Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Universitas Indonesia

SOIL MECHANICS EXPERIMENT REPORT

NAME : Putri Yohana 2106718110

GROUP
DATE OF EXPERIMENT
TITLE OF EXPERIMENT
ASSISTANT
INITIAL & GRADE
Muhammad Farrel A. 2106718174
Muhammad Arvarefo A. 2106658490
: K-05
: Sunday, April 17 2022
: California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
: Juan Fidel Ferdiani
:

I. INTRODUCTION
A. References
ASTM D 1883 “Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
Laboratory-Compacted Soils”
AASHTO T 193 “Standard Method of Test for the California Bearing Ratio”
SNI 1744:1989 “Metode Pengujian CBR Laboratorium”

B. Objectives
To determine the value of CBR (California Bearing Ratio), which is
defined as the value on maximum water content condition or in certain water
content from the compaction test.
This CBR value is a method for quality and strength evaluation from
subgrade, sub base, and base soils layer on a pavement based on laboratory tests.

C. Equipments and Materials

a. Equipment
● Compaction Hammer (10 lbs)
● Mould (diameter 6”)
● Spoon for mixing soil
● Container to mix soil with water
● Water Sprayer Bottle
● Steel Knife (straight edge)
● Scale
● Oven
● Aluminum can
● Stopwatch
● Circle shaped load (± 10 lbs)
● Water tub
● Perforated disk with swell measuring dial
● CBR test unit

California Bearing Ratio 1

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

b. Material

● Soil sample sieve through no. 4 ASTM for 3 bags @ 5kg

Figure 1. Equipment of CBR: a) CBR Machine;b) Holed Plate with dial;c) Metal weight

D. General Discussion
CBR value is a comparison between soil sample strength (with certain
density and water content) and dense crushed stone strength as a standard
material with CRB value = 100. To determine CBR value, the equation below
can be used:
!"#! %&'! ()*+ (-#')
𝐶𝐵𝑅 = #!*&+*/+ %&'! ()*+ (-#') × 100%

With Standard Unit Stress on penetration value:

California Bearing Ratio 2

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

Table 1. Standard Unit Stress for CBR test

The load can be determined from penetration dial reading that is correlated with
the Calibration Proving Ring graph.

𝑇𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 (𝑃𝑠𝑖) = 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝜎)

𝑃 𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶)
𝜎 = =
𝐴 𝐴
Where,
A = Piston area
P = M. LRC
M = dial reading
LRC = Calibration Factor

CBR value is determined from the load ratio for 2,5 mm (0,1 in.)
penetration, however if the CBR for 5 mm penetration is greater, the test needs
to be repeated. If the second test has a greater CBR value than the 5 mm
penetration, the CBR value can be used.
In the CBR test, there are two tests that will be done – unsoaked
condition test and soaked condition tests. The unsoaked condition test can be
done right after the soil sample is compacted. The soaked condition test is done
after the soil sample inside the mould is soaked for 96 hours while being loaded
with surcharge load corresponding to the pavement pressure. The swell reading
is also done for a certain time interval.
The soaking is done to know the CBR value in soaked condition. The
CBR value for the soaked condition will give information about the soil
expansion occurring under the pavement load when it is soaked, and also give
the indication of soil strength weakening because of the soaking that happened.
The CBR value is used to know the soil quality, especially when it is used as
base layer and subgrade layer under the road pavement or airfield pavement.
Below is the CBR value and its classification according to The Asphalt
Handbook (1970).

California Bearing Ratio 3

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

Table 2. CBR Value, Quality, Purpose and Classification System

II. GENERAL PROCEDURES

A. Preparation
1. Prepare 3 soil sample plastic bags that sieves through No. 4 ASTM with
the weight of 5 kg.
2. Plan the water content for every plastic bag. This water content will vary
through -2% to -2.5% and +2 s/d +2.5% from the optimum compaction
water content. To make the desired water content, find the initial water
content first. Then add certain water volume (V) to attain the desired
water content for the soil, using this equation:
𝑊𝑥 − 𝑊𝑜
𝑉𝑎𝑑𝑑 = × 𝑤 = . . . 𝑚𝑙
1 + 𝑊𝑜
3. After the soil sample is mixed with water evenly, let it ripened for about
24 hour before the compaction process.

B. Testing Procedures
1. Compact the soil sample like the compaction experiment.
2. Penetrate the sample in unsoaked condition.
a. Weigh the soil and mould, then put it on the CBR machine and
give the ring load on top of the soil sample surface. The piston is
then located in the middle of the ring load until it touches the soil
surface.
b. Check and set load and dial to zero.
c. Do a constant penetration for 0.05“/minute.
d. Take note of the dial’s reading for these penetrations: 0.025”,
0.050”, 0.075”, 0.100”, 0.125”, 0.150”, 0.175”, 0.200”.
3. Penetrate the sample in a soaked condition.
a. After the unsoaked condition experiment, soak the soil sample
for about 96 hours to know the CBR value in swelling condition.

