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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of laboratory compacted specimens. The test method is primarily intended for, but not limited to, evaluating the strength of materials having maximum particle size less than ³/₄ in. (19 mm).

1.2 When materials having a maximum particle size greater than ³/₄ in. (19 mm) are to be tested, this test method provides 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 total gravel fraction (material passing the 3-in. (75-mm) sieve and retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve) 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 database has been 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 (4.75 mm) 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 contents 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 Unless specified otherwise by the requesting client, 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.

1.6 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are mathematical conversions, which are provided for information purposes only and are not considered standard. Reporting of test results in units other than inch-pound units shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.

1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 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.

5.1 This test method can be used in a number of engineering applications such as to evaluate the potential strength of subgrade, subbase, and base course materials, including recycled materials for use in the design of flexible roads and airfield pavements.

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 specified dry unit weight is normally the minimum percent compaction allowed by the using client’s 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 the client’s protocol or specification for field compaction.

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 client, self-cementing materials shall be properly cured until bearing ratios representing long term service conditions can be measured.