What type of sample is desired when sampling for testing?

When it comes to sampling for testing, representative samples are essential because they accurately reflect the characteristics of the material or population being studied. This means that the sample should exhibit the same properties and composition as the whole lot from which it is drawn.

Representative samples are crucial when testing soil, aggregate, or any other materials in earthwork, as they ensure that the results obtained from testing can be generalized to the entire lot, leading to reliable conclusions. This is particularly important in construction and civil engineering, where the properties of materials directly impact safety, durability, and overall project success.

While average samples, composite samples, and control samples have their own uses in various testing contexts, they do not guarantee the representative nature needed for effective material testing. Average samples might not capture the variability within a lot, composite samples combine multiple samples which could mask the individual characteristics, and control samples serve to monitor and validate testing conditions rather than represent the material itself. Thus, selecting a representative sample is foundational for achieving accurate and applicable test results.