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IS 9198:1979 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for guide for an undisturbed sampling of sands. This guide provides recommendations on equipment and procedures for obtaining undisturbed samples of cohesionless soils like sands, which are notoriously difficult to sample. It details various sampler types (piston, thin-walled, etc.), key design features like area ratio, and factors causing sample disturbance during collection, handling, and transport.
! This equipment is fundamental for conducting Proctor (light compaction) and Modified Proctor (heavy compaction) tests as per IS 2720.
! Ensure the rammer's sleeve allows for a completely free fall from the specified height, as any friction will lead to inaccurate compaction energy and test results.
! Regularly check the mass of the rammer and the condition of the tamping face for wear and tear, as this can affect test accuracy.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
sandsoilcohesionless soil
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS EN ISO 22475-1:2006BSI / ISO / CEN (UK / International / Europe)
HighCurrent
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Sampling methods and groundwater measurements — Part 1: Technical principles for execution
Provides comprehensive principles for various soil sampling methods, including those suitable for non-cohesive soils like sand.
ASTM D6519 - 11(2018)ASTM International (USA)
MediumCurrent
Standard Practice for Sampling of Soil Using the Hydraulically Operated Stationary Piston Sampler
Focuses specifically on the stationary piston sampler, a key method recommended in IS 9198 for high-quality samples.
JGS 1231-2012Japanese Geotechnical Society (Japan)
MediumCurrent
Method for obtaining undisturbed samples of sands by freezing
Details the in-situ freezing technique, a specialized and highly effective method mentioned as an option in IS 9198.
ASTM D1587 - 08(2020)ASTM International (USA)
LowCurrent
Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils
Covers thin-walled tube sampling primarily for cohesive soils, but its principles on minimizing disturbance (e.g., area ratio) are relevant.
Key Differences
≠IS 9198 is a descriptive 'Guide', whereas modern standards like BS EN ISO 22475-1 are more prescriptive and include a formal system for classifying sample quality (e.g., Quality Classes 1-5).
≠The Indian standard (1979) is technologically dated. While it mentions in-situ freezing, dedicated modern standards like JGS 1231 provide detailed, standardized procedures for this advanced technique.
≠International standards like ASTM D6519 provide highly specific dimensional tolerances for samplers (e.g., inside clearance, cutting edge taper), which are only given as general recommendations in IS 9198.
≠BS EN ISO 22475-1 links specific sampling methods directly to the achievable sample quality class and the types of laboratory tests that can be performed, a direct linkage not present in IS 9198.
Key Similarities
≈All standards acknowledge the extreme difficulty of obtaining truly undisturbed samples of cohesionless soils like sand, emphasizing the need for specialized equipment and careful procedures.
≈Both IS 9198 and modern standards (e.g., ASTM D6519, ISO 22475-1) recommend the use of stationary piston samplers as one of the most effective mechanical methods for recovering high-quality sand samples.
≈There is a common emphasis across all standards on the critical importance of post-sampling procedures, including immediate and proper sealing of samples (often with wax), careful handling, and secure transportation to the lab.
≈The principle of minimizing sampler-induced disturbance by controlling geometric factors, such as keeping the area ratio as low as possible (ideally <10%), is a fundamental concept shared by IS 9198 and international counterparts.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Sampler Area Ratio (for high-quality samples)
Should be kept as low as possible, preferably less than 10 percent.
≤ 10% is a common requirement for high-quality thin-walled samplers.
ASTM D1587
Sample Quality Classification
Not formally defined; uses descriptive terms like 'undisturbed'.
Defines 5 quality classes, where Class 1 is the highest quality, suitable for determining strength and deformation properties.
BS EN ISO 22475-1
Sampler Inside Clearance Ratio
Generally between 0.5 to 3 percent.
Typically 0.5 to 1.5% for stationary piston samplers.
ASTM D6519
Minimum Sample Diameter (for high quality)
Preferably not less than 75 mm.
≥ 70 mm is typical for achieving Quality Class 1 or 2.
BS EN ISO 22475-1
Sample Sealing Material
Recommends melted wax (60% paraffin, 40% petrolatum) or other suitable material.