IS 10108:1982 provides a detailed code of practice for obtaining relatively undisturbed soil samples from fine-grained soils using a thin wall sampler with a stationary piston. This standard guides engineers on proper sampling techniques, equipment specifications, handling, and transportation to ensure minimal disturbance to soil samples for accurate laboratory testing. It is essential for geotechnical engineers and soil testing professionals involved in foundation and soil investigation projects.
Overview
IS 10108:1982 provides a detailed code of practice for obtaining relatively undisturbed soil samples from fine-grained soils using a thin wall sampler with a stationary piston. This standard guides engineers on proper sampling techniques, equipment specifications, handling, and transportation to ensure minimal disturbance to soil samples for accurate laboratory testing. It is essential for geotechnical engineers and soil testing professionals involved in foundation and soil investigation projects.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope: This standard covers thin-walled tube sampling of soils, defining sampler dimensions, sampling procedures, and reporting formats.
| Parameter | For D = 74 mm Tube | For D = 49.5 mm Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter at cutting edge, D | 74 ± 0.5 mm | 49.5 ± 0.5 mm |
| Inside diameter, D1 | 75 ± 0.5 mm | 50 ± 0.5 mm |
| Thickness (Steel) | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Thickness (Brass) | 2.0 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Angle of cutting edge (α) | 10° ± 1° | 10° ± 1° |
| Thickness at edge | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm |
| Length, L | 75 cm | 60 cm |
Note: For stiff clays or silty soils, increase tube thickness suitably to reduce sample disturbance.
All field data must include:
Use the proforma recommended in IS 2132-1972 Appendix A.
graph LR
A[Sampling Tube] --> B(Diameter D)
A --> C(Inside Diameter D1)
A --> D(Thickness)
A --> E(Cutting Edge Angle α)
A --> F(Length L)
This standard ensures consistent soil sampling quality for geotechnical investigations.
1. Definitions:
2. Sampling Tube Dimensions (Clause 3.2.2 & Fig. 3):
| Parameter | Diameter 74 mm Tube | Diameter 50 mm Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter at cutting edge, D | 74 ± 0.5 mm | 49.5 ± 0.5 mm |
| Inside diameter, D1 | 75 ± 0.5 mm | 50 ± 0.5 mm |
| Thickness (steel) | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Thickness (brass) | 2.0 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Angle of cutting edge (α) | 10 ± 1° | 10 ± 1° |
| Thickness at edge | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm |
| Length, L | 75 cm | 60 cm |
3. Sampling Report Requirements (Clause 5.1):
flowchart TD
A[Start Sampling] --> B[Select Sampling Tube]
B --> C{Tube Diameter?}
C -->|74 mm| D[Use 74 mm specs]
C -->|50 mm| E[Use 50 mm specs]
D --> F[Record Sampling Data]
E --> F
F --> G[Prepare Report per Clause 5.1]
G --> H[Complete]
IS 10108: Equipment and Apparatus Key Specifications
| Parameter | For D=74 mm Tube | For D=49.5 mm Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter at cutting edge, D | 74 ± 0.5 mm | 49.5 ± 0.5 mm |
| Inside diameter, D1 | 75 ± 0.5 mm | 50 ± 0.5 mm |
| Thickness (Steel) | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Thickness (Brass) | 2.0 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Angle of cutting edge (α) | 10 ± 1° | 10 ± 1° |
| Thickness at edge | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm |
| Length, L | 75 cm | 60 cm |
Include:
graph LR
A[Sampling Tube] --> B[Cutting Edge Diameter (D)]
A --> C[Inside Diameter (D1)]
A --> D[Thickness (Steel/Brass)]
A --> E[Cutting Edge Angle (α)]
A --> F[Length (L)]
This ensures standardization and reliability in soil sampling apparatus per IS 10108.
IS 10108: Sampling Procedure Key Details
| Parameter | For D = 74 ± 0.5 mm | For D = 49.5 ± 0.5 mm |
|---|---|---|
| Inside diameter, D1 | 75 ± 0.5 mm | 50 ± 0.5 mm |
| Thickness (steel) | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Thickness (brass) | 2.0 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Angle of cutting edge (α) | 10 ± 1° | 10 ± 1° |
| Thickness at the edge | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm |
| Length, L | 75 cm | 60 cm |
[ \text{Gross Recovery Ratio} = \frac{\text{Length of sample obtained}}{\text{Depth of penetration}} \times 100% ]
Mark on sampling tube:
Refer IS 1892-1980 for tabular formats.
flowchart TD
A[Start Sampling] --> B[Use Sampling Tube (per dimensions)]
B --> C[Insert tube to depth]
C --> D[Extract sample]
D --> E[Measure sample length]
E --> F[Calculate Gross Recovery Ratio]
F -->|≥95%| G[Accept Sample]
F -->|<95%| H[Reject Sample]
G --> I[Label Sample Tube]
I --> J[Store/Transport Sample]
This ensures proper sampling quality and traceability as per IS 10108.
