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 − 21

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 revis
original revision,
ion, the year of last revision.
revision. A number in paren
parenthese
thesess indicates the year of last reappr
reapproval.
oval. 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. Sco
Scope*
pe* 1.4.1
1.4 .1 The client
client req
reques
uesting
ting the CBR test may spe
specify
cify the
water content or range of water contents and/or the dry unit
1.1 This test method covers the determination
determination of the Cali-
weight for which the CBR is desired.
forniaa Bearing Ratio (CBR) of laboratory compacted
forni compacted speci-
mens. The test method is primarily intended for, but not limited 1.5 Unless specified
specified otherwise by the requesting
requesting client, or
to, eva
evalua
luating
ting the str
streng
ength
th of mat
materia
erials
ls hav
having
ing max
maximu
imum
m unless it has been shown to have no effect on test results for the
particle size less than 3⁄4 in. (19 mm). material being tested, all specimens shall be soaked prior to
penetration.
1.2 When materials
materials having a maximum particle
particle size greater
than ⁄4 in. (19 mm) are to be tested, this test method provides
3 1.6 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
for modifying the gradation of the material so that the material regarded as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are
3
4
used for testing
total gravel all passes
fraction (materialthe passing
⁄ -in. (19-mm)
the 3-in. sieve
(75-mm)while the
sieve mathematical
purposes onlyconversions,
and are not which are provided
considered forReporting
standard. informationof
and retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve) remains the same. test results in units other than inch-pound units shall not be
While traditionally this method of specimen preparation has regarded as nonconformance with this test method.
been
be en us
used
ed to av
avoioid
d ththee er
erro
rorr in
inhe
here
rent
nt in te testi
sting
ng ma
mate
teria
rials
ls 1.6.1 The gravitational
gravitational system of inch-p
inch-pound
ound units is used
cont
co ntain
ainin
ingg lar
large
ge papart
rticl
icles
es in th thee CBR te test
st ap
appa
para
ratu
tus,
s, ththee when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
modified
mod ified mate
materia
riall may hav havee sig
signifi
nifican
cantly
tly dif
differ
ferent
ent str
streng
engthth (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass
properties than the original material. However, a large experi- is slugs. The slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma)
ence database has been developed using this test method for calculations
calcula tions are invol
involved.
ved.
mater
mat erial
ialss fo
forr wh
which
ich ththee gr
grad
adati
ation
on hahass be
been
en mo
modidifie
fied,
d, anand d 1.6.
1.6.2
2 The
The slslug
ug un
unit
it of mamass
ss is alalmo
most
st ne
neve
verr us
used
ed in
satisfactory design methods are in use based on the results of commercial practice; that is, density, balances, etc. Therefore,
tests using this procedure. the standard unit for mass in this standard is either kilogram
(kg) or gram (g), or both. Also, the equivalent inch-pound unit
1.3
1.3 Pa
Past
st pr
pract
actice
ice ha
hass sh
show
ownn th
that
at CBR re
resu
sults
lts fo
forr th
thos
osee
(slug) is not given/presented in parentheses.
materials having substantial percentages of particles retained
on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve are more variable than for finer 1.6.3 It is common practice
practice in the engineering/con
engineering/construct
struction
ion
materials.
materials. Conse
Consequentl
quentlyy, more trials may be requir
required
ed for these profession, in the United States, to concurrently use pounds to
materials to establish a reliable CBR. represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This
implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the
1.4 This test method provides
provides for the determination
determination of the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically
CBR of a material at optimum water content or a range of unde
un desi
sira
rabl
blee to cocomb
mbin
inee th
thee us
usee of tw
twoo se
sepa
pararate
te se
sets
ts of
water contents from a specified compaction test and a specified inch-p
inch-poun
oundd uni
units
ts wit
within
hin a sinsingle
gle sta
standa
ndard.
rd. As stat
stated,
ed, thi
thiss
dry
dry un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht.. Th
Thee dr
dry
y un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht is us
usua
ually
lly given
given as a standard
standa rd includ
includes
es the gravit
gravitational
ational system of inch-
inch-poun
pound d units
percentage of maximum dry unit weight determined by Test and does not use/present the slug unit for mass. However, the
Methods D698 or D1557
D1557.. use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or
recording density in lbm/ft 3 shall not be regarded as noncon-
formance with this standard.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction
jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and 1.6.
1.6.4
4 ThThee te
term
rmss de
dens
nsity
ity an
and
d un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht ar
aree of
often
ten us
used
ed
Rock and is the direc
directt respo
responsibi
nsibility
lity of Subc
Subcommitt
ommittee
ee D18.05 on Strength and interchangeably. Density is mass per unit volume whereas unit
Compressibility of Soils.
weight is force per unit volume. In this standard, density is
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D1883 – 16. DOI: given only in SI units. After the density has been determined,
10.1520/D1883-21. the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units, or both.

*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
 D1883 − 21

1.7 All observed

observed and calculated values
values shall conform
conform to the Construction Materials Testing
guidelines
guidel ines for signifi
significant
cant digits and rounding established
established in D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
Practice D6026
D6026.. cords in Geotechnical Data
1.7.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ D6913/D6913M Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution
recorde
reco rdedd or calc
calculat
ulated
ed in thi
thiss stan
standar
dard d are reg
regard
arded
ed as the (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce- Sieves
dures
dur es use
used
d do not con
consid
sider
er mate
materia
riall var
variati
iation,
on, pur
purpos
posee for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- 3. Terminology