California Bearing Ratio 4

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

b. take note of the swelling for the first one hour and two hour after
the sample is laid inside the water tub. Take note of the readings
for the 24th, 48th, 72nd, and 96th hour.
c. After about 96 hours, lift the mould and soil out of the water tub,
then penetrate the sample like in the unsoaked condition, but the
surface being tested is the other side.
d. After it is finished, remove the soil sample and take some of the
upper layer, middle layer, and bottom layer of the soil to
determine the water content.

C. Differences with ASTM

1. According to ASTM, dial reading is done for the first hour, second, third, the
second day, the third day, and fourth day. But for this experiment, the reading
is only done for the first two hours and then continued on the second day,
third day, and fourth day.
2. According to ASTM, the dial reading is done until the dial shows 0.3“, but
for this experiment, the dial reading is done until the dial shows 0.25“.

III. DATA COMPUTATIONS

A. Data Results
From the experiment regarding California Bearing Ratio (CBR), one can obtain
the data below.

Mould Dimension K-05

Diameter (cm) 15,26
Mould Dimension
Height (cm) 11,53

Water Content (%) 32,09

Unsoaked Data
Wmould (gr) 3519
Sample
Wtotal (gr) 7684

Wcan (gr) 17,59

Soaked Data Sample Wwet (gr) 232,71

Wdry (gr) 167,59

CBR Dial Test LRC (lbf/div) 23,2203

Readings Penetration (inci) Unsoaked Soaked

California Bearing Ratio 5

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

0,025 14,9 14,1

0,05 28,8 27,2

0,075 44,2 40,7

0,1 57,4 52,9

0,125 71,9 66,1

0,15 83,6 79,5

0,175 95,9 91

0,2 107,1 103,2

Dial Swelling
Reading (at 96th Dial Swelling (div) 222
hour)
Table 3. Data from the Practicum

B. Data Calculations
1. Water Content
01"! 2 0+/3
● 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 (𝑊𝑐) = 0+/3 2 04*& × 100
232,71 𝑔𝑟 − 167,59 𝑔𝑟
= × 100
167,59 𝑔𝑟 − 17,59 𝑔𝑟
= 43,41%
04(#)*5"+) 2 04(6&#)*5"+)
● 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = G 04 (6&#)*5"+)
G × 100
43,41 % − 32,09 %
=H H × 100
32,09 %
= 98,64713826 %
2. Density
𝑊 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙
● 𝛾 𝑤𝑒𝑡 = 𝑉 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙
4165 𝑔𝑟
=
2108,76535 𝑐𝑚3
= 1,975089362
= 1"!
● 𝛾 𝑑𝑟𝑦 = 1>04
1,9750893619
= 43,41
1 + 100
= 1,495260324

California Bearing Ratio 6

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

3. Pressure
Example :
● Penetration of 0,025 inch
𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑑
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶)
𝜎 =
𝐴
14,9 × 23,2203 𝑙𝑏𝑓/𝑑𝑖𝑣
=
3 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ 3
= 115,32749 𝑃𝑠𝑖

𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑑
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶)
𝜎 =
𝐴
14,1 × 23,2203 𝑙𝑏𝑓/𝑑𝑖𝑣
=
3 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ 3
= 109,13541 𝑃𝑠𝑖

Dial Reading Pressure (psi)

Penetration (in.)
Unsoaked Soaked Unsoaked Soaked

0,025 14,9 14,1 115,32749 109,13541

0,05 28,8 27,2 222,91488 210,53072

0,075 44,2 40,7 342,11242 315,02207

0,1 57,4 52,9 444,28174 409,45129

0,125 71,9 66,1 556,51319 511,62061

0,15 83,6 79,5 647,07236 615,33795

0,175 95,9 91 742,27559 704,3491

0,2 107,1 103,2 828,96471 798,77832

Table 4. Pressure Calculation

4. CBR Value
𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑑
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶)
0.1" 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
𝐴. 𝑁
57,4 (23,2203)
=
3.1000
= 44,43 %
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶)
0.2" 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
𝐴. 𝑁

California Bearing Ratio 7

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

107,1 (23,2203)
=
3.1500
= 55,26 %

𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑑
?(@AB)
0.1" 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = C.E
52,9 (23,2203)
=
3.1000
= 40,95 %
?(@AB)
0.2" 𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = C.E
103,2 (23,2203)
=
3.1500
= 53,25 %

