ASTM D 5434 : 2025

1.1This guide describes the type of information that should be recorded during field subsurface explorations in soil and rock.

1.2This guide is not intended to specify all of the information required for preparing field logs. Such requirements will vary depending on the purpose of the investigation, the intended use of the field log, and particular needs of the client or user as required by their project specific work plans and/or quality assurance plans.

1.3This guide is applicable to geotechnical and geoenvironmental boreholes in soil and rock, auger holes, excavated pits, or other subsurface excavations or exposures such as road side cuts or stream banks.

1.4This guide may not be suited to all types of subsurface exploration such as mining, hazardous waste, septic system, vapor intrusion, or other special types of exploration. The standard does not address geophysical methods (D5753, D6429).

1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care of which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.7This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.