Designation: D1883 072

Standard Test Method for

CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Laboratory-Compacted

Soils1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1883; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1 NOTEEditorially corrected units in Section 6.2 in May 2009.

2 NOTEEditorially corrected units in Section 10.3 in July 2009.

1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the CBR
(California Bearing Ratio) of pavement subgrade, subbase, and
base course materials from laboratory compacted specimens.
The test method is primarily intended for (but not limited to)
evaluating the strength of materials having maximum particle
sizes less than 34 in. (19 mm).
1.2 When materials having maximum particle sizes greater
than 34 in. (19 mm) are to be tested, this test method provides
for modifying the gradation of the material so that the material
used for tests all passes the 34-in. sieve while the total gravel
(+No. 4 to 3 in.) fraction remains the same. While traditionally
this method of specimen preparation has been used to avoid the
error inherent in testing materials containing large particles in
the CBR test apparatus, the modified material may have
significantly different strength properties than the original
material. However, a large experience base has developed
using this test method for materials for which the gradation has
been modified, and satisfactory design methods are in use
based on the results of tests using this procedure.
1.3 Past practice has shown that CBR results for those
materials having substantial percentages of particles retained
on the No. 4 sieve are more variable than for finer materials.
Consequently, more trials may be required for these materials
to establish a reliable CBR.
1.4 This test method provides for the determination of the
CBR of a material at optimum water content or a range of
water content from a specified compaction test and a specified
dry unit weight. The dry unit weight is usually given as a
percentage of maximum dry unit weight determined by Test
Methods D698 or D1557.

1.5 The agency requesting the test shall specify the water
content or range of water content and the dry unit weight for
which the CBR is desired.
1.6 Unless specified otherwise by the requesting agency, or
unless it has been shown to have no effect on test results for the
material being tested, all specimens shall be soaked prior to
penetration.
1.7 For the determination of CBR of field compacted
materials, see Test Method D4429.
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. The SI equivalents shown in parentheses may
be approximate.
1.9 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026.
1.9.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected,
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
industry standard. In addition they are representative of the
significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the users objectives, and it is common practice to
increase or reduce significant digits or reported data to be
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
methods for engineering design.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.05 on Strength and
Compressibility of Soils.
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2007. Published December 2007. Originally
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D1883 05. DOI:
10.1520/D1883-07E02.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

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D1883 072
2. Referenced Documents
2

2.1 ASTM Standards:

D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3(600
kN-m/m3))
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/
ft3(2,700 kN-m/m3))
D2168 Test Methods for Calibration of Laboratory
Mechanical-Rammer Soil Compactors
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
(Visual-Manual Procedure)
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
Plasticity Index of Soils
D4429 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
Soils in Place
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying
Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
Construction Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Data
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Sieves
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: All definitions are in accordance with Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 water content of the compaction specimen, wiwater
content in percent of material used to compact the test
specimen.
3.2.2 water content top 1 in. (25.4-mm) after soaking
wswater content in percent of upper 1 in. (25.4 mm) of
material removed after soaking and penetration.
3.2.3 water content after testing, wfwater content in
percent of material after soaking and final penetration; does not
include material described in 3.2.2.
3.2.4 dry density as compacted and before soaking, rdidry
density of the as-compacted test specimen using the measured
wet mass and calculating the dry mass using the water content
defined in 3.2.1.

2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.

