineer
John Flowers, Jr.
(919) 330-3466 [email protected]
Tech. Trainer (Div 1,2,4)
Vacant
Tech. Trainer (Div 3,5,6)
Scotty Jarman
(919) 427-1639 [email protected]
Tech. Trainer (Div 8, 10)
Mike Ricker
(919) 219-2443 [email protected]
Tech. Trainer (Div 7, 9, 11)
Doug Phillips
(828) 442-0946 [email protected]
Tech. Trainer (Div 12, 13, 14)
GeoMaterials Laboratory
Name Office Mobile Email
Mehdi Haeri
(919) 329-4150 N/A [email protected]
GeoMaterials Engineer
C.K. Su, P.E.
(919) 329-4150 N/A [email protected]
Geomaterials Laboratory Engineer

Borrow Material Criteria

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The following information taken from Section 1018 of the Standard Specifications is provided in
this manual for instructional purposes only. Use the latest edition of the Standard Specifications
and/or appropriate Project Special Provisions when evaluating borrow material.

Statewide Criteria for Acceptance Borrow Material

Use only natural earth material. Any other materials are subject to rejection.

Piedmont and Western Area Criteria for Acceptance of Borrow Material

Soil with PI of 25 or less Acceptable
Acceptable, but not to be used in top 3 feet of
Soil with PI 26 through 35
embankment or backfill
Soil with PI of more than 35 Not Acceptable
Table 6 Piedmont and Western Criteria for Acceptance of Borrow Material

Exceptions to Statewide Criteria for Acceptance of Borrow Material

1) Soils in the Coastal Plain (area described below) will be accepted in accordance with
the following table.

Coastal Area Criteria for Acceptance of Borrow Material

Soil with PI of 15 or less Acceptable
Acceptable, but not to be used in top 3 feet of
Soil with PI 16 through 20
embankment or backfill
Soil with PI of more than 20 Not Acceptable
Table 7 Coastal Area Criteria for Acceptance of Borrow Material

Areas where Coastal criteria are applicable are as follows:

Division 1 – Entire Division except Northampton (West of I-95)

Division 2 – Entire Division
Division 3 – Entire Division
Division 4 – Edgecombe, Wayne, Johnston, (East of US 301), Wilson (East of I-95),
Nash (East of I-95), Halifax (East of I-95)
Division 6 – Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, Cumberland, Harnett, (South of NC 27)
Division 8 – Scotland, Hoke, Moore, (Southeast of US 15-501, NC 73, NC 211),
Richmond (East of US 220 North and US 1 South)

The Coastal criteria shall be applicable to the flood plains of the Roanoke, Tar, Neuse, Cape Fear
and Lumber Rivers and their tributaries that are outside the above described areas.

2) Waste or by-products from industrial processes or mining operations are not

acceptable except by specific written approval.
3) When tested, soils having a pH of less than 5.5 or an organic content more than 4.0%
may be rejected.
4) When material is to be used for placing embankment or backfilling of undercut areas
that are excessively wet, the material shall consist of Class II, III, or IV select
material.
References

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FHWA. (August 2000) Soils and Foundation Workshop Reference Manual. USDOT,
FHWA NHI-00-045.

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