Penetration and retrieval forces during sampling in a very soft clay

Abstract

Three series of sampling with thin-walled samplers, with and without inside clearance and without a piston, have been performed in a very soft organic clay deposit. The penetration and retrieval forces were measured throughout the operation, thus contributing to a clearer understanding of the sampling process. The measured forces show the importance of proper borehole cleaning conditions, and also identify when samples were lost during retrieval. This occurs when the underpressure at the sampler bottom does not appear in the retrieval force versus time chart. The obtained values have been compared to the sleeve friction measured by piezocone tests. Direct simple shear (DSS) tests and vane shear tests have been used as references to back-calculate the dimensionless skin friction factor from both sample penetration and retrieval. The measurement of force during sampling proved useful for controlling sampling operation, also providing further information with respect to the regular procedure.