4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test is a load test
applied to the surface and used in soil investigations as an aid
to the design of pavements. The laboratory test uses a circular
piston to penetrate material compacted in a mold at a constant
rate of penetration. The CBR is expressed as the ratio of the
unit load on the piston required to penetrate 0.1 in. (2.5 mm)
and 0.2 in (5 mm) of the test soil to the unit load required to
penetrate a standard material of well-graded crusted stone.
4.2 This test method is used to determine the CBR of a
material compacted in a specified mold. It is incumbent on the
requesting agencies to specify the scope of testing to satisfy
agency protocol or specific design requirements. Possible
scope of testing includes:
4.2.1 CBR penetration tests are performed on each point of
a compaction test performed in accordance with Method C of
D698 or D1557. The CBR mold with the spacer disk specified
in this standard has the same internal dimensions as a 6-in.
(150-mm) diameter compaction mold.
4.2.2 Another alternative is for CBR test to be performed on
material compacted to a specific water content and density.
Alternatively, a water content range may be stated for one or
more density values. This will often require a series of
specimens prepared using two or three compactive efforts for
the specified water content or over the range of water contents
requested. The compactive efforts are achieved by following
procedures of D698 or D1557 but varying the blows per layer
to produce densities above and below the desired density.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is used to evaluate the potential
strength of subgrade, subbase, and base course material,
including recycled materials for use in road and airfield
pavements. The CBR value obtained in this test forms an
integral part of several flexible pavement design methods.
5.2 For applications where the effect of compaction water
content on CBR is small, such as cohesionless, coarse-grained
materials, or where an allowance is made for the effect of
differing compaction water contents in the design procedure,
the CBR may be determined at the optimum water content of
a specified compaction effort. The dry unit weight specified is
normally the minimum percent compaction allowed by the
using agencys field compaction specification.
5.3 For applications where the effect of compaction water
content on CBR is unknown or where it is desired to account
for its effect, the CBR is determined for a range of water
contents, usually the range of water content permitted for field
compaction by using agencys field compaction specification.
5.4 The criteria for test specimen preparation of self cementing (and other) materials which gain strength with time
must be based on a geotechnical engineering evaluation. As
directed by the engineer, self-cementing materials shall be
properly cured until bearing ratios representing long term
service conditions can be measured.
NOTE 1The agency performing this test can be evaluated in accordance with Practice D3740. Notwithstanding the statements on precision
and bias contained in this test method, the precision of this test method is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the

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D1883 072
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that
compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable testing.
Reliable testing depends on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a
means of evaluating some of those factors.

6. Apparatus
6.1 Loading MachineThe loading machine shall be
equipped with a movable head or base that travels at a uniform
(not pulsating) rate of 0.05 in. (1.27 mm)/min for use in forcing
the penetration piston into the specimen. The load rate of 0.05
in. (1.27 mm)/min shall be maintained within 620% over the
range of loads developed during penetration. The minimum
capacity of the loading machine shall be based on the requirements indicated in Table 1.
6.1.1 The machine shall be equipped with a load-indicating
device matched to the anticipated maximum penetration load:
10 lbf (44 N) or less for a 10-kip (44.5-kN) capacity; 5 lbf (22
N) for 5-kip (22.3-kN) and 2 lbf (8.9 N) for 2.5-kip (11.2-kN).
6.1.2 Penetration measuring device (such as a mechanical
dial indicator or electronic displacement transducer) that can be
read to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) and associated
mounting hardware. A mounting assembly that connects the
deformation measuring device to the penetrating piston and the
edge of the mold will give accurate penetration measurements.
However, mounting the deformation holder assembly to a
stressed component of the load frame (such as tie rods) will
introduce inaccuracies of penetration measurements.
6.2 MoldThe mold shall be a rigid metal cylinder with an
inside diameter of 6 6 0.026 in. (152.4 6 0.66 mm) and a
height of 7 6 0.018 in. (177.8 6 0.46 mm). It shall be provided
with a metal extension collar at least 2.0 in. (50.8 mm) in
height and a metal base plate having at least twenty eight
116-in. (1.59-mm) diameter holes uniformly spaced over the
plate within the inside circumference of the mold. When
assembled with spacer disc in place in the bottom of the mold,
the mold shall have an internal volume (excluding extension
collar) of 0.075 6 0.0009 ft3(2124 6 25 cm3). Fig. 1 shows a
satisfactory mold design. A calibration procedure should be
used to confirm the actual volume of the mold with the spacer
disk inserted. Suitable calibration procedures are contained in
Test Methods D698 and D1557.
6.3 Spacer DiskA circular metal spacer disc (see Fig. 1)
having a minimum outside diameter of 51516 in. (150.8 mm)
but no greater than will allow the spacer disc to easily slip into
the mold. The spacer disc shall be 2.416 6 0.005 in. (61.37 6
0.127 mm) in height.
6.4 RammerA rammer as specified in either Test Methods
D698 or D1557 except that if a mechanical rammer is used it
must be equipped with a circular foot, and when so equipped,
must provide a means for distributing the rammer blows
TABLE 1 Minimum Load Capacity
Maximum Measurable CBR
20
50
>50

