Reference Document - RAL25/0020 & OPW25/0194 (As Published)

    Sampling, Testing and Excavation                                                       Terminology
                                                                                              Symbols
    Methodology                                                                           Abbreviations
                                                                                                           March 2025




Sampling and Testing                                           Field and Laboratory Testing

A record of samples retained, and field testing                A record that field and laboratory testing was
performed is usually shown on a Douglas                        performed is indicated by the following
Partners’ log with samples appearing to the left               abbreviation codes.
of a depth scale, and selected field and laboratory
                                                                            Test Type                     Code
testing (including results, where relevant)
appearing to the right of the scale, as illustrated             Pocket penetrometer (kPa)            `PP`
below:                                                          Photo ionisation detector (ppm)      `PID`
                                                                Standard Penetration Test             SPT`
                                                                 `x/y`=x blows for y mm
                                                                penetration
                                                                 `HB`= hammer bouncing
                                                                 `HW`= fell under weight of
                                                                hammer
                                                                Shear vane (kPa)                     `V`
                                                                Unconfined compressive               `UCS`
                                                                strength, (MPa)
                                                                Point load test, (MPa),              `PLT(_)`
                                                                axial `(A)`, diametric `(D)`,
                                                                irregular `(I)`
Sampling                                                                                             `DCP9/150
                                                                Dynamic cone penetrometer,
The type or intended purpose for which a sample                 followed by blow count               `
was taken is indicated by the following                         penetration increment in mm
abbreviation codes.
                                                                (cone tip, generally in
                 Sample Type                     Code           accordance with AS1289.6.3.2)
    Auger sample                                `A`             Perth sand penetrometer,             `PSP/150`
    Acid Sulfate sample                         `ASS`           followed by blow count
    Bulk sample                                 `B`             penetration increment in mm
    Core sample                                 `C`             (flat tip, generally in accordance
    Disturbed sample                            `D`             with AS1289.6.3.3)
    Environmental sample                        `ES`            Dynamic probe super heavy,           DPSH/100
    Driven Tube sample                          `DT`            followed by blow count
    Gas sample                                  `G`             penetration increment in mm
    Piston sample                               `P`
    Sample from SPT test                        `SPT`          Groundwater Observations
                                                                              water seepage/inflow
    Undisturbed tube sample                     `U `
                                                   1


    Water sample                                `W`
                                                                              water seepage/outflow
    Material Sample                             MT
    Core sample for unconfined                  `UCS`
    compressive strength testing                                              standing or observed water level
1
    – numeric suffixes indicate tube diameter/width in mm

The above codes only indicate that a sample was                 `NFGWO`       no free groundwater observed
retained, and not that testing was scheduled or
performed.                                                      `OBS`         observations obscured by drilling
                                                                              fluids




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