Astm d1883 CBR

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles
for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D1883 − 16
Standard Test Method for

California Bearing Ratio (CBR) 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 U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* 1.5 The client requesting the test may specify the water
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the Cali- content or range of water contents and the dry unit weight for
fornia Bearing Ratio (CBR) of pavement subgrade, subbase, which the CBR is desired.
and base course materials from laboratory compacted speci- 1.6 Unless specified otherwise by the requesting client, or
mens. The test method is primarily intended for, but not limited unless it has been shown to have no effect on test results for the
to, evaluating the strength of materials having maximum material being tested, all specimens shall be soaked prior to
particle size less than 3⁄4 in. (19 mm). penetration.
1.2 When materials having a maximum particle size greater 1.7 For the determination of CBR of field in-place
than 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) are to be tested, this test method provides materials, see Test Method D4429.
for modifying the gradation of the material so that the material
used for testing all passes the 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve while the 1.8 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
total gravel fraction (material passing the 3-in. (75-mm) sieve regarded as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are
and retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve) remains the same. mathematical conversions, which are provided for information
While traditionally this method of specimen preparation has purposes only and are not considered standard. Reporting of
been used to avoid the error inherent in testing materials test results in units other than inch-pound units shall not be
containing large particles in the CBR test apparatus, the regarded as nonconformance with this test method.
modified material may have significantly different strength 1.8.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
properties than the original material. However, a large experi- when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
ence database has been developed using this test method for (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass
materials for which the gradation has been modified, and is slugs. The slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma)
satisfactory design methods are in use based on the results of calculations are involved.
tests using this procedure. 1.8.2 The slug unit of mass is almost never used in
commercial practice; that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore,
1.3 Past practice has shown that CBR results for those the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram
materials having substantial percentages of particles retained (kg) or gram (g), or both. Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit
on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve are more variable than for finer (slug) is not given/presented in parentheses.
materials. Consequently, more trials may be required for these
1.8.3 It is common practice in the engineering/construction
materials to establish a reliable CBR.
profession, in the United States, to concurrently use pounds to
1.4 This test method provides for the determination of the represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This
CBR of a material at optimum water content or a range of implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the
water content from a specified compaction test and a specified absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically
dry unit weight. The dry unit weight is usually given as a undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of
percentage of maximum dry unit weight determined by Test inchpound units within a single standard. As stated, this
Methods D698 or D1557. standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units
and does not use/present the slug unit for mass. However, the
use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and recording density in lbm/ft3 shall not be regarded as noncon-
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.05 on Strength and formance with this standard.
Compressibility of Soils.
1.8.4 The terms density and unit weight are often used
Current edition approved March 1, 2016. Published March 2016. Originally
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D1883 – 14. DOI: interchangeably. Density is mass per unit volume whereas unit
10.1520/D1883-16. weight is force per unit volume. In this standard, density is
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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D1883 − 16
given only in SI units. After the density has been determined, D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units, or both. ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
1.9 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the Construction Materials Testing
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Practice D6026. Data
1.9.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the Sieves
industry standard. In addition they are representative of the
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce- 3. Terminology
