Lab Test
Standard(s): BS 1377-2:2022
Laboratory California Bearing Ratio CBR

The Laboratory California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test measures the strength of soil for use in road construction and sub-base design. It assesses the pressure required to penetrate a soil sample with a standard plunger and compares it to the pressure needed for equal penetration in a standard crushed rock material.

The Process

  1. Sample Preparation: A representative soil sample is collected and compacted into a cylindrical mold to simulate in-situ conditions.
  2. Penetration Test: A plunger with a standard area is used to apply pressure to the compacted soil. The penetration depth and corresponding pressure are recorded.
  3. Comparison and Calculation: The measured pressure is then divided by the pressure required to achieve the same penetration in a standard crushed rock. The result is expressed as the California Bearing Ratio (CBR).

Why Is This Test Important?

  • Soil Strength Evaluation: The CBR value provides an indication of the strength and load-bearing capacity of soil, which is essential for designing pavements, road foundations, and sub-bases.
  • Quality Assurance: Ensures that the soil meets the necessary specifications for use in road construction and foundation work.
  • Material Suitability: Helps determine the suitability of the soil for different applications, with higher CBR values indicating stronger, more durable materials.

The Laboratory CBR Test is a vital method for assessing soil suitability for construction projects, particularly in road and foundation engineering. Contact us for reliable and accurate testing.

View more Aggregates testing services:

Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Plastic Limit

Determination of the plastic limit of fine-grained soils in accordance with BS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022.
BS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Particle Size Distribution

Determination of particle size distribution of aggregates using sieving in accordance with BS EN 933-1:2012.
BS EN 933-1:2012
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Sample Reduction

Sample reduction by riffle box, by quartering, or to a test portion of a specified mass within a small tolerance
BS EN 932-2:1999
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test
Site Test

Dynamic Cone Penetration (TRL-DCP)

Rapid measurement of the in-situ strength of existing flexible pavements constructed with unbound materials.
DMRB, CS 229 Data for Pavement Assessment Rev.0: 2020
Aggregates
Site Test

In-Situ California Bearing Ratio (CBR)

Penetration of soil with a plunger over a standard area. The harder the surface, the higher the CBR percentage.
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Site Test

Constituents of Course Recycled Aggregates

Ensure the quality and compliance of recycled aggregates with our constituents analysis, supporting sustainable and reliable construction practices.
BS EN 933-11:2009
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test
Site Test

Plasticity Index

A higher Plasticity Index indicates a greater range of water content where soil remains plastic, signifying higher compressibility and potential for settlement.
BS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Water Content

Determination of the water content of aggregates in accordance with BS EN 1097-5:2008.
BS 1377-2:2022
Aggregates
Site Test

In-Situ Bulk Density Nuclear Method

The in-situ bulk density nuclear method ensures soil compaction meets construction standards by measuring density and moisture directly on-site.
BS 1377-9:1990
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Resistance to Fragmentation – Los Angeles Test

Subjects a coarse aggregate sample to abrasion, impact, and grinding.
BS EN 1097-2:2020
Lab Test
Laboratory California Bearing Ratio CBR

The Laboratory California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test measures the strength of soil for use in road construction and sub-base design. It assesses the pressure required to penetrate a soil sample with a standard plunger and compares it to the pressure needed for equal penetration in a standard crushed rock material.

The Process

  1. Sample Preparation: A representative soil sample is collected and compacted into a cylindrical mold to simulate in-situ conditions.
  2. Penetration Test: A plunger with a standard area is used to apply pressure to the compacted soil. The penetration depth and corresponding pressure are recorded.
  3. Comparison and Calculation: The measured pressure is then divided by the pressure required to achieve the same penetration in a standard crushed rock. The result is expressed as the California Bearing Ratio (CBR).

Why Is This Test Important?

  • Soil Strength Evaluation: The CBR value provides an indication of the strength and load-bearing capacity of soil, which is essential for designing pavements, road foundations, and sub-bases.
  • Quality Assurance: Ensures that the soil meets the necessary specifications for use in road construction and foundation work.
  • Material Suitability: Helps determine the suitability of the soil for different applications, with higher CBR values indicating stronger, more durable materials.

The Laboratory CBR Test is a vital method for assessing soil suitability for construction projects, particularly in road and foundation engineering. Contact us for reliable and accurate testing.

BS 1377-2:2022