IS 10108: Recording and Reporting Key Points
Record on sampling tube exterior:
Preferably use a table format as per IS 1892-1980.
Calculate after sample removal:
[ \text{Gross Recovery Ratio (GRR)} = \frac{\text{Length of sample obtained}}{\text{Depth of penetration}} \times 100% ]
| Data Item | Description |
|---|---|
| a) Job ID | Project identification |
| b) Date | Start and finish of boring |
| c) Boring No. & Coordinates | Location details |
| d) Surface elevation | If available |
| e) Drilling method | Method used |
| f) Sample No. & depth | Identification and depth of sample |
| g) Sampler advancement details | Method, penetration, recovery ratio, pressure |
| h) Sampler type & size | Equipment details |
| j) Water table info | Depth to water, artesian head, reading times |
| k) Casing size & depth | Details of casing |
| m) Soil description | Based on soil from tube ends |
| n) Layer thickness | Thickness of soil layers |
| p) Weather conditions | During sampling |
| q) Remarks | Other observations |
Use proforma as per IS 2132-1972 Appendix A.
| Parameter | Unit/Format | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Project Name | Text | Clear identification |
| Boring No. | Numeric/Text | Unique per site |
| Sample No. | Numeric/Text | Sequential per boring |
| Depth of Sampling | meters (m) | From ground surface |
| Date of Sampling | DD/MM/YYYY | Accurate date |
IS 10108: Precautions and Sample Handling Key Points
Transportation (Clause 4.5.1):
Avoid impact and sudden temperature changes to prevent altering sample properties.
On-site Storage (Clause 4.4.5):
Protect samples from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations during temporary storage.
Laboratory Storage (Clause 4.5.2):
Sample Extraction (Clause 4.6):
Follow standardized extraction procedures to avoid contamination or damage.
| Parameter | Recommended Practice |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 5°C to 25°C (avoid extremes) |
| Humidity | 90% relative humidity (to prevent drying) |
| Handling | Use cushioned containers, avoid shocks |
flowchart TD
A[Sample Collection] --> B[Transportation]
B --> C{Avoid Impact & Temp Change}
C --> D[On-site Storage]
D --> E{Avoid Sunlight & Temp Fluctuations}
E --> F[Laboratory Storage]
F --> G{Seal Ends & Store Dark/Humid}
G --> H[Sample Extraction]
Summary: Proper sealing, controlled environment, and gentle handling ensure sample integrity per IS 10108.
IS 10108 – Transportation and Storage of Samples: Key Points
| Aspect | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Impact | Avoid mechanical shocks | Prevent sample damage |
| Temperature | No serious temperature changes | Maintain sample integrity |
| Storage Location | Shaded, dry, stable temperature | Avoid degradation |
| Packaging | Protective, vibration-resistant | Safe transportation |
flowchart LR
A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Packaging]
B --> C[Transportation]
C --> D[Temporary Storage]
D --> E[Testing]
style B fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style C fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style D fill:#fbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
This ensures sample integrity per IS 10108 guidelines.
IS 10108: Key Points on Field Observations
Mark outside of sampling tube with:
Refer IS 1892-1980 for tabular format.
Record on field logs:
Use proforma as per IS 2132-1972 Appendix A.
| Soil Type | Water Level Measurement Timing |
|---|---|
| Sandy | As casing pulled + 30 minutes |
| Silty | 24 hours after casing pulled |
| Clay | 24 hours after casing pulled (if pervious seams present) |
flowchart TD
A[Start Drilling] --> B[Record Water Table Info]
B --> C{Soil Type?}
C -->|Sandy| D[Measure water level as casing pulled]
C -->|Sandy| E[Measure water level after 30 min]
C -->|Silty| F[Measure water level after 24 hrs]
C -->|Clay| G[Measure water level after 24 hrs if pervious seams]
D --> H[Record all observations in field log]
E --> H
F --> H
G --> H
**
IS 10108: Maintenance and Inspection of Sampler
| Parameter | Large Sampler (75 mm) | Small Sampler (50 mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter at cutting edge, D | 74 ± 0.5 mm | 49.5 ± 0.5 mm |
| Inside diameter, D1 | 75 ± 0.5 mm | 50 ± 0.5 mm |
| Thickness (Steel) | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Thickness (Brass) | 2.0 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Angle of cutting edge (α) | 10 ± 1° | 10 ± 1° |
| Thickness at edge | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm |
| Length, L | 75 cm | 60 cm |
flowchart TD
A[Inspect Sampler] --> B{Check Components}
B -->|Loose Parts| C[Repair/
IS 10108 Annexures and Appendices Key Points
Appendix A of IS:2132-1972 provides a recommended proforma for recording field data during boring and sampling, including:
| Data Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Job Identification | Project name or code |
| Date of Boring | Start and finish dates |
| Boring Number & Coordinates | Location details if available |
| Surface Elevation | Ground level data if available |
| Drilling Method | Type of drilling technique used |
| Sample Number & Depth | Identification and depth of each sample |
| Sampler Details | Type, size, method of advancement, penetration, recovery ratio, pressure |
| Water Table Data | Depth to water surface, artesian head, time of readings |
| Casing Details | Size and depth of cased hole |
| Soil Description | Visual examination and layer thickness |
| Weather Conditions | During sampling |
| Other Observations | Remarks or unusual findings |
Marking on Sampling Tubes (Clause 4.4.4):
Refer to IS:1892-1980 for standardized tables for marking samples.