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for 3.1 Definitions:
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- 3.1.1 For common definitions of terms in this standard, refer
ations for the user’s objectives, and it is common practice to to Terminology D653.
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
3.2.1 water content of the compaction specimen, wi—water
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
content in percent of material used to compact the test
methods for engineering design.
specimen.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.2 water content top 1 in. (25.4-mm) after soaking
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- ws—water content in percent of upper 1 in. (25.4 mm) of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- material removed from the compacted specimen after soaking
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. and penetration.
3.2.3 water content after testing, wf—water content in per-
2. Referenced Documents cent of the compacted specimen after soaking and final
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 penetration; does not include material described in 3.2.2.
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements 3.2.4 dry density as compacted and before soaking, ρdi—dry
for Test Methods for Construction Materials density of the as compacted test specimen using the measured
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (With- wet mass and calculating the dry mass using the water content
drawn 2016)3 defined in 3.2.1.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids 4. Summary of Test Method
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- 4.1 The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test is used in
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 evaluating subgrade, subbase and base materials as an aid to
kN-m/m3)) the design of pavements. The laboratory test uses a circular
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- piston to penetrate material compacted in a mold at a constant
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 rate of penetration. The CBR is expressed as the ratio of the
(2,700 kN-m/m3)) unit load on the piston required to penetrate 0.1 in. (2.5 mm)
D2168 Practices for Calibration of Laboratory Mechanical- and 0.2 in (5.1 mm) of the test material to the unit load required
Rammer Soil Compactors to penetrate a standard material of well-graded crushed stone.
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass 4.2 This test method is used to determine the CBR of a
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering material compacted in a specified mold. It is incumbent on the
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) requesting client to specify the scope of testing to satisfy the
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils client’s protocol or specific design requirements. Possible
(Visual-Manual Procedure) scope of testing includes:
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies 4.2.1 CBR penetration tests can be performed on each point
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as of a compaction test performed in accordance with Method C
Used in Engineering Design and Construction of D698 or D1557. The CBR mold with the spacer disk
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and specified in this standard has the same internal dimensions as
Plasticity Index of Soils a 6.000-in. (152.4-mm) diameter compaction mold.
D4429 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of 4.2.2 Another alternative is for the CBR test to be per-
Soils in Place formed on material compacted to a specific water content and
density. Alternatively, a water content range may be stated for
one or more density values and will often require a series of
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or specimens prepared using two or three compactive efforts for
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM the specified water contents or over the range of water contents
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
requested. The compactive efforts are achieved by following
the ASTM website.
3
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on procedures of D698 or D1557 but varying the blows per layer
www.astm.org. to produce densities above and below the desired density.
2
D1883 − 16
5. Significance and Use 6.2 Penetration Measuring Device—The penetration mea-
5.1 This test method is used to evaluate the potential suring device (such as a mechanical dial indicator or electronic
strength of subgrade, subbase, and base course materials, displacement transducer) shall be capable of reading to the
including recycled materials for use in the design of road and nearest 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) and provided with appropriate
airfield pavements. The CBR value obtained in this test forms mounting hardware. The mounting assembly of the deforma-
an integral part of several flexible pavement design methods. tion measuring device shall be connected to the penetrating
piston and the edge of the mold providing accurate penetration
5.2 For applications where the effect of compaction water measurements. Mounting the deformation holder assembly to a
content on CBR is small, such as cohesionless, coarse-grained stressed component of the load frame (such as tie rods) will
materials, or where an allowance is made for the effect of introduce inaccuracies of penetration measurements.