Minimum Load Capacity

(lbf)
(kN)
2500
5000
10 000

11.2
22.3
44.5

uniformly over the surface of the soil when compacting in a

6-in. (152.4-mm) diameter mold. The mechanical rammer must
be calibrated and adjusted in accordance with Test Methods
D2168.
6.5 Expansion-Measuring Apparatus An adjustable metal
stem and perforated metal plate, similar in configuration to that
shown in Fig. 1. The perforated plate shall be 578 to 51516 in.
(149.23 to 150.81 mm) in diameter and have at least forty-two
116-in. (1.59-mm) diameter holes uniformly spaced over the
plate. A metal tripod to support the dial gauge for measuring
the amount of swell during soaking is also required. The
expansion measuring apparatus shall not weigh more than 2.8
lbf (1.27 kg).
6.6 WeightsOne or two annular metal weights having a
total mass of 4.54 6 0.02 kg and slotted metal weights each
having masses of 2.27 6 0.02 kg. The annular weight shall be
578 to 51516 in. (149.23 to 150.81 mm) in diameter and shall
have a center hole of approximately 218 in. (53.98 mm).
6.7 Penetration PistonA metal piston 1.954 6 0.005 in.
(49.63 6 0.13 mm) in diameter and not less than 4 in. (101.6
mm) long (see Fig. 1). If, from an operational standpoint, it is
advantageous to use a piston of greater length, the longer
piston may be used.
6.8 Swell Measurement DeviceGenerally mechanical dial
indicators capable of reading to 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) with a
range of 0.200-in. (5-mm) minimum.
6.9 BalanceA class GP5 balance meeting the requirements of Specifications D4753 for a balance of 1-g readability.
6.10 Drying OvenThermostatically controlled, preferably
of a forced-draft type and capable of maintaining a uniform
temperature of 230 6 9F (110 6 5C) throughout the drying
chamber.
6.11 Sieves3/4 in. (19 mm) and No. 4 (4.75 mm), conforming to the requirements of Specification E11.
6.12 Filter PaperFast filtering, high wet strength filter
paper, 15-cm diameter.
6.13 StraightedgeA stiff metal straightedge of any convenient length but not less than 10 in. (254 mm). The total length
of the straightedge shall be machined straight to a tolerance of
60.005 in. (60.1 mm). The scraping edge shall be beveled if
it is thicker than 1/8 in. (3 mm).
6.14 Soaking Tank or PanA tank or pan of sufficient depth
and breath to allow free water around and over the assembled
mold. The tank or pan should have a bottom grating that allows
free access of water to the perforations in the molds base.
6.15 Mixing ToolsMiscellaneous tools such as mixing
pan, spoon, trowel, spatula, etc., or a suitable mechanical
device for thoroughly mixing the sample of soil with water.
7. Sample
7.1 The specimen(s) for compaction shall be prepared in
accordance with the procedures given in Method C of Test
Methods D698 or D1557 for compaction in a 6-in. (152.4-mm)
mold except as follows:
7.1.1 If all material passes a 34-in. (19-mm) sieve, the entire
gradation shall be used for preparing specimens for compaction
without modification. If material is retained on the 34-in.
(19-mm) sieve, the material retained on the 34-in. (19-mm)
sieve shall be removed and replaced by an equal mass of

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D1883 072
TABLE 2 Metric Equivalents
Inch-Pound
Units, in.

Metric
Equivalent,
mm

0.003
0.005
0.135
0.201
0.4375
0.4378
0.510
0.633
1.370
1.375
1.954
2.416
116
732
1 4
3 8
716
1532
1 2
1732

0.076
0.127
3.43
5.11
11.11
11.12
12.95
16.08
34.60
34.93
49.63
61.37
1.59
5.56
6.35
9.53
11.11
11.91
12.70
13.49

Inch-Pound
Units, in.