Penetration Dial Reading CBR Value (%)

(in.) Unsoaked Soaked Unsoaked Soaked
0,1 57,4 52,9 44,43% 40,95%
0,2 107,1 103,2 55,26% 53,25%
Table 5. CBR Calculation

5. Swelling
(#1"(( +'*( /"*+'&F)(0,001)(2,54)
● 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 = (?)%(+ H"'Fℎ!)
× 100
(222 𝑑𝑖𝑣)(0,001)(2,54)
= × 100
(11,53 𝑐𝑚)
= 4,890546401 %

IV. ANALYSIS
A. Experimental Analysis
The objective of this laboratory test is to determine the CBR (California
Bearing Ratio) value of the soil sample at the optimum water content (Wopt)
condition and a moisture content range. The test is done at optimum water
content, which is a vital factor in the soil’s strength.
The materials and equipment needed for this experiment are, a CBR
machine for compacting, a hammer for the compaction process, a mould to fit
in the soil sample before compaction. A container for placing the soil, a
stopwatch or any timing device to measure the time, stirrer to mix soil with
water, water spray bottle for wetting the soil, a balance to weigh the soil sample,

California Bearing Ratio 8

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

oven to dry the soil sample, water bath for submerging, a perforated plate, base
plate to contain the sample when the compaction process happens.
Before starting the experiment, the practitioner needs to prepare 5 kg of
3 soil samples which sieves through No.4 ASTM. Then, continue by weighing
the can with soil (Wsoil+can) and the can (Wcan) itself. Next, put the soil
sample inside the oven for approximately 24 hours to remove the water content
in the soil sample. Next, weigh the soil sample to obtain the dry weight of the
soil (Wdry). Afterwards, the practitioner needs to prepare the water content for
every plastic bag with a specific amount desired. The optimum water content
will range through -2 % to -2,5 % and +2 % until 2,5 % from the optimum
compaction of water content. The optimum water content is when the soil
sample achieves its maximum mechanical strength, the step before is to prove
it.

The practitioner continues by transferring 5 kg of soil sample to each

plastic bag, filling the measuring cup with water volume (Vadd). A flat surface
is useful when measuring the volume of water. Then, using the stirrer, the
practitioner mixes the soil sample with water in the measuring cup. The mixing
process must be done until the soil is spread equally in its pores or well mixed.
The mixture is then put into the plastic bag to be left for 24 hours. This is done
so that water can be absorbed properly into the pores.
To prepare the mould and hammer, it is coated with oil to prevent the
soil sample from sticking to the mould. The practitioner needs to attach the
mould base and insert paper coated with oil to prevent soil sticking to the mould.
The mould is locked tightly so that it doesn not shift during the compaction
process in the CBR machine. The three layers of soil in the mould must be
compacted beforehand, whereas each soil has a height a bit more than one third
of the mould's height, shrinking when compacted to the desired level. The
flattening of the soil surface with a leveling tool must be done and measured
each time. The practitioner strikes the sample with the hammer 28 times. This
is done since the soil level will be checked after 28 times of strike. If the height
reaches the desired level, striking of the hammer is done again until a total of
56 times. This similar process is done to the second and third layer. When done
until full, the soil needs to be flattened using the knife, so that the volume of
soil is the same as the mould.
To test the resistance of the soil to CBR, the practitioner must first
remove the mould from the mat and weigh the soil inside. Continue to CBCR
penetration test in an unsoaked condition with the ring load above the surface
of the sample, on the base plate. The two dial gauges, the top one which shows
the dial pressure and the bottom, which shows the penetration of the piston. The
engine lever is then turned clockwise to lower the piston until it contacts the soil
surface. Continue by marking the movement of the dial pressure gauge, and