differing compaction water contents in the design procedure,
the CBR may be determined at the optimum water content of 6.3 Mold—The mold shall be a rigid metal cylinder with an
a specified compaction effort. The specified dry unit weight is inside diameter of 6.000 6 0.026 in. (152.4 6 0.66 mm) and
normally the minimum percent compaction allowed by the a height of 7.000 6 0.018 in. (177.8 6 0.46 mm). It shall be
using client’s field compaction specification. 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
5.3 For applications where the effect of compaction water
eight 1⁄16-in. (1.59-mm) diameter holes uniformly spaced over
content on CBR is unknown or where it is desired to account
the plate within the inside circumference of the mold. When
for its effect, the CBR is determined for a range of water
assembled with the spacer disc placed in the bottom of the
contents, usually the range of water content permitted for field
mold, the mold shall have an internal volume (excluding
compaction by using the client’s protocol or specification for
extension collar) of 0.0750 6 0.0009 ft3 (2124 6 25 cm3). A
field compaction.
mold assembly having the minimum required features is shown
5.4 The criteria for test specimen preparation of self- in Fig. 1. A calibration procedure shall be used to confirm the
cementing (and other) materials which gain strength with time actual volume of the mold with the spacer disk inserted.
must be based on a geotechnical engineering evaluation. As Suitable calibration procedures are contained in Test Methods
directed by the client, self-cementing materials shall be prop- D698 and D1557.
erly cured until bearing ratios representing long term service
conditions can be measured. 6.4 Spacer Disk—A circular metal spacer disc (see Fig. 1)
having a minimum outside diameter of 515⁄16 in. (150.8 mm)
NOTE 1—The quality of the results produced by this standard is but no greater than will allow the spacer disc to easily slip into
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the the mold. The spacer disc shall be 2.416 6 0.005 in. (61.37 6
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent 0.13 mm) in height.
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure 6.5 Rammer—A rammer as specified in either Test Methods
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 D698 or D1557 except that if a mechanical rammer is used it
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. must be equipped with a circular foot, and when so equipped,
must provide a means for distributing the rammer blows
6. Apparatus uniformly over the surface of the soil when compacting in a
6.1 Loading Machine—The loading machine shall be 6.000-in. (152.4-mm) diameter mold. The mechanical rammer
equipped with a movable head or base that travels at a uniform must be calibrated and adjusted in accordance with Test
(not pulsating) rate of 0.05 in. (1.3 mm)/min for use in pushing Methods D2168.
the penetration piston into the specimen. The load rate of 0.05 6.6 Expansion-Measuring Apparatus—An adjustable metal
in. (1.3 mm)/min shall be maintained within 620% over the stem and perforated metal plate, similar in configuration to that
range of loads developed during penetration. The minimum shown in Fig. 2. The perforated plate shall be 57⁄8 to 515⁄16 in.
capacity of the loading machine shall be based on the require- (149.2 to 150.8 mm) in diameter and have at least forty-two
ments indicated in Table 1. 1⁄16-in. (1.59-mm) diameter holes uniformly spaced over the
6.1.1 The machine shall be equipped with a load-indicating plate. A metal tripod to support the dial gauge for measuring
device matched to the anticipated maximum penetration load. the amount of swell during soaking is also required. The
The load-indicating device shall have a minimum accuracy of: expansion measuring apparatus shall not weigh more than 2.8
10 lbf (44 N) or less for a 10,000 lbf (44 kN) capacity; 5 lbf (22 lbf or a mass of 1.3 kg.
N) or less for 5,000 lbf (22 kN) and 2 lbf (9 N) or less for 2,500
lbf (11 kN). 6.6.1 Swell Measurement Device—Generally mechanical
dial indicators capable of reading to 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) with
a range of 0.200-in. (5-mm) minimum.
TABLE 1 Minimum Load Capacity 6.7 Surcharge Weights—These “weights” are actually
Maximum Measurable CBR Minimum Load Capacity “masses” converted to a force. One or two annular metal
(lbf) (kN) weights having a total weight of 10 6 0.05 lbf (equivalent to
20 2500 11.2 a mass of 4.54 6 0.02 kg) and slotted metal weights each
50 5,000 22.3
>50 10,000 44.5 having a weight of 5 6 0.05 lbf (equivalent to a mass of 2.27
6 0.02 kg). The annular weight shall be 57⁄8 to 515⁄16 in. (149.2
3
D1883 − 16
TABLE 2 SI Equivalents for Figs. 1-5
Inch-Pound SI SI SI
Inch-Pound Inch-Pound
Units, in. Equivalent, Equivalent, Equivalent,
Units, in. Units, in.
mm mm mm
1.954 49.63 11⁄4 31.8 41⁄2 114.3
2.416 61.37 1 3⁄ 8 34.90 43⁄4 120.7
1⁄16 1.59 11⁄2 38.1 57⁄8 149.2
1⁄ 4 6.4 13⁄4 44.5 515⁄16 150.8
3⁄ 8 9.53 11⁄8 28.58 6.000 152.4
7⁄16 11.11 2 50.8 67⁄32 158.0
1⁄ 2 12.70 21⁄8 53.98 7.000 177.8
5⁄ 8 15.9 23⁄4 69.85 71⁄2 190.5
3⁄ 4 19.1 3 76.20 83⁄8 212.7
1 1 ⁄8 28.58 41⁄4 108.0 93⁄8 238.1
Inch-Pound SI Inch-Pound SI
Units, in. Equivalent, mm Units, psi Equivalent, MPa
0.10 2.5 200 1.4
0.20 5.1 400 2.8
0.30 7.6 600 4.1
0.40 10.2 800 5.5
0.50 12.7 1000 6.9
1200 8.3
1400 9.7
NOTE 1—See Table 2 for SI equivalents.