| Parameter | Details/Remarks |
|---|---|
| Job ID | XYZ Project |
| Boring No. & Coordinates | B-01, Lat: xx.xxxx, Long: yy.yyyy |
| Date of Boring | 01-Jan-2024 to 03-Jan-2024 |
| Drilling Method | Rotary |
| Sample No. & Depth | S-1 @ 3m, S-2 @ 6m |
| Sampler Type & Size | Thin-walled tube, 50mm diameter |
| Penetration & Recovery | 30 cm penetration, 90% recovery |
| Water Table Depth | 4.5 m below ground level |
| Soil Description | Clayey silt, 1.5m thick |
| Weather | Clear, dry |
| Remarks |
Frequently Asked
IS 10108 Specifications for Thin Wall Sampling Tube and Piston
Sampling Tube Material: Cold drawn seamless pipe of stainless steel, brass, or mild steel chrome plated.
Dimensions (Two sizes):
| Parameter | For D ≈ 74 mm | For D ≈ 49.5 mm |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter at cutting edge, D | 74 ± 0.5 mm | 49.5 ± 0.5 mm |
| Inside diameter, D1 | 75 ± 0.5 mm | 50 ± 0.5 mm |
| Thickness (steel) | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Thickness (brass) | 2.0 ± 0.1 mm | 1.5 ± 0.1 mm |
| Angle of cutting edge (α) | 10 ± 1° | 10 ± 1° |
| Thickness at the edge | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm | 0.2 ± 0.05 mm |
| Length, L | 75 cm | 60 cm |
Piston: Stationary piston inside the sampling tube; remains fixed during penetration to minimize soil disturbance.
Notes:
Loading diagram...
This setup ensures undisturbed soil samples for fine-grained soil laboratory testing.
To push the sampling tube into soil without disturbing the sample, IS 10108 specifies:
This method ensures the soil sample is taken with minimal disturbance by preventing compression and shock during insertion.
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Key: Stationary piston prevents soil compression; smooth pushing avoids shock and sample disturbance.
Precautions during Sample Extraction and Handling (IS 10108):
Extraction Environment:
Extract samples in a humid, shaded room to prevent drying or thermal effects (Clause 4.6.1).
Sample Removal:
Remove seals at both ends gently and extrude the sample continuously using a suitable extruder to minimize disturbance (Clause 4.6.1).
Avoid Mechanical Damage:
Prevent bending or breakage caused by the sample’s own weight during extraction (Clause 4.6.1).
Temperature Control:
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or sudden temperature changes during storage and transportation (Clauses 4.4.5 & 4.5.1).
Impact Prevention:
Handle samples carefully to avoid impacts or shocks that could alter their properties (Clause 4.5.1).
Summary: Maintain controlled humidity, avoid temperature fluctuations, minimize mechanical stress, and handle samples gently throughout extraction and transport.
Gross Recovery Ratio (GRR) Calculation:
As per IS 10108 Clause 2.1.6: [ \text{GRR} = \frac{\text{Length of sample obtained in sampling tube}}{\text{Length of sampler penetration into soil}} \times 100% ]
Procedure (Clause 4.4.1):
Acceptable Minimum:
| Parameter | Value/Formula |
|---|---|
| Gross Recovery Ratio (GRR) | (\frac{\text{Sample length}}{\text{Penetration depth}} \times 100%) |
| Minimum Acceptable GRR | 95% |
This ensures sample quality and minimal disturbance during sampling.
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To preserve soil sample integrity per IS 10108:
During Transportation (Clause 4.5.1 & 4.4.5):
During Storage:
Goal: Maintain undisturbed sample conditions (Clause 2.1.2), preserving soil structure and properties as close to in-situ state as possible.
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