BS_8601_2013.pdf

BRITISH STANDARDB58601:2013ContentsForeword iiIntroduction 11Scope 13Normative references 1Terms and definitions 2又Subsoil classification and characteristics 35Sampling of subsoil 76Stripping,handling and trafficking of subsoil 7Information to be provided by the supplier to the purchaser 11AnnexesAnnex A(normative)Method of sample reduction and preparation 13Annex B(normative)Determination of mass loss on ignition 13Annex C(normative)Determination of mineral carbonate content of soil(ascalcium carbonate)15Annex D(normative)Extraction of the exchangeable cations in soil fordetermining exchangeable sodium percentage 17Annex E(normative)Calculation of exchangeable sodium percentage of soil 18Annex F(normative)Determination of the specific electrical conductivity of acalcium sulfate extract of soil 19Annex G(normative)Method for determining other contaminants 21Annex H(normative)Importance of soil electrical conductivity,soil salinity andexchangeable sodium percentage(ESP)22Bibliography 23List of figuresFigure 1-Textural classification(limiting percentages of sand,silt and clay sizedparticles for the mineral texture class)and the area of textures that areacceptable within BS 8601:2013 6Figure 2-Preferred method of stripping subsoil 8Figure 3-Preferred method of stockpiling dry non-plastic subsoil 9Figure 4-The loose-tipping method for placing subsoil and topsoil,includingsubstrate loosening 10List of tablesTable 1-Subsoil characteristics 5Summary of pagesThis document comprises a front cover,an inside front cover,pages i to ii,pages 1 to 24,an inside back cover and a back cover.The British Standards Institution2013iBRITISH STANDARDB58601:2013IntroductionThe subsoil is an essential component of most soil profiles.Only soil that isshallow over rock lacks a subsoil layer.Subsoil provides storage of moisture,transmits rainfall to deeper layers or watercourses and enables deep rooting bytrees,shrubs,grasses and other plants.It controls the waterlogging of surfacelayers,helps vegetation and crops to withstand summer droughts and providesanchorage for trees.Subsoil plays an important role in reducing the amount and speed of surfacewater runoff,reduces the risk of erosion and flooding and consequently is anintegral part of sustainable drainage systems.Subsoil can be both naturally-occurring and manufactured.Naturally-occurringsubsoil is the product of dynamic chemical,physical and(to a lesser extent)biological processes acting on weathered mineral matter.Subsoil can bemanufactured by combining mineral ingredients to provide a medium that candevelop properties similar to naturally-occurring subsoil.Soil is a dynamic and fragile material,which when managed appropriately fulfilsits function,but is easily damaged by mishandling.It is important that soil islifted,transported,stored and spread carefully.Damage during handling canresult in a rapid deterioration in the functions soil provides.NOTE 1 Transporting soil involves mechanical handling,i.e.excavation,loading,transport and distribution on site.Not all naturally-occurring soils would survive suchhandling and retain the ability to develop into an acceptable soil in a reasonabletime at the new site,even though in their undisturbed,naturally-occurring conditionthey might be very productive and capable of sustaining plant growth over longperiods of time.For example,clay textured soil could be very productive in situ butits structure might suffer damage during stripping(or other handling activities)thatcould only be reversed by years of careful management.NOTE 2 In the context of soil profile construction,the subsoil is also an importantmedium for root growth since it provides reserves of water and available plantnutrients and mechanical anchorage.1 ScopeThis British Standard specifies requirements for the classification,compositionand use of subsoils that are moved or traded for creating soil profiles intendedto support plant growth.The standard is not applicable to topsoil,or to subsoilthat is to remain in situ.It is not intended to preclude the use of subsoil that isalready on site and suitable for its intended purpose.This standard specifiesrequirements for multipurpose subsoil,which is fit for the majority of needs,and also specific purpose subsoils that are acidic or calcareous,for specialist usewhere acidic or calcareous soil profiles are required.It also specifiesrequirements for sampling and analysis of subsoil.2 Normative referencesThe following documents,in whole or in part,are normatively referenced in thisdocument and are indispensable for its application.For dated references,onlythe edition cited applies.For undated references,the latest edition of thereferenced document(including any amendments)applies.BS 7755-5.6:1999(ISO 11272:1998),Soil quality-Part 5:Physical methods-Section 5.6:Determination of dry bulk densityBS EN 12579:2000,Soil improvers and growing media-SamplingThe British Standards Institution20131