CBR Practicum Report - Basic Soil Mechanics

Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Civil Engineering Department – Faculty of Engineering

Universitas Indonesia
NAME : Sunandana Rakha Raspati 210

Lucken Felario 210
Mohamad Taariq Yanuar 2106657903
GROUP : K-08
DATE OF EXPERIMENT : Sunday, April 24th 2021
TITLE OF EXPERIMENT : California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
ASSISTANT : Juan Fidel Ferdani
PARAF DAN NILAI :
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”
Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook by Soil Mechanics Laboratory from

Faculty of Engineering of University of Indonesia.
B. Objectives
To determine the value of CBR (California Bearing Ratio), which 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
test.
C. Equipment and Materials

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
Materials
• Soil sample sieve through no. 4 ASTM for 3 bags @ 5kg
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:
𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 (𝑝𝑠𝑖)
𝐶𝐵𝑅 = × 100%
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 (𝑝𝑠𝑖)
With Standard Unit Stress on penetration value:
The load can be determined from penetration dial reading that is correlated with the
Calibration Prooving 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 inch) penetration. But,
if the CBR for 5.0 mm penetration is greater, the test needs to be repeated. If the
second test have a greater CBR value than the 5,0 mm penetration, the CBR value
can be used.
In CBR test, there are two test 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 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 occurrence
under the pavement load when it is soaked, also give the indication of soil strength
weakening because of the soaking that happened. The CBR values 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).
E. Additional Theory
The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is a measurement of a layer of soil or
pavement's penetration load versus standard materials, carried out at the same depth
and speed of penetration. The CBR value can be used to determine the road's
construction method, thickness, and roughness.
The value listed on the CBR is used as the basis for planning the pavement
contained in the road embankment, the amount depends on how many road classes
are desired. If the total CBR value is likewise higher, the condition of the subgrade
will be better.If the original CBR value is low, however, the road construction will
be more readily destroyed.
This CBR number can be increased by compacting, but in reality it will correspond
to the moisture content and maximum dry density stated.
II. PRACTICUM
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 bags. 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:
𝑉𝑎𝑑𝑑 = 𝑊𝑋−𝑊0 1+𝑊0 × 𝑤 = … ml (5.5)
3. After the soil sample is mixed with water evenly, let it ripened for about 24
hours before the compaction process.
B. Testing Procedure
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 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”, 0.250”.
3. Penetrate the sample in soaked condition.

a. After the unsoaked condition experiment, soak the soil sample for about
96 hours to know the CBR value in swelling condition.
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 form the water tub, then
penetrate the sample like in the unsoaked condition, but the surface being
test 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 in 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
Mould Dimension K-08

Diameter (cm) 15.24
Mould Dimension Height (cm) 11.5
Volume (cm3) 2098.61
Water Content (%) 32.2
Unsoaked Data Wmould (gr) 3520
Sample Wtotal (gr) 7686
Wsoil (gr) 4166
Wcan (gr) 17.56
Soaked Data
Wwet (gr) 232.73
Sample
Wdry (gr) 167.57
LRC (lbf/div) 23.2203
Penetration (inci) Unsoaked Soaked
0.025 14.9 14
0.05 28.8 27.4
CBR Dial Test 0.075 44 40.7
Readings 0.1 57 52.9
0.125 71.7 66
0.15 84 79.1
0.175 96 91.3
0.2 107.4 103.6
Dial Swelling
Dial Swelling
Reading (at 96th 222
(div)
hour)
A 3 in^2
B. Data Calculation
1. Calculation of water content
a. Unsoaked (From the observation data)
Wc = 32.2 %
b. Soaked
𝑊𝑤𝑒𝑡 − 𝑊𝑑𝑟𝑦
𝑊𝑐 = × 100
𝑊𝑑𝑟𝑦 − 𝑊𝑐𝑎𝑛
232.73 − 167.57
𝑊𝑐 = × 100
167.57 − 17.56
𝑊𝑐 = 43.4371 %
Where:
o Wcan (gr) = Weight of can
o Wwet (gr) = weight of wet soil + can
o Wdry (gr) = weight of dry soil + can
c. Percentage change in water content from unsoaked

𝑊𝑐 (𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑑) − 𝑊𝑐 (𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑑)
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = | | × 100
𝑊𝑐 (𝑠𝑜𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑑)
43.4371 − 32.2
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = | | × 100
43.4371
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 34.8978 %
Calculation of Water Content (%)

