Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 1859c547-c10c-4ce4-ad2e-e54f7b66d4ef
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Laboratory Investigations of Soils and Rocks for Engineering Analysis and Design of Nuclear Power Plants + HISTORY – HISTORY 07/2014 – DG-1256 , Proposed Revision 3 08/2001 – DG-1109 , Proposed Revision 2 (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1318/ML13186A032.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.138
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
r Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction” (Ref. 15) and Sallfors (1989, Ref. 16) offer information on equipment calibration and its importance, respectively. 1.4. Reagents and Water a. Chemical testing in a soil laboratory is usually limited to routine tests and the methodology should be documented. These tests determine such constituents as organic matter, chlorides, pH value, and sulfates. For additional information on chemical testing, Head (1992, Ref. 10) provides information on the most widely used chemical tests for soils and groundwater. 2. Handling and Storage of Samples a. The laboratory should verify the identification markings of all samples immediately upon their arrival and maintain an inventory of all samples received. b. Since the handling and storage of samples can affect their material properties it needs to be considered in analyzing their properties. For further information on storage and reconsolidation procedures see Graham et al., (Ref.17), for prevention of sample deterioration see Brown and Chow (Ref. 18) and for preserving and transporting soil samples see ASTM D4220, (Ref. 19). It is important that the laboratory examines and tests disturbed samples as soon as possible after they arrive; however, large testing programs may require storage of the samples for several days or weeks. Samples to be used for fluid content determinations, however, should be protected against change in water content. 2.1. Undisturbed Samples a. Undisturbed samples should be protected from vibration, shock, significant temperature changes, and changes in water content. Moisture seals should be checked periodically and renewed as needed. Even the most careful sealing and storing of undisturbed samples cannot prevent physical and clinical changes. Therefore, the samples should not be retained for long periods, particularly if in contact with unprotected steel tubes. Storage for long periods may discredit any subsequent