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IS 2132:1986 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for thin-walled tube sampling of soils. This standard outlines the equipment and methodology for obtaining undisturbed soil samples using thin-walled metal tubes. It defines critical sampler geometry parameters, such as area ratio and clearance, to minimize soil disturbance during extraction.
Provides guidelines for obtaining undisturbed soil samples using thin-walled tube samplers for laboratory testing.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
soilcohesive soilsclay
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM D1587 / D1587M - 15(2023)ASTM International (US)
HighCurrent
Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
Almost identical scope, focusing exclusively on the equipment and procedure for thin-walled tube sampling.
ISO 22475-1:2021ISO (International)
HighCurrent
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Sampling methods and groundwater measurements — Part 1: Technical principles for execution
Broader scope covering all soil sampling, but its principles for Category A/B sampling directly align with IS 2132's objectives.
BS EN ISO 22475-1:2021BSI (UK)
HighCurrent
Geotechnical investigation and testing. Sampling methods and groundwater measurements. Technical principles for execution
The British and European adoption of ISO 22475-1, covering high-quality undisturbed sampling principles.
BS 5930:2015+A1:2020BSI (UK)
MediumCurrent
Code of practice for ground investigations
A comprehensive code for site investigation; its section on soil sampling references and aligns with BS EN ISO 22475-1.
Key Differences
≠IS 2132 allows for light hammering as a last resort for advancing the sampler, whereas ASTM D1587 strongly discourages any driving by hammering, emphasizing a single, continuous push to minimize disturbance.
≠IS 2132 provides a wider recommended range for the Inside Clearance Ratio (0.5% to 3%) compared to ASTM D1587, which suggests it is 'usually 1% or less'.
≠ISO 22475-1 classifies sample quality (Class 1-5) and ties sampler design criteria (like area ratio) directly to the desired quality class, a concept not explicitly formalized in IS 2132.
≠IS 2132 specifies a cutting edge angle of 'about 20°', which is significantly larger than the ≤7° specified for high-quality samplers in ISO 22475-1, indicating a potential for greater disturbance under the Indian standard.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the primary objective of obtaining high-quality, relatively undisturbed soil samples suitable for laboratory testing of sensitive engineering properties.
≈The fundamental design principle of a 'thin-walled' tube is consistent across all standards, defined by a low area ratio to minimize soil displacement during insertion.
≈A smooth, continuous push is universally recognized as the preferred method for advancing the sampler to obtain the least disturbed sample.
≈All standards emphasize the importance of proper sample handling after recovery, including sealing the ends to preserve moisture content, careful transportation, and protection from shock and temperature changes.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Area Ratio (Cₐ)
≤ 10% for sensitive clays; ≤ 15% for other soils.
≤ 10% for high-quality samples in cohesive soils (Quality Class 1).
ISO 22475-1
Inside Clearance Ratio (Cᵢ)
0.5% to 3.0%
Usually 1% or less.
ASTM D1587
Outside Clearance Ratio (Cₒ)
0% to 2%
Generally not specified, but typically kept minimal (0% to 3%) and less than or equal to the inside clearance ratio.
ASTM D1587 (practice)
Cutting Edge Taper Angle
About 20°
≤ 7° for Type A open-tube samplers (high quality).
ISO 22475-1
Standard Nominal Diameters
50, 75, 100, 150 mm
2 in (50.8 mm), 3 in (76.2 mm), 5 in (127.0 mm)
ASTM D1587
Recovery Ratio Check
Required to be calculated and recorded; samples with ratios < 95-98% may be discarded.
Required to be measured and recorded as an indicator of sample quality.
ASTM D1587
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
recommended area ratio max10%
maximum tolerable area ratio15%
inside clearance ratio1% to 3%
outside clearance ratio max2%
standard tube diameters38, 50, 75, and 100 mm
acceptable recovery ratio96% to 104%
Key Formulas
Area Ratio (Ar) = [(Dw^2 - De^2) / De^2] * 100
Inside Clearance (Ci) = [(Ds - De) / De] * 100
Outside Clearance (Co) = [(Dw - Dt) / Dt] * 100
Recovery Ratio = L / H (Length of sample / Depth of penetration)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Thin-Walled Sampling Tubes
Table 2 - Area Ratio and Clearances for Cutting Edge