How should a sampler obtain increments from a stockpile?

The correct approach for obtaining increments from a stockpile involves sampling at intervals greater than 1 foot from the edges. This method is essential because the outer layers of a stockpile are often subject to environmental factors that can lead to contamination or variability in material properties, such as moisture or particle segregation. By sampling further away from the edges, the sampler ensures that the sample more accurately represents the material within the stockpile as a whole, rather than just the potentially compromised outer portions.

Sampling at the edges may not provide a representative sample due to the disturbance of the material as trucks dump loads or as the pile settles. By focusing on increments that are more centrally located within the stockpile, the integrity of the sample is preserved and the results will be more reliable for analysis.

The incorrect methods would include using angles for insertion or sampling strategies that do not consider the contamination risks associated with the stockpile edges. These practices could lead to skewed data and affect the overall assessment of the material, making the choice of sampling deeper within the pile much more crucial for accurate results.