3 4
1516
1
118
114
138
112
134
11316
11516
2
218
215
214
2 1 2
234
23132
3
19 32
58

Metric
Equivalent,
mm
15.08
15.88
19.10
23.81
25.40
28.58
31.8
34.9
38.10
44.5
46.04
49.21
50.80
53.98
55.9
57.2
63.50
69.85
75.41
76.20

Inch-Pound
Units, in.

Metric
Equivalent,
mm

312
334
414
412
434
578
51516
6
6732
612
7
712
838
812
938
1414
18
3214
3658
39

88.90
95.25
108.0
114.3
120.7
149.2
150.8
152.0
158.0
165.1
177.8
190.1
212.7
215.9
238.1
362.0
457.2
719.2
930.3
990.6

Inch-Pound
Units, lb

Metric
Equivalent, kg

Inch-Pound
Units, psi

Metric
Equivalent, MPa

0.04
0.05
0.12
0.59
0.71
0.75
3.20
5.00
10.00

0.02
0.02
0.05
0.27
0.32
0.34
1.45
2.27
4.54

200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400

1.4
2.8
4.1
5.5
6.9
8.3
9.7

material passing the 34-in. (19-mm) sieve and retained on the

No. 4 sieve obtained by separation from portions of the sample
not used for testing.

value sufficient to produce a specimen having a density equal to or greater

than that required.

8.1.1 For cases where the CBR is desired at 100 % maximum dry unit weight and optimum water content, compact a
specimen using the specified compaction procedure, either Test
Methods D698 or D1557, from soil prepared to within 60.5
percentage point of optimum water content determined in
accordance with Test Method D2216.

8.1.2 Where the CBR is desired at optimum water content

and some percentage of maximum dry unit weight, compact
three specimens from soil prepared to within 60.5 percentage
point of optimum water content and using the specified
compaction but using a different number of blows per layer for
each specimen. The number of blows per layer shall be varied
as necessary to prepare specimens having unit weights above
and below the desired value. Typically, if the CBR for soil at
95 % of maximum dry unit weight is desired, specimens
compacted using 56, 25, and 10 blows per layer is satisfactory.
Penetration shall be performed on each of these specimens.
8.2 Bearing Ratio for a Range of Water ContentsPrepare
specimens in a manner similar to that described in 8.1 except
that each specimen used to develop the compaction curve shall
be penetrated. In addition, the complete water content-unit
weight relationship for the 25-blow and 10-blow per layer
compactions shall be developed and each test specimen compacted shall be penetrated. Perform all compaction in the CBR
mold. In cases where the specified unit weight is at or near
100 % maximum dry unit weight, it will be necessary to
include a compactive effort greater than 56-blows per layer
(Note 3).

NOTE 3Where the maximum dry unit weight was determined from
compaction in the 4-in. (101.6-mm) mold, it may be necessary to compact
specimens as described in 8.1.2, using 75 blows per layer or some other

NOTE 4A semilog log plot of dry unit weight versus compactive effort
usually gives a straight line relationship when compactive effort in ft-lb/ft3
is plotted on the log scale. This type of plot is useful in establishing the

8. Test Specimens
8.1 Bearing Ratio at Optimum Water Content OnlyUsing
material prepared as described in 7.1, conduct a control
compaction test with a sufficient number of test specimens to
establish the optimum water content for the soil using the
compaction method specified, either Test Methods D698 or
D1557. A previously performed compaction test on the same
material may be substituted for the compaction test just
described, provided that if the sample contains material retained on the 34-in. (19-mm) sieve, soil prepared as described
in 7.1 is used (Note 2).
NOTE 2Maximum dry unit weight obtained from a compaction test
performed in a 4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter mold may be slightly greater
than the maximum dry unit weight obtained from compaction in the 6-in.
(152.4-mm) compaction mold or CBR mold.

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D1883 072

NOTE 1See Table 2 for metric equivalents.

FIG. 1 Bearing Ratio Test Apparatus

compactive effort and number of blows per layer needed to bracket the
specified dry unit weight and water content range.

