b) Differentiate between disturbed and undisturbed sample and give 3 type of sampler for each sample.

Disturbed samples
Disturbed samples are generally obtained to determine the soil type, gradation, classification, consistency,
density, presence of contaminants, stratification, etc. The methods for obtaining disturbed samples vary
from hand excavating of materials with picks and shovels to using truck mounted augers and other rotary
drilling techniques. These samples are considered disturbed since the sampling process modifies their
natural structure.

Undisturbed samples
Undisturbed samples are used to determine the in place strength, compressibility (settlement) natural
moisture content unit weight, permeability, discontinuities, fractures and fissures of subsurface
formations. Even though such samples are designated as undisturbed, in reality they are disturbed to
varying degrees. The degree of disturbance depends on the type of subsurface materials, type and
condition of the sampling equipment used, the skill of the drillers and the storage and transportation
methods used.

Differentiate between disturbed and undisturbed sample.

Disturbed Sample Undisturbed sample

Change in the stress condition. No change due to disturbance of the soil structure.

Change in the water content and the void. No change in void ratio and water content.

Disturbance of the soil structure. No change in constituents and chemical

properties.

Chemical changes No disturbance of the soil structure.

Mixing and segregation of soil constituents.

The 3 type of sampler for each sample.

Disturbed sample
1. Split barrel sampler
i. Used to obtain disturbed samples in all types of soils.
ii. Typically used in conjunction with the Standard Penetration Test.
 2. Continuous auger
i. Soil augers and samplers are used in forestry, environmental and agricultural
applications, but are not limited to these uses.
ii. This equipment is commonly used for obtaining samples at or near the surface.

3. Bulk sampler
These are disturbed samples obtained from auger cuttings or test pits. The quality of the
sample depends on the type of testing to be performed, but can range up to 50lb (25kg) or
more.

Undisturbed sample
1. Thin wall Shelby sampler
i. To obtain relatively undisturbed samples of cohesive soils for strength and consolidation
testing.

2. Piston sampler
i. Also known as an Hvorslev sampler.
ii. Particularly useful for sampling soft soils where sample recovery is often difficult
although it can also be used in stiff soils.
iii. The piston sampler is basically a thin-wall tube sampler with a piston, rod, and a
modified sampler head.
3. Block sampler