ations
increase
increasefororthered
user’s
reduce
uce sigobjectives,
signifi
nifican and
cantt digitsit of
digits is common
report
rep ed practice
orted to
data to be 3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions
definitions of common
common technical terms
terms used in this
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
standard, refer to Terminology D653
D653..
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
methodss for engin
method engineering
eering design. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.8 This standar
standard d doe
doess not purport
purport to add
addre
ress
ss all of the 3.2.1 wa
water
ter co
conte
ntent
nt of th
thee co
comp
mpacactio
tion
n sp
speci
ecimen
men,, wi,
safetyy co
safet conc
ncer
erns
ns,, if an
anyy, as
asso
socia
ciate
ted
d wit
with
h its us
use.
e. It is th
thee n—water content in percent of material used to compact the test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- specimen.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.2.2 wat
water
er co
cont
nten
entt to
top
p 1 in
in.. (2
(25-
5-mm
mm)) af
afte
terr so
soak
akin
ing
g ws,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. n—water content in percent of upper 1 in. (25 mm) of material
1.9 This int
intern
ernati
ationa
onall sta
standa
ndard
rd was dev
develo
eloped
ped in acc
accor
or-- remove
removedd fro
fromm the com
compac
pacted
ted spe
specim
cimen
en afte
afterr soa
soakin
king
g and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- penetration.
izatio
izationn es
esta
tabl
blis
ishe
hedd in ththee De
Decis
cisio
ion
n on PrPrin
incip
ciple
less fo
forr th
thee 3.2.3 water content
content afte
afterr testing,, wf, n—wat
testing water
er con
conten
tentt in
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- percen
percentt of the com
compac
pacted
ted spe
specime
cimenn aft
after
er soa
soakin
king
g and fina finall
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical penetration; does not include material described in 3.2.2
3.2.2..
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3.2.4 dry den
density
sity as com
compac
pacted
ted and bef
befor
oree soa
soakin
king,
g, ρdi,
2. Referenc
Referenced
ed Documents
Documents n—dry density of the as compacted test specimen using the
measur
measured
ed wet mass and calculati
calculating
ng the dry mass usi
using
ng the
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 water content defined in 3.2.1
3.2.1..
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
for Test Methods for Construction Materials 4. Summ
Summary
ary of Test
Test Method
D653 Termino
erminology
logy Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids 4.1 The California
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is an index of the
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- bearing resistance of a compacted soil by forcing a circular
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft 3 (600 pist
piston
on at a co cons
nsta
tant
nt ra
rate
te of pe
pene
netr
trati
ation
on in
into
to th
thee so
soil
il an
and
d
kN-m/m3)) measuring
measur ing the force during penetration.
penetration. The CBR is expre
expressed
ssed
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- as the ratio of the unit force on the piston required to penetrate
istics
istics of Soi
Soill Usi
Using
ng Mod
Modifie
ified
d Ef
Effor
fortt (56
(56,00
,000
0 ft-
ft-lbf/ft3
lbf/ft 0.1 in. (3 mm) and 0.2 in. (5 mm) of the test material to the unit
(2,700 kN-m/m3)) force required to penetrate a standard material of well-graded
D2168 Practices for Calibration of Laboratory Mechanical- crushed stone.

Rammer Soil Compactors 4.2

4.2 Th
This
is test me
meth
thod
od is us used
ed to dedeter
termin
minee th
thee CBR of a
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water material compacted in a specified mold. It is incumbent on the
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass requesting client to specify the scope of testing to satisfy the
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering client’
client’ss pro
protoc
tocol
ol or spe
specific
cific des
design
ign reqrequir
uiremen
ements.ts. Pos
Possib
sible
le
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) scope of testing includes:
D2488 Practic
Practicee for Description and Ident
Identificatio
ification
n of Soils 4.2.1 CBR penetration
penetration tests can be performed on each point point
(Visual-Manual Procedures) of a com
compac
paction
tion test spe
specime
cimenn pre
prepar
pared
ed in acco
accorda
rdance
nce wit
with
h
D3740 Practic
Practicee for Minimu
Minimum m Requir
Requirements
ements for Agencies either Method C of Test Methods D698 or D1557 D1557.. The CBR
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as mold with the spacer disk specified in this standard has the
Used in Engineering Design and Construction same internal dimensions as a 6.000-in. (152.4-mm) diameter
D4318 T
Test
est Met
Method
hodss for Liq
Liquid
uid Limi
Limit,
t, Pla
Plastic
stic Lim
Limit,
it, and compaction mold.
Plasticity Index of Soils 4.2.
4.2.2
2 An
Anot
othe
herr alt
alter
erna
nativ
tivee is fo
forr th
thee CBR testestt to be peper-
r-
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal- formed on material compacted to a specific water content and
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and density so as to bracket those anticipated in the field. A water
content range may be stated for one or more density values and
2
will often require a series of specimens prepared using two or
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
three
three com
compac
pactiv
tivee ef
effor
forts
ts for the spe
specifi
cified
ed wat
water
er con
conten
tents
ts or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on over the range of water contents requested. The compactive
the ASTM website. efforts are achieved by following procedures of Test Methods

2
 D1883 − 21

D698 or D1557 but varying the blows per layer to produce cautioned that compl
cautioned compliance
iance with Pract
Practice
ice D3740 does not in itself ensure
densities above and below the desired density. reliable
reliable resul
results.
ts. Reliable results depen
dependd on many factors; Practice D3740
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
5. Sign
Significan
ificance
ce and Use
6. Appar
Apparatus
atus
5.1 This test method
method can be used in a number of engineering
engineering
appl
ap plica
icatio
tions
ns su
such
ch as to ev
evalu
aluate
ate th
thee po
poten
tentia
tiall str
stren
engt
gth
h of 6.1 L Loading
oading Machin
Machine—e—ThThee lo
load
ading
ing ma
machchin
inee sh
shal
alll be
subgra
sub grade,
de, sub
subbas
base,
e, and bas
basee cou
course
rse mate
materia
rials,
ls, inc
includ
luding
ing re- equipped with a movable head or base that travels at a uniform
cycled materials for use in the design of flexible roads and (not pulsating) rate of 0.05 6 0.01 in. (1 6 0.2 mm) ⁄min for
airfield pavements. use in pushing the penetration piston into the specimen over the
range of forces developed during penetration.
NOTE 1—1—As
As wit
withh oth
other
er labo
laborat
ratory
ory tes
testt met
method
hods,
s, the use
userr sho
should
uld 6.1.1 Axial Load Measuring Device— The machine shall be
consider whether results from this test are appropriate for the intended
design use. Considerations may include roadbed conditions, environmen- equipped with a load-indicating device matched to the antici-
tal conditions, soil saturation, drainage effects, seasonal effects, etc. pated maximum penetration
penetration load. The axial load measur
measuring
ing
5.2 For applications
applications where the efeffect
fect of compa
compaction
ction water device shall be a load ring, electronic load cell, hydraulic load
content on CBR is small, such as cohesionless, coarse-grained cell, or any other load-measuring device with an accuracy of
material
mate rials,
s, or whe
where
re an allo
allowan
wancece is mad
madee for the efeffec
fectt of 1 % of the load from 0.100 in. (2.5 mm) penetration to at least
differing compaction water contents in the design procedure, 0.500 in. (13 mm) penetration or failure.
the CBR may be determined at the optimum water content of 6.2 Penetration Measuring Device—The penetration mea-
a specified compaction effort. The specified dry unit weight is suring device (such as a mechanical dial indicator or electronic
normall
nor mally
y the min
minimu
imumm per
percen
centt com
compac
pactio
tion
n allo
allowed
wed by the displa
dis placeme
cementnt tra
transd
nsduce
ucer)
r) sha
shall
ll be cap
capabl
ablee of rea
readin
ding
g to the
using client’s field compaction specification. neares
nea restt 0.0
0.001
01 in. (0.
(0.02
02 mm) and pro provid
vided
ed with app
approp
ropria
riate
te
5.3 For applications
applications where the ef
effect
fect of compa
compaction
ction water mounting hardware. The mounting assembly of the deforma-
content on CBR is unknown or where it is desired to account tion
tion mea
measur
suring
ing dev
device
ice sha
shall
ll be con
connec
nected
ted to the pen
penetra
etratin
tingg
forr its effe
fo effect,
ct, th
thee CBR is de
dete
term
rmin
ined
ed fo
forr a ra
rang
ngee of wa
water
ter piston and the edge of the mold providing
providing accurate penetration
penetration
contents, usually the range of water content permitted for field measurements. Mounting the deformation holder assembly to a
compaction by using the client’s protocol or specification for stressed component of the load frame (such as tie rods) will
field compaction. introduce
introduce inaccu
inaccuracies
racies of penetr
penetration
ation measur
measurements
ements..

