During the sampling of a roadway berm, which action should be taken after removing the top section?

After removing the top section of the roadway berm, the appropriate action is to insert the shovel into the lower material. This step is crucial for obtaining a representative sample of the underlying material, which may have different properties compared to the top layer that has been removed. By sampling from the lower material, you ensure that you capture the characteristics that are pertinent for evaluation, such as soil composition, moisture content, and any variations that may exist due to previous compaction or layering.

Inserting the shovel into the lower material allows for a more accurate understanding of the substructure of the berm, which is essential for testing and analysis related to soil stability and performance. This aligns with best practices in sampling where the goal is to gather a comprehensive view of the materials present, providing useful data for inspection and engineering purposes.