Purpose ~ primarily to obtain subsoil samples for identification,
classification and ascertaining the subsoil's characteristics and
properties. Trial pits and augered holes may also be used to
establish the presence of any geological faults and the upper or
lower limits of the water table.
General use ~
dry ground which requires
little or no temporary
support to sides of
excavation.
Subsidiary use~
to expose and/or locate
underground services.
Advantages ~
subsoil can be visually examined
in-situ † both disturbed and
undisturbed samples can be
obtained.
General use ~
dry ground but liner tubes
could be used if required to
extract subsoil samples at
a depth beyond the economic
limit of trial holes.
Advantages ~
generally a cheaper and
simpler method of obtaining
subsoil samples than the
trial pit method.Trial pits and holes should be sited so that the subsoil samples will
be representative but not interfering with works.
Trial Pits and Hand Auger Holes