FIG. 1 Mold with Extension Collar and Spacer Disk
to 150.8 mm) in diameter and shall have a center hole of

approximately 21⁄8 in. (53.98 mm) (see Fig. 3).
4
D1883 − 16

FIG. 2 Expansion-Measuring Apparatus
6.8 Penetration Piston—A metal piston 1.954 6 0.005 in. 6.14 Soaking Tank or Pan—A tank or pan of sufficient depth
(49.63 6 0.13 mm) in diameter and not less than 4 in. (101.6 and breath to allow free water around and over the assembled
mm) long (see Fig. 3). mold. The tank or pan should have a bottom grating that allows
6.9 Balance—A class GP5 balance meeting the require- free access of water to the perforations in the mold’s base.
ments of Specifications D4753 for a balance of 1-g readability. 6.15 Mixing Tools—Miscellaneous tools such as mixing
6.10 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled, preferably pan, spoon, trowel, spatula, etc., or a mechanical device for
of a forced-draft type and capable of maintaining a uniform thoroughly mixing the sample of soil with water.
temperature of 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C) throughout the drying
chamber. 7. Sample
6.11 Sieves—3⁄4 in. (19 mm) and No. 4 (4.75 mm), conform- 7.1 The specimen(s) for compaction shall be prepared in
ing to the requirements of Specification E11. accordance with the procedures given in Method C of Test
Methods D698 or D1557 for compaction in a 6.000-in.
6.12 Filter Paper—A fast filtering, high grade hardened, (152.4-mm) mold except as follows:
low ash filter paper, 6.000 in. (152.4 mm) diameter. 7.1.1 If all material passes a 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve, the entire
6.13 Straightedge—A stiff metal straightedge of any conve- gradation shall be used for preparing specimens for compaction
nient length but not less than 10.0 in. (254 mm). The total without modification. If material is retained on the 3⁄4-in.
length of the straightedge shall be machined straight to a (19-mm) sieve, the material retained on the 3⁄4-in. (19-mm)
tolerance of 60.005 in. (60.13 mm). The scraping edge shall sieve shall be removed and replaced by an equal mass of
be beveled if it is thicker than 1⁄8 in. (3 mm). material passing the 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve and retained on the
5
D1883 − 16