California Bearing Ratio 9

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

turning the needle back to zero. The CBR penetration is turned on at a rate of
0,025’’ per minute. Record the dial gauge pressure reading at 63, 127, 190,254,
317, 380, 444, 508. Afterwards, the CBR machine is turned off, along with
turning the level counterclockwise to lift the piston in order to eject mould from
the CBR machine, and the practitioner removes the mould from the machine.
The soaked soil condition and swelling value is obtained by soaking the
soil sample. The practitioner puts the sample in the mould and the ring load
above the surface so that the soil swells evenly. Place the dial gauge above the
mould, it must touch the middle of the ring load. Calibrate the dial gauge by
turning the needle back into zero. Lastly, the practitioner should mark the
location of the dial on the mould with correction tape to locate the initial position
of the dial.
The soil sample is soaked in water, completely submerged. Continue to
record the dial reading after the 1st hour, 2nd hour, 24th hour, 48th hour, and
98th hour, or a total of four days. The similar process of CBR penetration test
is done to the soaked soil sample from the process before. In addition, the mould
is put on the extruder machine lightly for extruding. When removing the soil
sample, take some part of the upper, middle and bottom section, which is
considered as the first, second, and third layer, to determine the water content
individually.
From the observation data, the percentage of soaked water content (Wc)
found is 43,41%. From the Wc value, the percentage change in water content
from unsoaked condition can be calculated at about 35,28 %. The volume of
soil (Wsoil) should be equivalent to the volume of mould (Wmould). With the
volume of soil known, the wet soil density (γwet) can be determined at
1,975089362 𝑔/𝑐𝑚3 and the dry soil density (γ dry) at 1,495260324 𝑔/𝑐𝑚3 .
Finally, the CBR value is calculated only for the 0,1 and 0,2 inch penetration
level. Each type of penetration has a different standard value (N), 1000 Psi is
the standard value for 0,1 inch, while 1500 Psi is for 0,2 inch. Greater
penetration will result in a greater standard value (N), since it will decrease the
soil strength.

B. Data and Results Analysis

From the calculations before, the wet soil density (γwet) is shown to be
more dense than the dry soil density (γ dry), since the pores of the soil absorb
water when soaked.

California Bearing Ratio 10

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

Figure 2. Relationship between penetration and pressure

From Figure 2, the practitioner can conclude that the value of

penetration and pressure is proportional. As mentioned before, the greater the
penetration results in the greater the pressure. The unsoaked condition has a
greater pressure compared to the soaked condition, since the water content is
lower, which results in an increase in its particle bonding. In addition, the
obtained CBR value of unsoaked and soaked soil at 0,1 and 0,2 inch can be
concluded in Table 5. The value of unsoaked CBR value is a little higher
compared to the soaked CBR sample. This is because an unsoaked soil sample
has a lower water content. Hence, the value of CBR should be in line with the
value of dry density. Therefore, lesser value of water content results in a greater
strength of soil. In this experiment, the soil sample is found to be at a good to
very good quality.
In addition, swelling is also calculated from the dial reading and mould
height, at 0,04890546401. Swelling tells the practitioner the expansiveness of
soil or how it responds to moisture. Greater water content will have a smaller
swelling value since it already holds water, while the unsoaked condition will
have greater swelling value since the pores initially contain lesser water.

C. Error Analysis
These are the following errors that may occur when conducting this experiment
:
- The inaccurate calculation of water content, addition of water, which
will affect the final result.

California Bearing Ratio 11

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

- The mixing of the soil and water is not thorough, or when transferred to
the plastic bag, which will lead to data deviations.
- The practitioner might calibrate the dial gauge or read it incorrectly.
- Incorrect timing in soaking soil samples may also cause errors to the
data.

D. Applications
The CBR value is a value which indicates the strength of a compacted
soil in the laboratory, which helps determine the thickness of the pavement layer
required for road construction, etc. The pavements should be able to withstand
the load received by the soil below. Vehicles, pedestrians, etc passing on the
road itself are also taken into account. Exceeding loads that may cause damage
to the road are therefore not recommended. The CBR value is usually
determined at the base, sub-base, and subgrade layers of the pavement.

V. CONCLUSION
- The purpose of this experiment is to determine the CBR (California Bearing
Ratio) value of the soil at the optimum water content (Wopt) condition and a
moisture content range.
- From the observation data, one can obtain the percentage of soaked water
content (Wc) at 43,41%.
- The soil has a wet soil density (γwet) and dry soil density (γ dry) can be
determined at approximately 1,975089362 𝑔/𝑐𝑚3 and 1,495260324 𝑔/𝑐𝑚3 .
- From Table 2, one can conclude that the CBR value of the soil sample ranges
between good to a very good quality.
- In the subsequent step, calculation of swelling can be calculated from the
acquired swell dial reading and mould height, at 4,890546401.

VI. REFERENCES
Syihan, Ahmad and Bahsan, Erly. (2007). Soil Mechanics Handbook, Faculty of
Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (2007)

American Society for Testing and Materials. Annual Book of ASTM

Standards, D 1883- 99 Standard Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
Laboratory-Compacted Soils.

VII. APPENDIX

California Bearing Ratio 12

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

Figure 3. Mixing soil sample with water

Source: Practicum Video, 2022

Figure 4. Compacting the soil with hammer

Source: Practicum Video, 2022

California Bearing Ratio 13

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Indonesia

Figure 5. Inserting Dial Gauge

Source: Practicum Video, 2022

Figure 6. Taking Notes of the Dial Gauge Pressure at a Certain Time

Source: Practicum Video, 2022

California Bearing Ratio 14