ASTM D5079-25 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D5079-25 — Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core Samples. This practice gives recommended procedures for the handling, preservation, cataloging, transportation, storage, retrieval, and post‑test disposition of rock core obtained for geotechnical site characterization, investigations, exploration and design, including requirements to protect engineering and geologic properties of the core during recovery, handling and transport.

Abstract

ASTM D5079-25 provides a concise set of curatorial, chain‑of‑custody, and handling practices intended to minimise mechanical damage, chemical change, and environmental effects (moisture, temperature, etc.) that can alter the geologic or engineering properties of drill core from the time of recovery until laboratory testing or permanent storage. The practice is written primarily for common N–P size drill core but is applicable to all rock types (excluding ice and permafrost) and includes guidance for selecting project‑specific, more conservative procedures when required.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: August 1, 2025 (D5079-25 edition).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 93.020 (Geology, mining, and related categories).
• Edition / version: D5079-25 (replaces earlier D5079-08 and prior revisions).
• Number of pages: 10 pages.

Scope

This practice covers preservation, transportation, storage, cataloging, retrieval, and post‑test disposition of rock core samples obtained for geotechnical site characterization, investigations, explorations, and design purposes, including use for visual classification and laboratory testing. It applies generally to all rock types (except ice and permafrost) and is chiefly written for common N to P size drill core (approximately 47.6 mm to 85 mm diameter). The document also lists limitations where volatile gases, pore‑fluid contamination, or stress relaxation are critical and where alternate/supplementary procedures are required.

Key topics and requirements

• Chain of custody procedures and documentation for drill core from recovery through testing and final disposition.
• Recommended handling methods to minimise mechanical damage to preserve in‑situ engineering properties.
• Environmental controls (moisture, temperature) and packaging/storage recommendations to limit chemical or physical alteration.
• Cataloging, labelling, core box management, and retrievability best practices.
• Guidance on transport methods and special provisions for larger diameter cores or project‑specific requirements.
• Limitations and situations where additional or different procedures are necessary (e.g., volatile gases, pore‑fluid sampling, stress‑sensitive tests).

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and geological engineers, drilling contractors, core logging technicians, environmental consultants, laboratory managers, and repository/curatorial staff. Typical applications include geotechnical site investigations, infrastructure and tunnelling projects, mining exploration, environmental site characterisation, and any program that requires preservation of core for later physical or geochemical testing.

Related standards

ASTM D5079-25 replaces or updates prior editions such as D5079-08 and earlier revisions; it is commonly used alongside related sampling and testing standards (for example, practices for sample collection, chain of custody, laboratory test methods referenced within project specifications), and with Practice D3740 for laboratory competence and Practice D6026 for reporting/rounding guidance.

Keywords

rock core, drill core, preservation, transport, chain of custody, core boxes, curatorial, storage, cataloging, geotechnical sampling, post‑test disposition

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5079-25 is a practice that provides recommended procedures for preserving, handling, transporting, storing, cataloging and disposing of rock core samples recovered for geotechnical and geological investigations.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers requirements and guidance to protect the geologic and engineering properties of drill core from recovery through testing and storage, including chain of custody, packaging, environmental controls, labelling and special handling for larger cores; it excludes ice and permafrost and notes limitations where volatile gases or pore‑fluid integrity are critical.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and geological engineers, drilling contractors and crews, core logging technicians, environmental and exploration consultants, testing laboratories, and personnel responsible for specimen curation and long‑term storage.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D5079-25 edition is the active/current edition (2025). It supersedes prior editions such as D5079-08 and earlier revisions. Publication/edition information for D5079-25 is dated August 1, 2025.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM’s D18 series of geotechnical/geologic standards and was developed by subcommittee D18.12; it is typically used together with other ASTM practices and test methods referenced for sampling, laboratory testing, and laboratory competence.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: chain of custody, core boxes, curatorial, sampling, transportation, preservation, storage, geotechnical core.