FIG. 3 Surcharge Weights and Penetration Piston
No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve obtained by separation from portions of Methods D698 or D1557, from soil prepared to within 60.5
the sample not used for testing. percentage point of optimum water content determined in
accordance with Test Method D2216.
8. Test Specimens 8.1.2 Where the CBR is desired at optimum water content
8.1 Bearing Ratio at Optimum Water Content Only—Using and some percentage of maximum dry unit weight, compact
material prepared as described in 7.1, conduct a control three specimens from soil prepared to within 60.5 percentage
compaction test with a sufficient number of test specimens to point of optimum water content and using the specified
establish the optimum water content for the soil using the compaction but using a different number of blows per layer for
compaction method specified, either Test Methods D698 or each specimen. The number of blows per layer shall be varied
D1557. A previously performed compaction test on the same as necessary to prepare specimens having unit weights above
material may be substituted for the compaction test just and below the desired value. Typically, if the CBR for soil at
described, provided that if the sample contains material re- 95 % of maximum dry unit weight is desired, specimens
tained on the 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve, soil prepared as described compacted using 56, 25, and 10 blows per layer is satisfactory.
in 7.1 is used. Penetration shall be performed on each of these specimens.
NOTE 2—Maximum dry unit weight obtained from a compaction test 8.2 Bearing Ratio for a Range of Water Contents—Prepare
performed in a 4.000-in. (101.6-mm) diameter mold may be slightly specimens in a manner similar to that described in 8.1 except
greater than the maximum dry unit weight obtained from compaction in that each specimen used to develop the compaction curve shall
the 6.000-in. (152.4-mm) compaction mold or CBR mold. be penetrated. In addition, the complete water content-unit
8.1.1 For cases where the CBR is desired at 100 % maxi- weight relationship for the 25-blows and 10-blows per layer
mum dry unit weight and optimum water content, compact a compactions shall be developed and each test specimen com-
specimen using the specified compaction procedure, either Test pacted shall be penetrated. Perform all compaction in the CBR
6
D1883 − 16
mold. In cases where the specified unit weight is at or near swell and allow the specimen to soak for 96 6 2 hours.
100 % maximum dry unit weight, it will be necessary to Maintain a constant water level during this period. A shorter
include a compactive effort greater than 56-blows per layer. immersion period is permissible for fine grained soils or
granular soils that take up moisture readily, if tests show that
NOTE 3—Where the maximum dry unit weight was determined from
compaction in the 4-in. (101.6-mm) mold, it may be necessary to compact the shorter period does not affect the results. At the end of the
specimens as described in 8.1.2, using 75 blows per layer or some other immersion period, take final swell measurements and calculate
value sufficient to produce a specimen having a unit weight equal to or the swell to the nearest 0.1 % as a percentage of the initial
greater than that required. height of the specimen.
NOTE 4—A semilog log plot of dry unit weight versus compactive effort 8.2.6 Remove the free water from the top surface of the
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 specimen and allow the specimen to drain downward for at
compactive effort and number of blows per layer needed to bracket the least 15 minutes. Take care not to disturb the surface of the
specified dry unit weight and water content range. specimen during the removal of the water. It may be necessary
8.2.1 Take a representative sample of the material before it to tilt the specimen in order to remove the surface water.
is soaked for the determination of water content to the nearest Remove the weights, perforated plate, and filter paper, and
0.1 % in accordance with Test Method D2216. If the compac- determine and record the mass.
tion process is conducted under a controlled temperature range, NOTE 5—The user may find it convenient to set the mold’s base on the
65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C), and the processed material is kept rim of a shallow pan to provide the tilt and carefully using a bulb syringe
sealed during the compaction process, only one representative and adsorbent towels to remove free water.
water content sample is required. However if the compaction
process is being conducted in an uncontrolled environment 9. Procedure for Bearing Test
take two water content samples one at the beginning of 9.1 Place a surcharge of weights on the specimen sufficient
compaction and another sample of the remaining material after to produce an intensity of the pavement weight or other loading
compaction. Use Test Method D2216 to determine the water specified; if no pavement weight is specified, use 10 lbf or a
contents and average the two values for reporting. The two mass of 4.54 kg. If the specimen has been soaked previously,
samples should not differ more than 1.5 percentage points to the surcharge shall be equal to that used during the immersion
assume reasonable uniformity of the compacted specimen’s period. To prevent upheaval of soil into the hole of the
water content. surcharge weights, place the 5-lbf or a mass of 2.27-kg annular
8.2.2 If the compacted CBR test specimen is not to be surcharge weight on the soil surface prior to seating the
soaked, a water content sample may be taken, after penetration penetration piston, after which place the remainder of the
testing, in accordance with Test Methods D698 or D1557 to surcharge weights.
determine the average water content.
9.2 Seat the penetration piston with the smallest possible
8.2.3 Place the spacer disk, with the hole for the extraction