5.4 The cr
5.4 crite
iteri
riaa fo
forr tes
testt sp
spec
ecime
imen
n pr
prep
epar
arati
ation
on of sel
self-
f- 6.3 Mold—The mold shall be a rigid metal cylinder with an
cementing (and other) materials which gain strength with time inside diameter of 6.000 6 0.026 in. (152.4 6 0.66 mm) and
must be based on a geotechnical engineering evaluation. As a height of 7.000 6 0.018 in. (177.8 6 0.46 mm). It shall be
directed by the client, self-cementing materials shall be prop- provided with a metal extension collar at least 2.0 in. (51 mm)
erly cured until bearing ratios representing long term service in height and a metal base plate having at least twenty-eight
1
conditions can be measured. ⁄16-in. (1.59-mm) diameter holes uniformly spaced over the
plate
pl ate wi
with
thin
in th
thee in
insid
sidee cir
circu
cumf
mfer
eren
ence
ce of ththee mo
mold
ld.. Wh
Whenen
NOTE 2—2—The
The qua
qualit
lity
y of the res
result
ultss pro
produc
duced
ed by thi
thiss sta
standa
ndard
rd is assembled with the spacer disc placed in the bottom of the
dependent
depend ent on the com
compet
petenc
encee of the per
person
sonnel
nel per
perfor
formin
ming g it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
mold
mo ld,, th
thee mo
mold
ld sh
shall
all ha
have
ve an in
inter
terna
nall vo
volu
lume
me (e
(exc
xcluludi
ding
ng
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent extension collar) of 0.0750 6 0.0009 ft3 (2100 6 25 cm3). A
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are mold assembly having the minimum required features is shown

TABLE 1 SI Equivalents for Figs. 1-5

Equivalents
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 13⁄8 34.90
34 43⁄4 120.7
1
⁄16 1.59 11⁄2 38.1 57⁄8 149.2
1
⁄4 6..4
6 13⁄4 44
44.5 515⁄16 150.8
3
⁄8 9..53
9 11⁄8 28.58 6.000 152.4
7
⁄16 11.11 2 50.8 67⁄32 158.0
1
⁄2 12
1 2.70 21⁄8 53.98 7.000 177.8
5
⁄8 15
1 5.9 23⁄4 69
69.85 71⁄2 190.5
3
⁄4 19.1 3 76.20 83⁄8 212.7
11⁄8 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
0.20 5.1 400 3
0.30 7.6 600 4
0.40 10 800 6
0.50 13 1000 7
1200 8.4
1400 9.8

3
 D1883 − 21

in Fig. 1.
1. A calibration procedure shall be used to confirm the 6.7 Sur
Surchar ge Weights—Th
charge These
ese “we
“weigh
ights”
ts” are actactual
ually
ly
actua
actuall vo
volu
lume
me of ththee mo
mold
ld wi
with
th th
thee sp
space
acerr di
disk
sk in
inse
sert
rted
ed.. “mas
“m asses
ses”” co
conv
nver
erte
ted
d to a foforc
rce.
e. On
Onee or tw
two
o an
annu
nular
lar me
meta
tall
Suitable calibration procedures are contained in Test Methods weights having a total weight of 10 6 0.05 lbf (equivalent to
D698 aand
nd D1557
D1557.. a mass of 4.54 6 0.02 kg) and slotted metal weights each
6.4 Spacer Disk—A circular metal spacer disc (see Fig. 1) 1) 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
having a minimum outside diameter of 5 ⁄16 in. (150.8 mm)
15

but no greater than will allow the spacer disc to easily slip into to 15
150.
0.8
8 mmmm)) in di
diam
amete
eterr an
and
d sh
shall
all have a cecent
nter
er ho
hole
le of
the mold. The spacer disc shall be 2.416 6 0.005 in. (61.3
(61.3776 approximately 21⁄8 in. (53.98 mm) (see Fig. 3).3).
0.13 mm) in height. 6.8 Penetration Piston—A metal piston 1.954 6 0.005 in.
6.5 Rammer—A rammer as specified in either Test Methods (49.63 6 0.13 mm) in diameter and not less than 4 in. (101.6
D698 or D1557 shall be used to compact the soil specimen to mm) long (see Fig. 3)
3).
the desired density. 6.9 Balance—A cla class
ss GP
GP5
5 ba
balan
lance
ce me
meeti
eting
ng th
thee re
requ
quir
ire-
e-
6.6 Expansion-Measuring Apparatus—An adjustable metal ments of Specifications D4753 for a balance of 1-g readability.
stem and perforated metal plate, similar in configuration to that 6.10 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled, preferably
shown in Fig. 2. 2. The perforated plate shall be 57⁄8 to 515⁄16 in. of a forced-draft type and capable of maintaining a uniform
(149.2 to 150.8 mm) in diameter and have at least forty-two temperature
temper ature of 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C) throughout the drying
1
⁄16-in. (1.59-mm) diameter holes uniformly spaced over the chamber.
plate. A metal tripod to support the dial gauge for measuring 6.11 Sieves—3⁄4 in. (19 mm) and No. 4 (4.75 mm), conform-
thee am
th amou
ount
nt of sw
swell
ell du
durin
ring
g so
soak
akin
ing
g is als
also
o re
requ
quir
ired
ed.. Th
Thee ing to the requirements of Specification E11
E11..
expansion measuring apparatus shall not weigh more than 2.8
lbf or a mass of 1.3 kg. 6.12 Filter Paper—A fasfastt filt
filterin
ering,
g, hig
high
h gra
grade
de har
harden
dened,
ed,
6.6.1 Swe
Swellll Mea
Measur
sureme
ementnt Device—Genera
Device— Generally
lly mechan
mechanical
ical low ash filter paper, 6.000 in. (152.4 mm) diameter.
dial indicators capable of reading to 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) with 6.13 Straightedge—A stiff metal straightedge of any conve-

a range of 0.200-in. (5-mm) minimum. nient length but not less than 10.0 in. (254 mm). The total

NOTE 1—See Table 1 for SI equivalents.