8.2.1 If the CBR test specimen is to be soaked, take a

representative sample of the material for the determination of
water content in accordance with Test Method D2216. If the
compaction process is conducted under reasonable controlled
temperatures (65 to 75 F (18 to 24 C) and the processed soil
is kept sealed during the compaction process, only one representative water content sample is required. However if the
compaction process is being conducted in an uncontrolled
environment take two water content samples one at the
beginning of compaction and another sample of the remaining
material after compaction. Use Test Method D2216 to determine the water contents and average the two values for
reporting. The two samples should not differ more than 1.5
percentage points to assume reasonable uniformity of the
compacted specimens water content.
8.2.2 If the sample is not to be soaked, take a water content
sample in accordance with Test Methods D698 or D1557 if the
average water content is desired.
8.2.3 Clamp the mold (with extension collar attached) to the
base plate with the hole for the extraction handle facing down.
Insert the spacer disk over the base plate and place a disk of
filter paper on top of the spacer disk. Compact the soil-water
mixture into the mold in accordance with 8.1, 8.1.1, or 8.1.2.

8.2.4 Remove the extension collar and carefully trim the

compacted soil even with the top of the mold by means of a
straightedge. Patch with smaller size material any holes that
may have developed in the surface by the removal of coarse
material. Remove the perforated base plate and spacer disk,
weigh, and record the mass of the mold plus compacted soil.
Place a disk of coarse filter paper on the perforated base plate,
invert the mold and compacted soil, and clamp the perforated
base plate to the mold with compacted soil in contact with the
filter paper.
8.2.5 Place the surcharge weights on the perforated plate
and adjustable stem assembly and carefully lower onto the
compacted soil specimen in the mold. Apply a surcharge equal
to the weight of the base material and pavement within 5 lbf
(2.27 kg), but in no case shall the total weight used be less than
10 lbf (4.54 kg). If no pavement weight is specified, use 10 lbf
(4.54 kg) The mass of the Expansion Measuring Apparatus is
ignored unless its mass is more than 2.8 lbf (1.27 kg). Immerse
the mold and weights in water allowing free access of water to
the top and bottom of the specimen. Take initial measurements
for swell and allow the specimen to soak for 96 h. Maintain a
constant water level during this period. A shorter immersion
period is permissible for fine grained soils or granular soils that
take up moisture readily, if tests show that the shorter period
does not affect the results. At the end of 96 h, take final swell

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D1883 072
measurements and calculate the swell as a percentage of the
initial height of the specimen.
8.2.6 Remove the free water and allow the specimen to
drain downward for 15 min. Take care not to disturb the surface
of the specimen during the removal of the water. It may be
necessary to tilt the specimen in order to remove the surface
water. Remove the weights, perforated plate, and filter paper,
and determine and record the mass. The user may find it
convenient to set the molds base on the rim of a shallow pan
to provide the tilt and carefully using a bulb syringe and
adsorbent towels to remove free water.
9. Procedure for Bearing Test
9.1 Place a surcharge of weights on the specimen sufficient
to produce an intensity of the loading specified; if no pavement
weight is specified, use 10-lbf (4.54 kg) mass. If the specimen
has been soaked previously, the surcharge shall be equal to that
used during the soaking period. To prevent upheaval of soil
into the hole of the surcharge weights, place the 5-lbf (2.27-kg)
annular weight on the soil surface prior to seating the penetration piston, after which place the remainder of the surcharge
weights.

FIG. 3 Dry Density Versus CBR

determining the load penetration relation. Attach the penetrating measuring device in accordance with 6.1.2.
NOTE 5At high loads the supports may torque and affect the reading
of the penetration gauge. Checking the depth of piston penetration is one
means of checking for erroneous strain indications.