load, but in no case in excess of 10 lbf (44 N). Either set both
handle facing down, on the base plate. Clamp the mold (with
the load and penetration gauges to zero or make provisions to
extension collar attached) to the base plate with the hole for the
subtract any initial values from all subsequently collected data.
extraction handle facing down. Insert the spacer disk over the
This initial load is required to ensure satisfactory seating of the
base plate and place a disk of filter paper on top of the spacer
piston and shall be considered as the zero load when determin-
disk. Compact the soil-water mixture into the mold in accor-
ing the load penetration relation. Attach the penetrating mea-
dance with 8.1, 8.1.1, or 8.1.2.
suring device in accordance with 6.2.
8.2.4 Remove the extension collar and carefully trim the
compacted soil even with the top of the mold by means of a 9.3 Apply the load on the penetration piston so that the rate
straightedge. Patch with smaller size material any holes that of penetration is approximately 0.05 in. (1.27 mm)/min.
may have developed in the surface by the removal of coarse Record the load readings at penetrations of 0.025 in. (0.64
material. Remove the perforated base plate and spacer disk, mm), 0.050 in. (1.3 mm), 0.075 in. (1.9 mm), 0.100 in. (2.5
weigh, and record the mass of the mold plus compacted soil. mm), 0.125 in. (3.18 mm), 0.150 in. (3.8 mm), 0.175 in. (4.45
Place a disk of filter paper on the perforated base plate, invert mm), 0.200 in. (5.1 mm), 0.300 in. (7.6 mm), 0.400 in. (10
the mold and compacted soil, and clamp the perforated base mm) and 0.500 in. (13 mm). Note the maximum load and
plate to the mold with compacted soil in contact with the filter penetration if it occurs for a penetration of less than 0.500 in.
paper. (13 mm). With manually operated loading devices, it may be
8.2.5 Place the surcharge weights on the perforated plate necessary to take load readings at closer intervals to control the
and adjustable stem assembly and carefully lower onto the rate of penetration. Measure the depth of piston penetration
compacted soil specimen in the mold. Apply a surcharge equal into the soil by putting a ruler into the indentation and
to the weight of the base material and pavement within 5 lbf or measuring the difference from the top of the soil to the bottom
a mass of 2.27 kg, but in no case shall the total weight used be of the indentation. If the depth does not closely match the depth
less than 10 lbf or a mass of not less than 4.54 kg. If no of penetration gauge, determine the cause and test a new
surcharge weight is specified, use 10 lbf. The mass of the sample.
Expansion Measuring Apparatus is ignored. Immerse the mold NOTE 6—At high loads the supports may torque and affect the reading
and weights in water allowing free access of water to the top of the penetration gauge. Checking the depth of piston penetration is one
and bottom of the specimen. Take initial measurements for means of checking for erroneous strain indications.
7
D1883 − 16
9.4 If the test specimen was previously soaked, remove the NOTE 8—On occasion the testing agency may be requested to determine
soil from the mold and determine the water content to the the CBR value for a dry unit weight not represented by the laboratory
compaction curve. For example, the corrected CBR value for the dry unit
nearest 0.1 % of the top 1-in. (25.4-mm) layer in accordance
weight at 95 % of maximum dry unit weight and at optimum water content
with Test Method D2216. If the test specimen was not soaked, might be requested. A recommended method to achieve this value is to
take the water content sample in accordance with Test Methods compact two or three CBR test specimens at the same molding water
D698 or D1557. content but compact each specimen to different compaction energies to
achieve a density below and above the desired value. The corrected CBR
10. Calculation values are plotted against the dry unit weight and the desired CBR value
interpreted as illustrated in Fig. 6. For consistency the corrected CBR
10.1 Load-Penetration Curve—Calculate the penetration values should be of identical origin, for example, all either soaked or
stress in pounds per square inch (psi) or megapascals (MPa) by un-soaked and all either at 0.1 or 0.2 corrected penetration values.
taking the measured loading force and divide it by the cross
10.3 Calculate the dry density, ρd, of the compacted speci-
sectional area of the piston. Plot the stress versus penetration
men (before soaking) as follows:
curve. In some instances, the stress-penetration curve may be
concave upward initially, because of surface irregularities or M sas
ρd 5
other causes, and in such cases the zero point shall be adjusted Vm
as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.
where:
NOTE 7—Figs. 4 and 5 should be used as an example of correction of
M m1ws 2 M m
load-penetration curves only. It is not meant to imply that stress on piston M sac 5
at the 0.2-in. penetration is always greater than the applied stress at the ~ 11w ac!
0.1-in. penetration.
Msac = dry mass of soil as compacted, Mg or g,
10.2 Bearing Ratio—Using corrected stress values taken Mm + ws = wet mass of soil as molded plus mold mass, Mg
from the stress penetration curve for 0.100 in. (2.54 mm) and or g,
0.200 in. (5.08 mm) penetrations, calculate the bearing ratios Mm = mold mass, Mg or g,
for each by dividing the corrected stresses by the standard wac = water content determination of representative
stresses of 1000 psi (6.9 MPa) and 1500 psi (10 MPa) scraps taken during the compaction process, and
respectively, and multiplying by 100. The bearing ratio re- Vm = volume of mold (area of mold × initial height), a
ported for the soil is normally the one at 0.100 in. (2.5 mm) calibrated value, m3 or cm3.
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, 10.3.1 Calculate the dry unit weight as follows:
use the bearing ratio at 0.200 in. (5.08 mm) penetration. γ d 5 9.8066 3 ρ d , kN/m 3

