Field Soil Identification Tests
Field Soil Identification Tests
(OP)
Hi there,
I am a project engineer for a local company in Argentina, specialized in service station construction. One common taks is underground tank replacements for which not always we have a soil boring test result.
We are pursuing a higher standard in construction safety and I am looking further on the area of excavation safety.
Dooes anybody know of a web site where I can look at different field soil identification tests? I want to use this section in a safety course for foreman and would like to show pictures of different stages of common tests, for them to recognize different type of soils and be able to select appropriate action to protect workers.
Thanks in advance for your help. Regards,
Upuki
I am a project engineer for a local company in Argentina, specialized in service station construction. One common taks is underground tank replacements for which not always we have a soil boring test result.
We are pursuing a higher standard in construction safety and I am looking further on the area of excavation safety.
Dooes anybody know of a web site where I can look at different field soil identification tests? I want to use this section in a safety course for foreman and would like to show pictures of different stages of common tests, for them to recognize different type of soils and be able to select appropriate action to protect workers.
Thanks in advance for your help. Regards,
Upuki





RE: Field Soil Identification Tests
Sounds to me like you need to be more concerned with 'how' than with 'what'. Are you concerned about excavation cave-in or failure of the completed 'work'? These are completely different concerns. What type of injury are you trying to prevent?
The fastest field test for soil identification is a clear glass or plastic jar, half to 3/4 full of clear water.
1. Break up soil sample as much as possible, insert into jar.
2. Shake jar until soil sample seems to be dispursed.
3. Place jar on level non-vibrating surface. Leave there for 5 minutes.
4. Read results. Sand & gravel settled out in <5 seconds. Silt settled out in <3 minutes. Remainder is clay. Relative constituency can be estimated by layer thickness. (poor man's hydrometer)
Unfortunately, this information will provide little information regarding a soil's ability to shear, collapse, cave, or otherwise fail and cause injury or damage or both. I suggest your firm affiliate with one or more geotechnical engineering firms to properly assess each site's conditions before construction begins. Thus you will be prepared in advance for the challanges of that site.
The construction safety training should concentrate on things like laying back trench tops, not stockpiling excavation spoil next to the trench, use of trench boxes, backfill compaction equipment optimized for material placed, use of spotters, escape path planning, proper dewatering procedures, berming to protect excavations, etc. Hazmat equipment, including ventilation, may be necessary when replacing existing tanks. The excavation spoil may be contaminated and not suitable/allowed for backfill. Hazmat procedures may be necessary.
I hope this information helps but your query seemed to over-simplify the problem. People make their livings doing safety consulting. Your insurace company may be able to help with safety training info or sources. Associated General Contractors (AGC) has links to safety information. Go to http://www.agc.org/, click on 'Safety & Risk Mgmt.'
Good luck.
RE: Field Soil Identification Tests
RE: Field Soil Identification Tests
http://www.labour.gov.sk.ca/safety/trenches/printpage.htm
The Texas manual has some field tests: e.g. ribbon test, thumb penetration test, thread test, etc. I don't have the web site handy but the paper is:
Texas Workers' Compensation Board, Workers' Health & Safety Division, "Program Guide Excavation Safety", Pub. No. HS98-121A(9-01).
Hope these help - the later might be recognizable from the search.
RE: Field Soil Identification Tests
www.twcc.state.tx.us/information/videoresources/excav.pdf
I downloaded it - the file is called 'excav.pdf' and it's size is 770 KB.
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Field Soil Identification Tests
Click on 'Structural Design' and scroll down to it. It currently lists for $20.
I would bet that the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Navy Seabees have field manuals for soil identification to use when laboratory testing isn't available. Maybe some other forum members have particulars.
Good luck.