FIG. 1 Mold with Extension Collar and Spacer Disk

4
 D1883 − 21

NOTE 1—See Table 1 for SI equivalents.

FIG. 2 Expansion-Measuring Apparatus

lengt
length
h of th
thee str
straig
aight
hted
edge
ge sh
shall
all be macmachi
hine
ned
d str
straig
aight
ht to a 7.2 The spe specim
cimen(
en(s)
s) for compactio
compaction n sha
shall
ll be pre
prepar
pared
ed in
tolerance
tolerance of 60.005 in. (60.13 mm). The scraping edge shall accordance
accorda nce witwithh the pro
proced
cedure
uress giv
given
en in Met
Method
hod C of Test
be beveled if it is thicker than 1⁄8 in. (3 mm). Methods D698 or D1557 fo forr cocomp
mpacactio
tion
n in a 6.6.00
000-
0-in
in..
6.14 Soaking Tank or Pan—A tank or pan of sufficient
sufficient depth (152.4-mm) mold except as follows:
and breadth to allow free water around and over the assemb
assembled
led 7.2.1 If all material
material passes
passes a 3 ⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve, the entire
mold. The tank or pan should have a bottom grating that allows gradation shall be used for preparing specimens for compaction
free access of water to the perforations in the mold’s base. withou
wit houtt mod
modific ificatio
ation.
n. If mat
materia
eriall is ret
retain
ained
ed on the 3⁄4-in.
(19-mm
(19 -mm)) siev
sieve, e, the mate
material
rial ret
retaine
ainedd on the 3⁄4-in. (19-
(19-mm)
mm)
6.15 Mixing Tools—MisMiscell
cellane
aneous
ous too
tools
ls suc
such
h as mix
mixing
ing siev
sievee sh
shal
alll be reremo
movevedd an
andd re
repl
plac
aced
ed by an eq equa
uall ma
mass
ss of
pan, spoon, trowel, spatula, etc., or a mechanical device for material passing the 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) sieve and retained on the
thoroughly mixing the sample of soil with water. No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve obtained by separation from portions of
the sample not used for testing.
7. Sam
Sample
ple
8. Test Specimens
7.1 Do not reuse soil that has been previous
previously
ly compacted
compacted in
the laboratory. The reuse of previously compacted soils may 8.1 Bearing Ratio at Optimum Water Content Only— Using
yield a greater maximum dry unit weight.3 materia
mater iall pr
prep
epar
ared
ed as dedesc
scri
ribe
bed
d in 7.2 7.2,, con
conduc
ductt a con
contro
troll
compaction test with a sufficient number of test specimens to
establi
establish
sh the opt
optimu
imumm wat
waterer con
conten
tentt for the soi
soill usi
using
ng the
3
compaction
compa ction metho
methodd specifi
specified,
ed, either Test Methods D698 or
Johnson,
Johns on, A. W., and Sallb
Sallberg,
erg, J.R.
J.R.,, Facto
Factors
rs Influe
Influencing
ncing Compaction Test
Results, Highway Research Board, Bulletin 318, Publi
Publication
cation 967, Natio
National
nal Acad- D1557.. A previously performed compaction test on the same
D1557
emy of Sciences-National Research Council, Washington, DC, 1962, p. 73. mater
ma teria
iall ma
mayy be susubs
bstit
titut
uted
ed foforr th
thee co
comp
mpac
actio
tionn tes
testt ju
just
st

5
 D1883 − 21

NOTE 1—See Table 1 for SI equivalents.

FIG. 3 Surcha
Surcharge
rge Weights and Penetr
Penetration
ation Piston

described,
described, provid
provideded tha
thatt if the sample
sample con
contain
tainss mat
materia
eriall re- 95 % of max
maximu
imum
m dr
dry
y un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht is de
desi
sire
red,
d, sp
speci
ecime
mens
ns
taine
tained
d on th
thee 3⁄4-in
-in.. (19
(19-mm
-mm)) siev
sieve,
e, then
then soi
soill pre
prepar
pared
ed as compacted using 10-blows, 25-blows, and 56-blows per layer
described in 7.2.1 is used for the CBR test. is satisf
satisfactory
actory.. Penetr
Penetration
ation shall be perfo
performed
rmed on each of these
specimens.
NOTE 3—Maximum dry unit weight obtained from a compaction test
performed
performed in a 4.04.000-
00-in.
in. (10
(101.6
1.6-mm
-mm)) dia
diamet
meter
er mol
mold
d may be sli
slight
ghtly
ly 8.2 Bearing Ratio for a Range of Water Contents— Prepare
greater than the maximum dry unit weight obtained from compaction in
specimens in a manner similar to that described in 8.1 except
the 6.000
6.000-in.
-in. (152.4-mm)
(152.4-mm) compaction mold or CBR mold.
that each specimen used to develo
develop
p the compa
compaction
ction curve shall
8.1.1 For cases
8.1.1 cases whe
where
re the CBR is des
desire
ired
d at 100 % maxi-
maxi- be pen
penetr
etrated
ated.. In add
additio
ition,
n, the com
comple
plete
te wat
water
er con
conten
tent-u
t-unit
nit
mum dry unit weight and optimum water content, compact a weight relationship for the 10-blows, 25-blows, and 56-blows
specimen using the specified compaction procedure, either Test perr lay
pe layer
er co
comp
mpact
actio
ions
ns shshall
all be dedeve
velo
lope
ped
d anand
d ea each
ch tetest
st
Methods D698 or D1557D1557,, from soil prepared to within 60.5 specimen compacted shall be penetrated. Perform all compac-
percen
per centag
tagee poi
point
nt of opt
optimu
imum
m wat
water
er con
content
tent det
determ
ermined
ined in tion in the CBR mold. In cases where the specified unit weight
accordance with Test Method D2216D2216.. is at or ne
near
ar 10
1000 % mamaxiximu
mum m dr
dry
y un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht,, it wi
will
ll be
8.1.2 Where the CBR is desired at optimum water content content necessary to include a compactive effort greater than 56-blows
and some percentage of maximum dry unit weight, compact per layer.
three specimens from soil prepared to within 60.5 percentage
poin
po intt of opoptim
timum
um wa
water
ter co
cont
nten
entt an
andd us
usin
ing
g th
thee sp
spec
ecifie
ified
d NOTE 4—Where the maximum dry unit weight was determined from
compaction but using a different number of blows per layer for compaction in the 4.000-in. (101.6-mm)
compaction (101.6-mm) mold, it may be necess
compact specimens as described in 8.1.2
necessary
ary to
8.1.2,, using 75 blows per layer or
each specimen. The number of blows per layer shall be varied some other value sufficient to produce a specimen having a unit weight
as necessary to prepare specimens having unit weights above equal to or greater than that required.
and below the desired value. Typically, if the CBR for soil at NOTE 5—A semi-log log plot of dry unit weight versus compactive

