- 2072 Chaitra · 2 marks
Representative vs non-representative samples
Short answer
A representative sample contains all soil constituents in the same proportion as in situ, though it may be disturbed (e.g., auger cuttings). A non-representative sample loses some constituents or layers (e.g., wash boring cuttings), altering both composition and structure, and is only useful for a rough indication of strata change.
Differentiate between representative and non-representative soil samples.
| Point | Representative sample | Non-representative sample |
|---|---|---|
| Constituents | Contains all soil particles in the same proportion as the in-situ soil | Some constituents are lost or mixed (e.g. fines washed away, layers mixed) |
| Structure | May be disturbed, structure not preserved | Structure and composition both altered |
| Example | Auger cuttings, split-spoon sample, test pit sample | Wash-boring return water cuttings, percussion slurry |
| Use | Classification, grain size, Atterberg limits | Only a rough indication of strata change |
✓ Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5
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