ASTM D1883-07e1

Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Laboratory-Compacted Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.  
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 agency's field compaction specification.
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 agency's field compaction specification.
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 1—The agency performing this test can be evaluated in accordance with Practice D 3740. 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 suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself ensure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on many factors; Practice ...
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 ¾ in. (19 mm).
1.2 When materials having maximum particle sizes greater than ¾ 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 ¾-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 D 698 or D 1557.
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 ...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Nov-2007
• ICS: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.05 - Strength and Compressibility of Soils

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1883-07 - Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Laboratory-Compacted Soils
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Replaced By: ASTM D1883-07e2 - Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Laboratory-Compacted Soils
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D8378/D8378M-21 - Standard Test Method for Potential Expansion of Steel Slag from Hydration Reactions by Autoclave
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D8204-18(2022) - Standard Practice for Burial and Retrieval of Samples in a Test Pad to Evaluate Installation Effects on Geosynthetic Clay Liners
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D6241-22a - Standard Test Method for Measuring Static Puncture Strength of Geotextiles and Geosynthetic-Related Products Using a 50 mm Probe
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D7762-18e1 - Standard Practice for Design of Stabilization of Soil and Soil-Like Materials with Self-Cementing Fly Ash
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM F3339-20 - Standard Guide for Construction or Renovation of Native-soil Athletic Fields
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM E2278-13(2019) - Standard Guide for Use of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) for Surface Mine Reclamation: Revegetation and Mitigation of Acid Mine Drainage
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D653-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D4792/D4792M-13(2019) - Standard Test Method for Potential Expansion of Aggregates from Hydration Reactions
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM E2243-13(2019) - Standard Guide for Use of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) for Surface Mine Reclamation: Re-contouring and Highwall Reclamation
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM F2747-19 - Standard Guide for Construction of Sand-based Rootzones for Golf Putting Greens and Tees
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D7765-18a - Standard Practice for Use of Foundry Sand in Structural Fill and Embankments
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM F2396-11(2019) - Standard Guide for Construction of High Performance Sand-Based Rootzones for Athletic Fields
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007
• Referred By: ASTM E2277-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Coal Ash Structural Fills
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2007

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
´1
Designation:D1883–07
Standard Test Method for
CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Laboratory-Compacted
1
Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1883; 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
´ NOTE—Editorially corrected units in Section 6.2 in May 2009.
1. Scope* percentage of maximum dry unit weight determined by Test
Methods D 698 or D 1557.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the CBR
1.5 The agency requesting the test shall specify the water
(California Bearing Ratio) of pavement subgrade, subbase, and
content or range of water content and the dry unit weight for
base course materials from laboratory compacted specimens.
which the CBR is desired.
The test method is primarily intended for (but not limited to)
1.6 Unless specified otherwise by the requesting agency, or
evaluating the strength of materials having maximum particle
3 unlessithasbeenshowntohavenoeffectontestresultsforthe
sizes less than ⁄4 in. (19 mm).
material being tested, all specimens shall be soaked prior to
1.2 When materials having maximum particle sizes greater
3 penetration.
than ⁄4 in. (19 mm) are to be tested, this test method provides
1.7 For the determination of CBR of field compacted
for modifying the gradation of the material so that the material
3 materials, see Test Method D 4429.
used for tests all passes the ⁄4-in. sieve while the total gravel
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
(+No. 4 to 3 in.) fraction remains the same. While traditionally
as the standard. The SI equivalents shown in parentheses may
thismethodofspecimenpreparationhasbeenusedtoavoidthe
be approximate.
error inherent in testing materials containing large particles in
1.9 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
the CBR test apparatus, the modified material may have
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
significantly different strength properties than the original
Practice D 6026.
material. However, a large experience base has developed
1.9.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected,
using this test method for materials for which the gradation has
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
been modified, and satisfactory design methods are in use
industry standard. In addition they are representative of the
based on the results of tests using this procedure.
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
1.3 Past practice has shown that CBR results for those
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
materials having substantial percentages of particles retained
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
on the No. 4 sieve are more variable than for finer materials.
ations for the user’s objectives, and it is common practice to
Consequently, more trials may be required for these materials
increase or reduce significant digits or reported data to be
to establish a reliable CBR.
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
1.4 This test method provides for the determination of the
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
CBR of a material at optimum water content or a range of
methods for engineering design.
water content from a specified compaction test and a specified
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
dry unit weight. The dry unit weight is usually given as a
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.05 on Strength and
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Compressibility of Soils.
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2007. Published December 2007. Originally
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D 1883 – 05.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
D1883–07
2. Referenced Documents 4. Summary of Test Method
2
4.1 The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test is a load test
2.1 ASTM Standards:
applied to the surface and used in soil investigations as an aid
D 422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
to the design of pavements. The laboratory test
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation:D1883–05 Designation:D1883–07
Standard Test Method for
CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Laboratory-Compacted
1
Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1883; 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
´ NOTE—Editorially corrected units in Section 6.2 in May 2009.
1. Scope*
1.1This 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
3
the strength of cohesive materials having maximum particle sizes less than ⁄4 in. (19 mm).
NOTE1—The agency performing this test can be evaluated in accordance with Practice D3740. Not withstanding statements on precision and bias
contained in this Standard: The precision of this test method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the
equipment and facilities used. Agencies which meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing.
UsersofthismethodarecautionedthatcompliancewithPracticeD3740doesnotinitselfassurereliabletesting.Reliabletestingdependsonmanyfactors;
Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
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
3
the strength of materials having maximum particle sizes less than ⁄4 in. (19 mm).
3
1.2 When materials having maximum particle sizes greater than ⁄4 in. (19 mm) are to be tested, this test method provides for
3
modifying the gradation of the material so that the material used for tests all passes the ⁄4-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 D 698 or D1557 or D 1557.
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 D 4429.
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
1.9 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D 6026.
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
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.
...