6
 D1883 − 21
effort usually gives a straight-line relationship when compactive effort in period.. A sho
period shorte
rterr imm
immers
ersion
ion per
period
iod is per
permis
missib
sible
le for fine
ft-lb/ft3 is pl
plot
otte
ted
d on ththee lo
log
g sc
scal
ale.
e. Th
This
is ty
type
pe of pl
plot
ot is us
usef
eful
ul in grained
gra ined soils or coacoarse
rse grained
grained soi
soils
ls tha
thatt tak
takee up moi
moistu
sture
re
establishing the compactive effort and number of blows per layer needed
readily, provided tests show that the shorter period does not
to bracket the specified dry unit weight and water content range.
affect the results. At the end of the immersion period, record
8.3 Take a representative
representative sample of the material before
before it is final dial reading, Df, for swell and determine the percent of
soaked for the determination of water content to the nearest swell to the nearest 0.1 % as a percentage of the initial height,
0.1 % in accordance with Test Method D2216 D2216.. If the compac- hi, of the specimen.
tion process is conducted under a controlled temperature range, 8.5.2
8.5.2 Remo
Remove
ve the frefreee wat
water
er from the top sur surfac
facee of the
65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C), and the processed material is kept specimen and allow the specimen to drain downward for at
sealed during the compa
compaction
ction process, only one representative
representative
water content sample is required. However, if the compaction least 15 minutes.
specimen Take
during the care not
removal to water.
of the disturbItthe
maysurface of the
be necessary
process
pro cess is bei
beingng con
conduc
ducted
ted in an unc
uncont
ontrol
rolled
led env
enviro
ironme
nment
nt to til
tiltt th
thee sp
spec
ecime
imen
n in ororde
derr to re
remo
moveve th
thee su
surf
rface
ace wa
water
ter..
takee tw
tak two o wa
water
ter co
cont
nten
entt sa
samp
mples
les on
onee at th
thee be
begi
ginn
nnin
ing
g of Remove
Remo ve the weig
weights
hts,, per
perfor
forate
ated
d pla
plate,
te, and filte
filterr pap
paper
er aft
after
er
compaction and another sample of the remaining material after draining.
compaction. Use Test Method D2216 to determine the water
contents and average the two values for reporting. The two NOTE 6—The user may find it convenient to set the mold’s base on the
rim of a shallow pan to provide the tilt and carefully using a bulb syringe
samples should not differ more than 1.5 percentage points to and adsorbent towels to remove free water.
assume reasonable uniformity
uniformity of the compa
compacted
cted specim
specimen’
en’ss NOTE 7—It may be desirable to determine and record the mass of the
water conten
content.
t. drained
drained specim
specimens
ens for compu
computing
ting the averag
averagee wet density.
density. Recor
Recordd the
8.3.
8.3.1
1 If th
thee co
comp
mpacacted
ted CBR testestt sp
spec
ecime
imen n is no
nott to be mass to the nearest g.
soaked,, a water content
soaked content sample may be taken, after penetration
penetration
9. Procedur
Proceduree for Bearing Test
Test
testing, in accordance with Test Methods D698 or D1557 to
determine
determi ne the averag
averagee water content. Record the water content 9.1 To pre
preven
ventt uph
upheav
eaval
al of soil into the hol
holee of the sur
sur--
to the nearest 0.1 %. Determine the water content in accor- charge weights, place the 5 6 0.05 lbf (mass of 2.27 6 0.02
dance with Test Method D2216 D2216.. kg)) an
kg annu
nular
lar su
surc
rcha
harg
rgee we
weig
ight
ht on ththee so
soil
il su
surf
rfac
acee pr
prio
iorr to
seating the penetration piston. Place a surcharge of weights on
8.4 Pla
Place
ce the spacer
spacer dis
disk,
k, wit
with h the hole for the extractio
extraction
n
the specimen sufficient to produce an intensity of the pavement
handle facing down, on the base plate. Clamp the mold (with
weight or other loading specified; if no pavement weight is
extension collar attached) to the base plate with the hole for the
specified, use 10 6 0.05 lbf (mass of 4.54 6 0.02 kg). If the
extraction handle facing down. Insert the spacer disk over the
specimen has been soaked previously, the surcharge shall be
base plate and place a disk of filter paper on top of the spacer
equal to that used during the immersion period. The remainder
disk. Compact the soil-water mixture into the mold in accor-
of the surcharge weights shall be added after seating of the
dance with 8.1
8.1,, 8.1.1
8.1.1,, 8.1.2
8.1.2,, 8.2
8.2..
penetration piston as described in 9.2
9.2..
8.4.1
8.4.1 Remo
Remove ve the ext
extens
ension
ion col
collar
lar and carefully
carefully trim the
compacted soil even with the top of the mold by means of a 9.2 Sea
Seatt the penetratio
penetrationn pis
piston
ton with the sma
smalles
llestt pos
possib
sible
le
straightedge. Patch with smaller size material any holes that load, but in no case in excess of 10 lbf (444 N). This initial load
may have developed in the surface by the removal of coarse is required to ensur
ensuree satisfa
satisfactory
ctory seating of the piston and shall
material. Remove the perforated base plate and spacer disk, be con
consid
sidered
ered as the zerzeroo loa
loadd whe
whenn dete
determi
rminin
ningg the loa
loadd
weigh, and record the mass of the mold plus compacted soil to penetration relation. After seating of the penetration piston then
the nearest g. Place a disk of filter paper on the perforated base attach the penetrating measuring device in accordance with 6.2 6.2..
Sett bo
Se both
th th
thee lo
load
ad an
and
d pe
pene
netra
tratio
tion
n ga
gaug
uges
es to zer
zeroo or ma
makeke
plate,, in
plate inve
vert
rt th
thee mo
moldld an
and
d cocomp
mpac
acted
ted so
soil,
il, an
and
d cla
clamp
mp ththee provisions to subtract any initial values from all subsequently
perf
perfor
orat
ated
ed ba
base
se pl
plat
atee to th
thee mo
mold
ld wi
with
th co
comp
mpac
acted
ted so
soil
il in
contact with the filter paper. collected
collect ed data.