FIG. 4 Correction of Load-Penetration Curves
8
D1883 − 16
When adjusting a concave upward shaped curve, project a straight line through the straight line portion of the stress-penetration curve downward until it intersects the
penetration axis. Measure the distance (X) from the origin to the intersection. This distance (X) is then added to 0.1 and 0.2 of the penetrations and this creates a new
0.1 and 0.2 penetration. Project a straight line upward from these new penetration points until it intersects the stress-penetration curve and then select the appropriate
stress values that correspond with new 0.1 and 0.2 penetrations.
FIG. 5 Method for Adjusting Concave Upward Shaped Curve
FIG. 6 Dry Unit Weight Versus CBR
or, 62.428 = conversion factor, Mg/m3 or g/cm3 to lbf/ft3.

3
γ d 5 62.428 3 ρ d , lbf/ft
10.4 If the test specimen was soaked, calculate the percent
where: swell as follows:
= dry unit weight, kN/m3 or lbf/ft3,
γd
9.8066 = conversion factor, Mg/m3 or g/cm3 to kN/m3, and s5 S D
S
hi
3 100
9
D1883 − 16
where: 11.3.5 Swell (percentage of initial height) to the nearest
s = swell that occurred during soaking, to the nearest 0.1 %, 0.1 %.
S = vertical swell determined from the final minus initial 11.3.6 Stress-penetration curve.
swell measurement, in. (mm) 11.3.7 Corrected CBR value of sample (unsoaked or
hi = height of test specimen before swell, in. (mm). soaked) at 0.100 in. (2.5 mm) penetration or at 0.200 in. (5.08
mm) penetration, to the nearest 0.1 %.
11. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s) 11.3.8 Surcharge weight(s) used for the testing.
11.1 The methodology used to specify how data are re- 11.3.9 Immersion period, hours.
corded on the test data sheet(s)/form(s), as given below, is
covered in 1.9. An example of data sheets is included in 12. Precision and Bias
Appendix X2. 12.1 Precision—Test data on precision is not presented due
11.2 Record as a minimum the following general informa- to the nature of the materials tested by this test method. It is
tion (data): either not feasible or too costly at this time to have ten or more
11.2.1 Any special sample preparation and testing proce- laboratories participate in a round-robin testing program.
dures (for example, for self-cementing materials). Notwithstanding this statement the following is offered for
11.2.2 Sample identification (location, boring number, etc.). guidance:
11.2.3 Any pertinent testing done to describe the test sample 12.1.1 Single operator, based on seven repetitions, coeffi-
such as: as-received water content per Test Method D2216, soil cient of variation (1S%) has been found to be 8.2 % (com-
classifications per Test Method D2487, visual classification per pacted per Test Method D698) and 5.9 % (compacted per Test
Practice D2488, Atterberg Limits per Test Method D4318, Method D1557). Therefore, results of two properly conducted
gradation per Method D422, etc. tests by the same operator on the same material are not
11.2.4 The percent material retained on the 19-mm sieve for expected to differ by more than 23 % (compacted per Test
those cases where scalping and replacement is used. Method D698) and 17 % (compacted per Test Method
11.2.5 Technician name/initials of personnel performing the D1557).4 See Appendix X1 for the data used.
test. 12.1.2 Subcommittee D18.05 is seeking any data from the
11.2.6 Date(s) of testing. users of this test method that might be used to make a more
thorough statement on precision.
11.3 Record as a minimum the following test specimen data:
11.3.1 Method used for preparation and compaction of 12.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
specimen: Test Methods D698 or D1557, or other, with method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
description. 13. Keywords
11.3.2 Condition of sample (unsoaked or soaked).
11.3.3 Dry unit weight of sample as compacted (before 13.1 California Bearing Ratio; CBR; pavement subgrade;
soaking) to the nearest 0.1 lbf/ft3 or 0.02 kN/m3. subbase; strength; pavement design
11.3.4 Water content of sample to the nearest 0.1 %:
11.3.4.1 As compacted. 4
These numbers represent the difference limit (d2s) as described in Practice
11.3.4.2 Top 1-in (25.4-mm) layer after soaking. C670.
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. COMPACTIVE EFFORT SHEET
X1.1 See Fig. X1.1 for more information.
10
D1883 − 16
FIG. X1.1 Compactive Effort
X2. EXAMPLE DATA SHEETS
X2.1 Fig. X2.1 and Fig. X2.2 provide examples of data

