Sample Types
Basic core analysis (physical properties or index parameters) accurately defines the physical characteristics of subsurface materials, usually soil, rock or sediments. These characteristics most often include dry bulk density, specific gravity, total porosity, air-filled porosity, pore fluid saturations (both NAPL and water), moisture content, air or vapor permeability, hydraulic conductivity, and grain size distribution. PTS accepts both clean and contaminated material. We can measure the physical properties of soil and rock cores taken by virtually any sampling method including:

Shelby Tube CPT Split Spoon Bulk or Grab Samples

Continuous Core Brass, Plastic, or Aluminum Sleeves and Rings Direct Push

Generally a 2" diameter by 6" long sleeve is suitable for most basic tests. If larger diameter or continuous coring equipment is available, then a more detailed lithological and petrophysical data profile can be generated. PTS can work with core diameters down to 1” diameter or less in many instances.

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Bulk Density (dry) Grain Density Specific Gravity Hydraulic Conductivity Intrinsic Permeability Air Permeability (native-state) Slip-Corrected Air Permeability Moisture Content Total Porosity Effective Porosity Air-Filled Porosity SWRCB Porosity Soil pH Atterberg Limits

Minimum Resistivity Index Pore Fluid Saturations Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Fraction Organic Carbon (FOC) USCS Soil Classification Grain Size Distribution: Laser Method Grain Size Distribution: Sieve Method Particle Size Analyses: Liquids, Storm Water, Airborne Particles, suspended solids, etc.

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Test Packages
A PTS Laboratories Test Package combines several basic analyses to provide an integrated data package. Custom Packages can also be created that satisfy all modeling and risk assessment parameters or to meet regulatory agency requirements.

Soil Properties Package – Vadose Zone	Includes permeability to air (native-state, vertical or horizontal orientation), grain and bulk densities, total porosity, air-filled porosity, moisture content and pore fluid saturations (NAPL and water).
Hydraulic Conductivity Package –Saturated Zone	Includes native-state permeability to water (hydraulic conductivity), vertical or horizontal orientation, grain and bulk densities, total porosity, air-filled porosity, moisture content and pore fluid saturations (NAPL and water).
Pore Fluid Saturation Package	Pore fluid saturation (NAPL and water) as percent pore volume by Dean-Stark extraction. Includes total porosity and air-filled porosity. Moisture content, grain and bulk densities may be added.
Soil Vapor Assessment Package	Includes permeability to air with in situ fluid saturations (moisture) present, vertical orientation, fluid saturations (NAPL and water), porosity (total, effective, and air-filled), moisture content, bulk density and grain size distribution. USCS description and Atterberg Limits (plasticity index) if requested.
TCEQ/TNRCC TRRP (RG-36) Limited Site Assessment Physical Properties Format	Includes hydraulic conductivity, intrinsic permeability to water (native state, vertical or horizontal orientation), total porosity, air-filled porosity, dry bulk density, volumetric moisture content, and Fraction Organic Carbon (FOC).
New Mexico RBDM Parameters Format	Includes hydraulic conductivity, intrinsic permeability to water (native state, vertical or horizontal orientation), total porosity, air-filled porosity, dry bulk density, volumetric moisture content, Total or Fraction Organic Carbon (TOC/FOC) and grain size analysis.

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Geotechnical and Construction Related Soil Tests
Our geotechnical and construction related testing capabilities round out the basic Physical Properties category. Several analyses require undisturbed samples in sizes of 2” or 2-1/2" diameter or greater. Bulk or grab samples may suffice for others. PTS can work with core diameters down to 1” diameter or less in many instances. Contact your PTS Laboratories customer service representative for more information.

Atterberg Limits Consolidation Direct Shear Triaxial Compression Unconfined Compression Expansion Index

Moisture/Density or Compaction (standard and modified Proctor) Minimum Resistivity Index Sample Remolding

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