9.3 Apply the load on the penetration piston so that the rate
of penetration is approximately 0.05 in. (1.27 mm)/min.
Record the load readings at penetrations of 0.025 in. (0.64
mm), 0.050 in. (1.27 mm), 0.075 in. (1.91 mm), 0.100 in. (2.54
mm), 0.125 in. (3.18 mm), 0.150 in. (3.81 mm), 0.175 in. (4.45
mm), 0.200 in. (5.08 mm), 0.300 in. (7.62 mm), 0.400 in.
(10.16 mm) and 0.500 in. (12.70 mm). Note the maximum load
and penetration if it occurs for a penetration of less than 0.500
in. (12.70 mm). With manually operated loading devices, it
may be necessary to take load readings at closer intervals to
control the rate of penetration. Measure the depth of piston
penetration into the soil by putting a ruler into the indentation
and measuring the difference from the top of the soil to the
bottom of the indentation. If the depth does not closely match
the depth of penetration gauge, determine the cause and test a
new sample.
9.4 If the test specimen was previously soaked, remove the
soil from the mold and determine the water content of the top
1-in. (25.4-mm) layer. Take the water content sample in
accordance with Test Methods D698 or D1557. Each water
content sample shall weigh not less than 100 g for fine-grained
soils nor less than 500 g for granular soils.
NOTE 1See Table 2 for metric equivalents.
FIG. 2 Correction of Load-Penetration Curves

NOTE 6The load readings at penetrations of over 0.300 in. (7.6 mm)
may be omitted if the testing machines capacity has been reached.

9.2 Seat the penetration piston with the smallest possible

load, but in no case in excess of 10 lbf (44 N). Either set both
the load and penetration gauges to zero or make provisions to
substract any initial values from all subsequently collected
data. This initial load is required to ensure satisfactory seating
of the piston and shall be considered as the zero load when

10. Calculation
10.1 Load-Penetration CurveCalculate the penetration
stress in pounds per square inch or megapascals and plot the
stress penetration curve. In some instances, the stresspenetration curve may be concave upward initially, because of surface
irregularities or other causes, and in such cases the zero point
shall be adjusted as shown in Fig. 2.

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D1883 072
NOTE 7Fig. 2 should be used as an example of correction of
load-penetration curves only. It is not meant to imply that the 0.2-in.
penetration is always more than the 0.1-in. penetration.

10.2 Bearing RatioUsing corrected stress values taken

from the stress penetration curve for 0.100 in. (2.54 mm) and
0.200 in. (5.08 mm) penetrations, calculate the bearing ratios
for each by dividing the corrected stresses by the standard
stresses of 1000 psi (6.9 MPa) and 1500 psi (10.3 MPa)
respectively, and multiplying by 100. Also, calculate the
bearing ratios for the maximum stress, if the penetration is less
than 0.200 in. (5.08 mm) by interpolating the standard stress.
The bearing ratio reported for the soil is normally the one at
0.100 in. (2.54 mm) penetration. When the ratio at 0.200 in.
(5.08 mm) penetration is greater, rerun the test. If the check test
gives a similar result, use the bearing ratio at 0.200 in. (5.08
mm) penetration.
NOTE 8On occasion the testing agency may be requested to determine the CBR value for a dry density not represented by the laboratory
compaction curve. For example, the corrected CBR value for the dry
density at 95 % of maximum dry density and at optimum water content
might be requested. A recommended method to achieve this value is to
compact two or three CBR test specimens at the same molded water
content but compact each specimen to different compaction energies to
achieve a density below and above the desired value. The corrected CBR
values are plotted against the dry density and the desired CBR value
interpreted as illustrated in Fig. 3. For consistency the corrected CBR
values should be of identical origin, for example, all either soaked or
un-soaked and all either at 0.1 or 0.2 corrected penetration values.

10.3 Calculate the dry density, rd, of the compacted specimen (before soaking) as follows:
Msas
rd 5 V
m

where:
Msac 5

Mm 1 ws Mm
~1 1 wac!