8.5 Soaking—Carefully place the perforated plate and ad- 9.3 Apply the load on the penetration
penetration piston
piston so that the rate
justable stem assembly onto the surface of the compacted soil of pe pene
netr
trati
ation
on is ap
appr
prox
oxima
imatel
tely
y 0.
0.05
05 in
in.. (1
(1.2
.27
7 mm
mm)/ )/mi
min.
n.
specimen in the mold. Apply sufficient surcharge weights to Record
Reco rd the load readings
readings at pen
penetr
etratio
ations
ns of 0.0
0.025
25 in. (0.
(0.64
64
produce a stress equal to the weight of the subbase and base mm), 0.050 in. (1.3 mm), 0.075 in. (1.9 mm), 0.10 in. (2.5
lay
layer
erss p lu
lu s p av
av eme
emen n t w ith
ithin
in 5 6 0. 0.05
05 lb
lbff (m
(mas
asss of mm), 0.125 in. (3.18 mm), 0.150 in. (3.8 mm), 0.175 in. (4.45
2.27 6 0.02 kg), but in no case shall the total weight used be mm), 0.20 in. (5.1 mm), 0.30 in. (7.6 mm), 0.40 in. (10 mm)
less than 10 6 0.05 lbf (mass of not less than 4.54 6 0.02 kg). and 0.50 in. (13 mm). Note the maximum load and penetration
If no surcharge weight is specified, use 10 lbf. An example of if it occurs for a penetration of less than 0.50 in. (13 mm). With
how
ho w to dedete
term
rmin
inee th
thee am
amou
ount
nt of su
surc
rcha
harg
rgee is in
inclu
clude
dedd in manually operated loading devices, it may be necessary to take
Appendix X1. X1. The mass of the Expansion Measuring Appara- load readings at closer intervals to control the rate of penetra-
tus is ignored. tion. Measure the depth of piston penetration into the soil by
putting a ruler into the indentation and measuring the differ-
8.5.1 Immers
Immersee the mold and weights in water allowing
allowing free
access of water to the top and bottom of the specimen. Record ence from the top of the soil to the bottom of the indentation.
If the depth does not closely match the depth of penetration
the initial dial reading, D i for swell and allow the specimen to
gauge, determine the cause and test a new sample.
soak for 96 6 2 hours. Maintain a constant water level above
the top of the mold approximately 1 in. (25 mm) during this NOTE 8—At high loads, the penetration measuring device supports may

7
 D1883 − 21
torque and affect the reading of the penetration gauge. Checking the depth bearing ratio reported for the soil is normally the one at 0.10 in.
of pis
piston
ton pen
penetr
etratio
ation
n is one mea
meansns of che
checkin
cking
g for err
errone
oneous
ous str
strain
ain (2.5
(2.5 mm) penetrati
penetration.
on. When the rati ratio
o at 0.2
0.200 in. (5.1 mm)
indications.
pene
pe netr
trat
atio
ionn is susubs
bsta
tant
ntial
ially
ly grgreat
eater
er th
than
an 0.
0.11 in
in.. (2
(2.5
.5 mm
mm))
9.4 If the test specimen was previously
previously soaked,
soaked, remove the pene
pe netr
trat
atio
ion,
n, eit
eithe
herr re
repo
port
rt bo
bothth re
resu
sult
ltss or re
reru
runn th
thee tes
testt if
soil fro
soil from
m the mold and det determ
ermine
ine the wat
water
er con
conten
tentt to the suffficie
suf icient
nt mate
materia
rials
ls are avaavailab
ilable.
le. If the rer
rerun
un tes
testt giv
gives
es a
nearest 0.1 % of the top 1-in. (25-mm) layer in accordance with simil
similarar re
resu
sult,
lt, us
usee th
thee be
bear
arin
ing
g raratio
tio at 0.
0.20
20 inin.. (5
(5.1
.1 mm
mm))
Test Method D2216
D2216.. If the test specimen was not soaked, take penetration.
the wate
waterr con
content
tent sam
sample
ple in acco
accorda
rdance
nce with Test
Test Met
Methodhodss
D698 or D1557
D1557.. SO P □ or□ CSOP
CB R x 5 3 100 (1)
SS
10. Calc
Calculati
ulation
on
where:
10.1 Load
Load-Penetr ation Curve—Calc
-Penetration Calcula
ulate
te the penpenetr
etratio
ationn x = penetration,
penetratio n, in. (mm),
stress in pounds per square inch (psi) or megapascals (MPa) by SOP = no corre
correction
ction stress on piston lbf/in.2 (MPa),
piston,, lbf/in.
taki
taking
ng th
thee me
meas
asur
ured
ed lo
load
adin
ing
g fo
forc
rcee an
and
d didivi
vide
de it by th thee CSOP = corrected
corre cted stress
stress on piston lbf/in.2 (MPa),
piston,, lbf/in.
cros
cr oss-
s-se
sect
ctio
iona
nall ar
area
ea of ththee pi
pisto
ston.
n. Plo
Plott th
thee st
stre
ress
ss ve
vers
rsus
us SS = standard stress lbf/in..2 (MPa),
stress,, lbf/in
penetration curve as shown in Fig. 4. 4. In some instances, the -for
-for x = 0.1
0.1 in.
in. (2.5
(2.5 mm)
mm) SS= SS= 1,00
1,000 lbf/in..2 (6.9 MPa),
0 lbf/in
stress-
stress-pen
penetr
etratio
ation
n cur
curve
ve may be con concav
cavee upw
upward
ard init
initiall
ially
y, -for
-for x = 0.2
0.2 in.
in. (5.1
(5.1 mm)
mm) SS= SS= 1,50
1,500 lbf/in..2 (10.3 MPa).
0 lbf/in
because of surface irregularities or other causes, and in such NOTE 10—
10—OnOn oc
occa
casi
sion
on th
thee tes
testin
ting
g ag
agen
ency
cy ma
mayy be rerequ
ques
este
ted
d to
cases the zero point shall be adjusted as shown in Figs. 4 and determine the CBR value for a dry unit weight not represented by the
5. laboratory compaction curve. For example, the corrected CBR value for
the dry unit weight at 95 % of maximum dry unit weight and at optimum
NOTE 9—
9—Figs.
Figs. 4 and 5 should be used as an example of correction of water content might be requested. A recommended method to achieve this
load-penetration curves only. It is not meant to imply that stress on piston value is to compa
compact
ct two or three CBR test specimens
specimens at the same molding
at the 0.2-in. penetration is always greater than the applied stress at the water content but compact each specimen to different compaction energies
0.1-in. penetration. to achieve a density below and above the desired value. The corrected
CBR values are plotted against the dry unit weight and the desired CBR
str10.2
stres Bearing
esss on pist
piston OP)Using
onRatio—
(SOP
(S ) va
valueither
lues
es co the
corr
rrecno
tedcorrection
ected esss onrequired
stres
str pist
piston
on value interpreted as illustrated in Fig. 6.
6. For consistency the corrected
CBR values should be of identical origin, for example, all either soaked or
(CSOP) values taken from the stress penetration curve for 0.10
un-soaked and all either at 0.1 or 0.2 corrected penetration values.
in. (2.45 mm) and 0.20 in. (5.1 mm) penetrations,
penetrations, calculate the
bearing
bearin g ratio for each by dividi
dividing
ng either the SOP or the (CSOP) 10.3 Calcula
Calculate
te and recor
record
d the dry density,
density, ρd, of the com-
value by the standard stresses (SS) of 1000 psi (6.9 MPa) and pacted specimen (before
(before soaki
soaking)
ng) to four significant
significant figure
figuress in
3
1500 psi (10.3 MPa) respectively, and multiplying by 100. The g/cm as follows:

NOTE 1—See Table 1 for SI equivalents.

FIG. 4 Correction of Load-Penetration Curves

8
 D1883 − 21

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 (see dashed lines in Figs. 4 and 5)
5). 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
Adjusting Concave Upwar
Upward
d Shaped Curve

FIG. 6 Dry Unit Weight Versus CBR

M sas Mm = mo
moldld mas
mass,
s, g,
ρd 5
Vm wac = water
water coconten
ntentt determin
determinatio
ation
n of represe
representat
ntative
ive
where: scraps taken during the compaction process, near-
est 0.1 %,
M m 1 ws 2 M m Vm = volum
volumee of mold (area of mold × initial heigh
height),
t), a
M sac 5
11
w ac calibrated value, cm3, and
100 ρd = dry densit
density
y of the compac
compacted
ted specim en, g/cm3.
specimen,
Msac = dry mas
masss of soi
soill as com
compac
pacted
ted,, g, 10.3
10 .3.1
.1 Cal
Calcu
culat
latee an
and
d re
reco
cord
rd th
thee dr
dry
y un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht to fo
four
ur
Mm + ws = wet ma
mass
ss of soil
soil as molded
molded plus
plus mold mass,
mass, g, significant figures in lbf/ft3 or kN/m3 as follows:

9
 D1883 − 21
γd 5 9.8066 3 ρ d , kN / m 3 11.3.2 Condi
11.3.2 Condition
tion of sample (unsoaked
(unsoaked or soaked
soaked).
).
or, 11.3.3
11.3.3 Dry uni
unitt wei
weight
ght of sam
sample
ple as com
compac
pacted
ted (be
(befor
foree
3 3
soaking) to the nearest 0.1 lbf/ft or 0.02 kN/m .
γd 5 62.428 3 ρ d , lbf / ft3
11.3.4
11.3.4 Water content of sample to the nearest 0.1 %:
where: 11.3.4.1
11.3.4.1 As compacted.
γd = dry uni
unitt wei
weight
ght,, kN/
kN/mm3 or lbf/ft3, 11.3.4.2
11.3.4.2 Top 1-in (25.4
(25.4-mm)
-mm) layer after soaking.
9.8066 = conver
conversion
sion factor g/cm3 to kN/m3, and
factor,, g/cm 11.3.5
11.3.5 Swell (pe
(percen
rcentag
tagee of init
initial
ial hei
height
ght)) to the nea
neares
restt
62.428 = conver
conversion
sion factor g/cm3 to lbf/ft3.
factor,, g/cm 0.1 %.
10.4 If the test specimen was soaked, calculate
calculate the percent 11.3.6 Stress-penetration curve.
swell as follows: 11.
1.3.
3.7
7 Correc
Corrected
ted CB
CBRR va
valu
luee of sa
samp
mplele (u
(uns
nsoa
oake
kedd or
soaked) at 0.10 in. (2.5 mm) penetration or at 0.20 in. (5.1 mm)
S5 S~ Df 2

hi
D i!
D 3 100
penetration, to the nearest 1 %.
11.3.8 Surcharge weight(s) used for the testing to the nearest
where: 5 lbf.
S = swell
swell ththat
at oc
occu
curr
rred
ed du
duri
ring
ng so
soak
akin
ing,
g, to ththee ne
near
ares
estt 11.3.9
11.3.9 Immer
Immersion
sion period, hours.
0.1 %,
Df = final dial
dial reading
reading of swell
swell measurement,
measurement, in.
in. (mm), 12. Pre
Precisi
cision
on and Bias
Di = initial dial
dial reading
reading of swell measure
measurement,
ment, in.
in. (mm), and 12.1 Precision—Test data on precision is not presented due
hi = height of test
test specimen
specimen before
before swell,
swell, in. (mm). to the nature of the materials tested by this test method. It is
11. Report: Test
Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s) either not feasible or too costly at this time to have ten or more
labora
lab orator
tories
ies par
partici
ticipat
patee in a rouround-
nd-rob
robin
in test
testing
ing pro
progra
gram.
m.
11.1 The met
method
hodolo
ology
gy use
usedd to spe
specif
cifyy how data are re-
Notwit
Not withst
hstand
anding
ing this stat
statemen
ementt the fol
follow
lowing
ing is ofoffer
fered
ed for
corded on the tes
corded testt dat
dataa she
sheet(s
et(s)/f
)/form
orm(s)
(s),, as giv
given
en bel
below
ow,, is
guidance:
covered
covered in 1.7 and in Pra Practic
cticee D6026
D6026.. An example of data
12.1.1
12.1. 1 Single operator,
operator, based on seven repetitions,
repetitions, coef
coefffi-
sheets is included in Appendix X2.X2. cient of variation (1S%) has been found to be 8.2 % (com-
11.2
11.2 Record as a minimu
minimum m the follow
following
ing general informa-
informa- pacted per Test Method D698 D698)) and 5.9 % (compacted per Test
tion (data): Method D1557
D1557). ). Therefore, results of two properly conducted
11.2.1
11.2.1 Any special sample prepa
preparation
ration and testing proce- tests
tests by th thee sa
same
me opoper
erato
atorr on th
thee sa
same
me ma
mater
terial
ial ar
aree no
nott
dures (for example, for self-cementing materials). expecte
exp ectedd to dif
differ
fer by mormoree tha
thann 23 % (co
(compa
mpacte
cted
d per Test
Test
11.2.2 Sample identification (location, boring number, etc.). Method D698 D698)) an and
d 17 % (c (com
ompa
pact
cted
ed peperr Tes
estt Me
Meth thod
od
11.2.3 Any pertinent testing done to describe the test sample D1557).
D1557 4
). See Appendix X3 for the data used.
such as: as-received water content per Test Method D2216
D2216,, soil 12.1.2
12.1. 2 Subco
Subcommittee
mmittee D18.05
D18.05 is seekin
seekingg any data from the
classifications per Test Method D2487
D2487,, visual classification per users of this test method that might be used to make a more
Practice D2488
D2488,, Atte
Atterbe
rberg
rg Limi
Limits
ts per Test Met
Method
hod D4318
D4318,, thorough
thoro ugh statemen
statementt on precis
precision.
ion.
gradation per Test Methods D6913/D6913M
D6913/D6913M,, etc.
11.2.4
11.2.4 The percent
percent material retained on the 19-mm
19-mm sieve for 12.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
those
tho se cas
cases
es whe
where
re sca
scalpi
lping
ng and replacem
replacement
ent is use
used
d to the method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
nearest 0.1 %.
11.2.5 Techn
Technician
ician name/initials of personnel performing the 13. Keyw
Keywords
ords