Unsoaked Data 32.2
Soaked Data 43.4371
Difference 34.8978
2. Calculation of Density
𝑊𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡
𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡 = ; 𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 =
𝑉𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 1 + 𝑊𝑐
Where:
Wsoil (gr) = Total weight – Weight of mould
Vsoil (cm3) = Volume of soil = Volume of mould
Wc = Unsoaked water content
➢ Wet density
4166
𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡 =
2098.61
𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡 = 1.9851
➢ Dry density
𝛾𝑤𝑒𝑡
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 =
1 + 𝑊𝑐
1.9851
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 =
1 + 32.2
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 = 2.3071
Calculation of Density
Wet Density 1.9851
Dry Density 2.3071
3. Calculation of pressure
𝑃 𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶)
σ= =
𝐴 𝐴
Where:
σ = pressure (psi)
P = force (pounds)
A = piston area (inch2) = 3 inch2
M = dial reading
LRC = calibration factor
➢ Penetration of 0.025
Unsoaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 14.9 (23.2203)
σ= = = 115.3275
𝐴 3
Soaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 14 (23.2203)
σ= = = 108.3614
𝐴 3
Unsoaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 28.8 (23.2203)
σ= = = 222.9149
𝐴 3
Soaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 27.4 (23.2203)
σ= = = 212.0787
𝐴 3
Unsoaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 44 (23.2203)
σ= = = 340.5644
𝐴 3
Soaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 40.7 (23.2203)
σ= = = 315.0221
𝐴 3
Unsoaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 57 (23.2203)
σ= = = 441.1857
𝐴 3
Soaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 52.9 (23.2203)
σ= = = 409.4513
𝐴 3
Unsoaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 71.7 (23.2203)
σ= 𝐴
= 3
= 554.9652
Soaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 66 (23.2203)
σ= = = 510.8466
𝐴 3
Unsoaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 84 (23.2203)
σ= = = 650.1684
𝐴 3
Soaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 79.1 (23.2203)
σ= = = 612.2419
𝐴 3
Unsoaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 96 (23.2203)
σ= = = 743.0496
𝐴 3
Soaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 91.3 (23.2203)
σ= = = 706.6711
𝐴 3
Unsoaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 107.4 (23.2203)
σ= 𝐴
= 3
= 831.2867
Soaked
𝑀(𝐿𝑅𝐶) 103.6 (23.2203)
σ= = = 801.8744
𝐴 3
Calculation of pressure
Penetration Dial Reading Pressure (Psi)
(inch) Unsoaked Soaked unsoaked soaked
0.025 14.9 14 115.3275 108.3614
0.05 28.8 27.4 222.9149 212.0787
0.075 44 40.7 340.5644 315.0221
0.1 57 52.9 441.1857 409.4513
0.125 71.7 66 554.9652 510.8466
0.15 84 79.1 650.1684 612.2419
0.175 96 91.3 743.0496 706.6711
0.2 107.4 103.6 831.2867 801.8744
4. Calculation of CBR Value

𝑀 (𝐿𝑅𝐶)
𝐶𝐵𝑅 =
𝐴 ×𝑁
Where :
A = piston area (inch2) = 3 inch2
M = dial reading
LRC = calibration factor
N = Standard Value
= 1000 (untuk 0,1 inch)
= 1500 (untuk 0,2 inch)
Unsoaked
𝑀 (𝐿𝑅𝐶) 57 (23.2203)
𝐶𝐵𝑅 = = = 44.119
𝐴 ×𝑁 3 ×1000
Soaked
𝑀 (𝐿𝑅𝐶) 52.9 (23.2203)
𝐶𝐵𝑅 = = = 40.945
𝐴 ×𝑁 3 ×1000
Unsoaked
𝑀 (𝐿𝑅𝐶) 107.4 (23.2203)
𝐶𝐵𝑅 = = = 55.419
𝐴 ×𝑁 3 ×1500
Soaked
𝑀 (𝐿𝑅𝐶) 103.6 (23.2203)
𝐶𝐵𝑅 = = = 53.458
𝐴 ×𝑁 3 ×1500
Calculation of CBR Value

penetration Dial Reading CBR Value
(inch) Unsoaked Soaked unsoaked soaked
0.1 57 52.9 44.119 40.945
0.2 107.4 103.6 55.419 53.458
5. Calculation of Swelling
(𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔)(0.001)(2.54)
𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 =
(𝑀𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡)
(222)(0.001)(2.54)
𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 =
(11.5)
𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 4.9033
Calculation of Swelling
4.9033
Penetration VS Pressure
900.0000
800.0000
700.0000
600.0000
Pressure
500.0000
400.0000
300.0000
200.0000
100.0000
0.0000
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25
Penetration
Unsoaked Soaked
Graph 1. Relation Between Penetration and Unsoaked and Soaked Pressure
Relation Between Unsoaked and soaked Dial Reading and

