What is the recommended thickness of a sample for a dry test of soil strength?

The recommended thickness of a sample for a dry test of soil strength is typically around 1 inch thick. This thickness strikes a balance that allows for accurate measurement of the soil's strength properties while also ensuring that the sample remains manageable and can be tested effectively.

A thickness of 1 inch is sufficient to provide a representative sample of the soil, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity during testing. Thicker samples could lead to inconsistencies in the readings due to variances in moisture content and compaction at different depths, while thinner samples may not capture enough material to reflect the soil's overall strength characteristics accurately.

In various soil testing standards, including those developed by organizations such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), this 1 inch dimension is often recommended, making it widely accepted in both field and laboratory practices for determining soil strength.