When collecting increments for a sample, how many increments should be combined from a stockpile?

When collecting increments for a soil or aggregate sample from a stockpile, it is essential to ensure that the sample is representative of the entire stockpile. Combining multiple increments helps achieve this representation, as it allows for variability in the material to be captured. The practice typically recommends collecting three or more increments to adequately represent the stockpile's characteristics.

By combining at least three increments, the inspector can mitigate the influence of localized variations and ensure that the composite sample reflects the overall quality and consistency of the material. This approach aligns with standard sampling procedures, which emphasize the importance of gathering multiple samples from different locations across the stockpile to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the material being tested.

Collecting only one or two increments may not sufficiently capture the variability in the stockpile, potentially leading to skewed results. Meanwhile, collecting five or more increments could surpass the minimum requirement but may not be necessary unless specified by specific guidelines or standards. Thus, three or more increments strike a suitable balance for thorough and effective sampling.