Msac
Mm + ws

= dry mass of soil as compacted, Mg or g,

= wet mass of soil as molded plus mold mass,
Mg or g
= mold mass, Mg or g,
Mm
= water content determination of representative
wac
scraps taken during the compaction process,
and
= volume of mold (area of mold 3 initial
Vm
height), a calibrate value, m3 or cm3.
10.3.1 Conversion of dry density units:
gd 5 9.8066 3 rd, kN/m3

or,
gd 5 62.428 3 rd, lbf/ft

where:
= dry unit weight, kN/m3 or lbf/ft3,
gd
9.8066 = conversion factor, Mg/m3 or g/cm3 to kN/m3, and
62.428 = conversion factor, Mg/m3 or g/cm3 to lbf/ft3.
10.4 If the test specimen was soaked, calculate the percent
swell as follows:

S D

S
s5 h
i

3 100

where:
s = swell that occurred during soaking, %,
S = vertical swell determined from the final minus initial
swell measurement, in. (mm)
hi = height of test specimen before swell, in. (mm).
11. Report
11.1 The report shall include, as a minimum, the following:
11.1.1 Method used for preparation and compaction of
specimen: Test Methods D698 or D1557, or other, with
description.
11.1.2 Condition of sample (unsoaked or soaked).
11.1.3 Dry density (unit weight) of sample as compacted
(before soaking).
11.1.4 Water content of sample in percent:
11.1.4.1 As compacted.
11.1.4.2 Top 1-in (25.4-mm) layer after soaking.
11.1.5 Swell (percentage of initial height).
11.1.6 Bearing ratio of sample (unsoaked or soaked), percent.
11.1.7 Surcharge amount.
11.1.8 Any special sample preparation and testing procedures (for example, for self cementing materials).
11.1.9 Sample identification (location, boring number, etc.).
11.1.10 Any pertinent testing done to identify the sample
such as: soil classifications per Test Method D2487, visual
classification per Practice D2488, Atterberg Limits per Test
Method D4318, gradation per Method D422, etc.
11.1.11 The percent material retained on the 19-mm sieve
for those cases where scalping and replacement is used.
12. Precision and Bias
12.1 PrecisionTest data on precision is not presented due
to the nature of the materials tested by this test method. It is
either not feasible or too costly at this time to have ten or more
laboratories participate in a round-robin testing program.
Notwithstanding this statement the following is offer for
guidance:
12.1.1 One user, based on seven repetitions, has developed
a IS % of 9.2 % (compacted per Test Method D698) and 6.9 %
(compacted per Test Method D1557). See Appendix X1 for the
data used.
12.1.2 Subcommittee D18.05 is seeking any data from the
users of this test method that might be used to make a more
thorough statement on precision.
12.2 BiasThere is no accepted reference value for this test
method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
13. Keywords
13.1 This standard is indexed under the following terms:
California Bearing Ratio
Pavement Subgrade
Subgrade
Pavement Subbase
Subbase
Pavement Base Course
Base Course
Strength of Soil
Pavement Design
Acceptance Tests
Bearing Capacity

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Used For, Narrower Term

Used For, Narrower Term
Related Term, Broader Term
Used For, Narrower Term
Used For, Broader Term
Used For, Narrower Term
Used For, Broader Term
Used For
Used For, Narrower Term
Used For
Used For

D1883 072
Materials Evaluations
Bearing Ratio
Load Penetration Curve
Design
Earthfill
Cohesive Soils

Used For
Used For, Broader Term
Used For
Used For, Broader Term
Related To
Used For

Compressive Strength
Flexible Pavements
FoundationInvestigations
Soil Tests

Used
Used
Used
Used

For
For
For
For

APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1.

See Fig. X1.1 for more information.

FIG. X1.1 Compactive Effort

SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D1883 05) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved November 15, 2007.)
(1) Revised Section 1 to include requirements of significant
digits.
(2) Revised Section 1.1 to include Practice D6026.
(3) Added new Section 3, Terminology.
(4) Added note referencing Practice D3740 to Significance
and Use section.
(5) Added details to Apparatus section
(6) Eliminated Note 8 that provided guidance for determining

CBRs for penetrations other than 0.1 and 0.2 in.

(7) Eliminated old 9.4 and Figure 4 as these items pertain to
engineering design.
(8) Added formulas to Calculation section.
(9) Modified the report section to include only essential
information.
(10) Modified Precision and Bias section to conform to D18
Standards Preparation Manual.

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D1883 072
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