test. 13.1 Califo

California
rnia Bearing Ratio; CBR; pavement subgrade;
subgrade;
11.2.6
11 .2.6 Date(s
Date(s)) of testing
testing.. subbase; streng
subbase; strength;
th; pavem
pavement
ent design
11.3 Record as a minimum the following
11.3 following test specimen data:
11.3
1.3.1
.1 Method
Method use
used
d for pre
prepar
paratio
ation
n and com
compac
pactio
tionn of
specime
specimen:n: Test Meth
Methods
ods D698 or D1557
D1557,, or otothe
herr, wi
with
th 4
Thesee numbe
Thes numbers
rs repres
represent
ent the difference
difference limit (d2s) as descr
described
ibed in Prac
Practice
tice
description. C670.
C670.

10
 D1883 − 21

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. EXAMPLE OF COMPUTA

COMPUTATION TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF SURCHARGE WEIGHT

X1.1 The followin

X1.1 following
g exa
exampl
mplee (Fig. X1.1)
X1.1) presents how to π3 ~ D M! 2

SA 5 (X1.3)
determine the amount of surcharge weight, SW, to use for the 4 3 144
CBR test to produce an intensity of the pavement weight or
where:
other
NOTEloadin
loading
g specifie
specified.
X1.1—See Tabled.
X1.1 for SI equivalents. SA = sur
surfac
facee area, ft2.
area,
DM = dia
diamete
meterr of mol
mold,d, in.
in.
X1.2 Determ
Determine
ine the
the vertical
vertical stress
stress (σV) at the top of the soil
π3 ~ D M! 2
π3 ~6! 2

subgrade due to the Asphalt + Crushed Aggregate Base SA 5 5 5 0.196ft2 (X1.4)

4 3 144 4 3 144
T 1* γ 1 T N* γ N
σV 5 1 …… (X1.1)
12 12 X1.4 Determ
Determine
ine the surch
surcharge
arge weight,
weight, SW
SW,, in lbf, roun
rounded
ded
where: to the nearest 5 lbf.

T1..N = thickn
thickness
ess of
of layer,
layer, in. SW 5 σ V 3 SA (X1.5)
γ1..N = unit weight of material
material,, lbf/ft3
lbf/ft SW 5 168.7*0.196 5 33lbf, Use 35 lbf ( X1
X1 .6
.6 )
σV 5 ~ 8 ⁄ 12 * 148! 1 ~ 6 ⁄ 12 * 140! 5 168.7lbf/ft (X1.2)
2

X1.3 Determ
Determine
ine the surface area, SA, of the top of the 6 in.
CBR mold.

FIG. X1.1 Typical Pavement Section

11
 D1883 − 21
TABLE X1.1 SI Equivalents
Inch-Pound SI Inch-Pound SI Inch-Pound SI Inch-Pound SI Inch-Pound SI
Units, Equivalent, Units, Equivalent, Units, Equivalent, Units, Equivalent, Units, Equivalent,
in. mm lbf/ft3 kN/m3 lbf kg ft3 m3 lbf/ft2 kg/m2
6 152 140 22 5.0 1.9 0.196 0.006 168.7 823.7
8 203 148 23 35 13.0

X2. EXAMPLE DAT

DATA SHEETS

X2.1 Fig. X2.

X2.1
1 and Fig. X2.
X2.2
2 pro
provid
videe exa
exampl
mples
es of dat
dataa
sheets.

12
 D1883 − 21

FIG. X2.1 Data Sheet Example

13
 D1883 − 21

FIG. X2.2 Data Sheet Example

14
 D1883 − 21

X3. PRECISION DAT

DATA FOR SINGLE OPERA
OPERATOR
TOR

X3.1
X3.1 See Fig. X3.1 for more information.

FIG. X3.1 Compactive Effort

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (2016) that may impact the use of this standard. (November 15, 2021)

(1) Corrected several typos. (9) Corrected Fig. 5 to change line type to a dashed line.
(2) Updated the Referen
Referenced
ced Docum
Documents.
ents. (10) Reworded sentence structure to clarified wording through-
(3) Updated the signifi
significant
cant digits throu
throughout
ghout the Test Method
Method.. out the standard.
(4) Revisited the use of Shall and Should throughout the Test (11) Corrected equation in 10.3.
Method. (12) Added additional calculations into 10.4.
(5) Added the International caveat to Section 1. (13) Added Example X1.1 to Appendixes and rearranged and

(7) Revised
(6) Section
Added Note 1 to 3Section
to be in5.accordance with D18 SPM renumbered the Appendixes.
(8) Ed
Edite
ited
d 6.
6.1
1 an
andd 6.6.1.
1.1
1 to dedefin
finee Ax
Axia
iall Lo
Load
ad-M
-Meas
easur
urin
ing
g
Device and removed Table 1.

15
 D1883 − 21
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16