sheets.
11
D1883 − 16
FIG. X2.1 Data Sheet Example
12
D1883 − 16
FIG. X2.2 Data Sheet Example
13
D1883 − 16
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (2014) that may impact the use of this standard. (March 1, 2016)
(1) Reworded 1.2. (6) Removed sentence in 10.2 concerning maximum stress.
(2) Revised and added additional figures. (7) Reworded Section 12 to current wording and formatting.
(3) Revised Table 2. (8) Added Example Data Sheets.
(4) Revised several typos and significant digits. (9) Added Practice C670 to 2.1.
(5) Revised 8.2.2 and 8.2.3. (10) Added significant digits to recording of data.
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of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
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if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
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Astm d1883 CBR

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What is the California Bearing Ratio test method used to determine?

What is the California Bearing Ratio test method used to determine?

What materials is this test method primarily intended for?

What materials is this test method primarily intended for?

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

Standard Test Method for

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

NOTE 1—See Table 2 for SI equivalents.

to 150.8 mm) in diameter and shall have a center hole of

NOTE 1—See Table 2 for SI equivalents.

NOTE 1—See Table 2 for SI equivalents.

NOTE 1—See Table 2 for SI equivalents.

FIG. 6 Dry Unit Weight Versus CBR

or, 62.428 = conversion factor, Mg/m3 or g/cm3 to lbf/ft3.

X1. COMPACTIVE EFFORT SHEET

X1.1 See Fig. X1.1 for more information.

FIG. X1.1 Compactive Effort

X2. EXAMPLE DATA SHEETS

X2.1 Fig. X2.1 and Fig. X2.2 provide examples of data

FIG. X2.1 Data Sheet Example

FIG. X2.2 Data Sheet Example

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