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Cbr Determination

CBR Determination is the process of assessing the California Bearing Ratio, which measures the strength of subgrade soil and materials used in road construction by evaluating their resistance to penetration under a standardized load. The test involves preparing soil samples, applying surcharge weights, and measuring load versus penetration values to determine the CBR value, which indicates the material's suitability for pavement design. While the CBR test is reliable and easy to perform, it has limitations, including differences in compaction methods and assumptions about soil saturation.

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5 views

Cbr Determination

CBR Determination is the process of assessing the California Bearing Ratio, which measures the strength of subgrade soil and materials used in road construction by evaluating their resistance to penetration under a standardized load. The test involves preparing soil samples, applying surcharge weights, and measuring load versus penetration values to determine the CBR value, which indicates the material's suitability for pavement design. While the CBR test is reliable and easy to perform, it has limitations, including differences in compaction methods and assumptions about soil saturation.

Uploaded by

johncarlolaud285
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is CBR determination?

CBR Determination refers to the process of assessing the California Bearing Ratio (CBR),
which is a measure of the strength of subgrade soil, sub-base, and base course materials used in
road and pavement construction. It evaluates the material's resistance to penetration under a
standardized load and compares it to a reference material, typically crushed stone.
Objective of CBR Test:
 Evaluate soil's ability to resist penetration under a standardized load.
 Compare soil strength against a standard material (crushed rock).

CBR Test Apparatus (insert a picture of the apparatus)

The apparatus comprises a loading machine that operates in a strain-controlled manner and
exerts load at a constant rate such that the penetration is 1.25mm per minute.

Cylindrical molds of 150mm diameter and 175mm height are provided with a collar. The
length of the collar is 50mm, and it also has a perforated base which is detachable.

A Compaction rammer and surcharge annular of 2.5kg weight and 147mm diameter are also
provided.

The apparatus comprises of:

 Mold
 Cutting collar
 Surcharge weight
 Spacer Disc
 Dial gauges
 IS Sieves
 Penetration Plunger
 Loading Machine (CBR Testing machine)

Sample Preparation

Steps in sample preparation:

1. Sieve Analysis and Moisture Determination


 Pass the soil through a 19 mm sieve; discard oversized particles.
 Measure the moisture content of the soil.
2. Compaction in the CBR Mold at OMC
 Assemble the mold with base plate, extension collar, spacer disc, and filter paper.
 Mix soil with water to reach the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC).
Compact the soil in 3 layers, applying a specific number of blows per layer (e.g.,
10, 30, or 56 blows).
 Trim the surface and record the mold and soil weight.
3. Soaking (if required)
 Place a 4.54 kg surcharge load on the sample and soak it in water for 4 days.
 Measure swelling and record the post-soaking weight.

Testing Procedure:

Step 1: Assemble the mold with the prepared soil sample.

 Compact the soil in the mold at the optimum moisture content (OMC) using a specified
number of blows or layers as per the standard.
 Ensure the mold is properly assembled with a spacer disc and collar.

Step 2: Place surcharge weights to simulate pavement layers.

 Add annular surcharge weights on the surface of the soil sample to replicate the weight of
pavement layers.
 Ensure the weights are evenly distributed and stable.

Step 3: Perform the penetration test using the plunger.

 Place the mold assembly under the penetration testing machine.


 Position the standard plunger (with a diameter of 50 mm) centrally on the surface of the
sample.
 Apply a constant rate of penetration (1.25 mm/min) using the testing machine.

Step 4: Record load versus penetration values.

 Measure and record the load readings at precise penetration depths:

 0.25 mm
 0.50 mm
 0.75 mm
 1.00 mm
 1.50 mm
 2.00 mm
 2.50 mm
 3.00 mm
 4.00 mm
 5.00 mm

Step 5: Continue the test until the maximum penetration depth of 5.00 mm is achieved or as
specified in the standard.
 Remove the plunger and disassemble the mold for further analysis if required.

CBR Formula: (SEND KO NA LANG YUNG FORMULA )

 Reference values for standard pressure:

 2.5 mm penetration = 13.2 kN/m²


 5 mm penetration = 19.8 kN/m²

 Identify the CBR value at the penetration with the highest ratio.

CBR Range and Suitability:

 0-3%: Weak subgrade (require improvement)


 3-7%: Moderate subgrade
 7%: Strong subgrade

Applications:

 Used in pavement thickness design.

Advantages:

 The test can be performed without any technical proficiency or pre-mandated training.
 CBR test is a reliable test, and the results obtained from it are considered pretty much
accurate.
 The CBR method can be used right away on the airfield pavement as against other
methods.
 The apparatus for the test is easy to handle and transport.
 It can be employed both in the field as well as in the laboratory.
 The CBR value can also be used to ascertain the pavement thickness.
 Although this test is mostly used for subgrades, it can be used for the sub-base and base
course as well.

Disadvantages of CBR Test

 The methods for compaction used in the lab and on the field are different.
 The added strength of highly stabilized surfaces like asphaltic concrete is not
incorporated in the CBR test.
 The assumption of the subgrade being completely saturated can lead to a low factor of
safety.
 Many of the test procedures are conducted on the spot. As such, strict supervision and
control need to be ensured.

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