DYNAMIC (WINDOW) SAMPLING - A REVIEW

In recent years the use of various dynamic sampling techniques for ground investigation have become increasingly widespread due to the cost effectiveness, flexibility and speed of operation of the system. The need for such lightweight sampling systems have been driven by the increase in the number of ground investigations for house settlement problems and also by the requirement for shallow reconnaissance sampling of contaminated sites over relatively large areas. In addition, there has been an increase in the number of sites where access is poor or operating space limited and dynamic sampling has been found to be a valuable technique for many of these locations. The Nordmeyer type 'window' sampler is increasingly becoming the most widely used of the dynamic samplers in the UK. This paper reviews the Nordmeyer type window sampling technique together with the advantages and disadvantages of dynamic sampling, the limits of its capability in terms of depth of investigation, geology and the quality of sample retained. Case histories from four diverse sites are presented to illustrate its operation. A model specification for dynamic sampling is also included to give some assistance to geotechnical specialists wishing to specify this technique who may not be familiar with it. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 883023.