Pressure
1000.000
800.000
Pressure
600.000
400.000
200.000
0.000
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Dial Reading
Unsoaked pressure Soaked pressure
Graph 2. Relation Between Unsoaked and Soaked Dial Reading and Pressure
IV. ANALYSIS
A. Experimental Analysis
The goal of this experiment is to to determine the value of CBR (California Bearing
Ratio), which 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 test.
This experiment requires several tools such as compaction hammer with 10 lbs
weight, mould with 6” diameter, spoon for mixing soil, container to mix soil with
water, water sprayer bottle, steel knife with straight edge, scale, oven, aluminum
can, stopwatch, circle shaped load with ± 10 lbs weight, water tub, perforated disk
with swell measuring dial, and CBR test unit. For the materials we need soil sample
sieved through no. 4 ASTM for 3 bags, each bag has 5kg weight.
The things that should be prepared to reach the goal of this experiment is 3 soil
sample plastic bags that sieves through No. 4 ASTM with the weight of 5 kg. Plan
the water content for every plastic bags. 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. After the soil sample is
mixed with water evenly, let it ripened for about 24 hours before the compaction
process.
In the next day, after 24 hours ripened process, compact the soil sample like the
compaction experiment. Penetrate the sample in unsoaked condition. First thing
first is 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
ring load until it touches the soil surface. Check and set load and dial to zero. Do a
constant penetration for 0.05“/minute. 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”,
0.250”. After the unsoaked condition experiment, soak the soil sample for about 96
hours to know the CBR value in swelling condition. 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. After about 96 hours,
lift the mould and soil out form the water tub, then penetrate the sample like in the
unsoaked condition, but the surface being test is the other side. 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.
B. Data and Result Analysis
According to the theory, the penetration, dial reading and pressure values of the soil
sample are directly proportional. When higher penetration or higher dial reading
occurs, the pressure will rise as well. Also, the dry density is proportional to the
value of CBR. The greater the dry density value, the higher the CBR value. In short,
that when the soil sample has a lower water content, the soil sample is stronger.
Based on graphs 1 and 2, the increase in pressure is also following by an increasing

in dial reading and penetration, this means that it is in accordance with theory. As
we can see, the unsoaked soil sample has a higher pressure and CBR value than the
soaked one, it’s because the soaked soil sample has a higher water content which
leads to decreasing of the bonding of the soil particle.
C. Error Analysis
The errors that may occur in this practicum are:
▪ The problem of the oven which can lead to the invalidity of data.
▪ The practican added the additional water unprecisely.
▪ The soil sample is not soaked in exactly 96 hours to obtained the unsoaked
condition.
V. APPLICATION
The practical application of this practicum in the civil engineering contruction is to
determine the strength of the soil to withstand the load. The CBR value is used to
determine the subgrade's strength. The carrying capacity of the soil at maximum
density determines the structural strength of a road pavement on highways. The road
will be readily harmed if the pavement is not sufficiently strong. In addition, the CBR
value is used to calculate pavement thickness and assess the necessity for pavement
maintenance and improvement.
VI. SUMMARY
• To determine the value of CBR (California Bearing Ratio), which defined as the
value on maximum water content condition or in certain water content from the
compaction test.
• The percentage of water content in unsoaked condition is 32.3 % while in the
soaked condition is 43.4371 %.
• The wet density of the soil sample in this experiment is 1.985 𝑔𝑟⁄𝑐𝑚3 while the
dry density is 2.3071 𝑔𝑟⁄𝑐𝑚3.
• Based on the data computations, the CBR value of the soil sample ranges from
good to very good quality for base or sub base.
• The swelling value of this soil sample is 4.9033 based on the data computations.
VII. 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”

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.
Konstruksi. Uji California Bearing Ratio. Retrieved Mei 10th 2022, from
https://www.pengadaan.web.id/2020/11/uji-california-bearing-ratio-cbr.html
VIII. APPENDIX
Figure 1. Recording the Dial Reading

(Source: Practicum Video, 2022)
Figure 2. Strinking The Soil with Compaction Hammer

(Source: Practicum Video, 2022)

CBR Practicum Report - Basic Soil Mechanics

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Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Civil Engineering Department – Faculty of Engineering

NAME : Sunandana Rakha Raspati 210

SNI 1744:1989 “Metode Pengujian CBR Laboratorium”

Soil Mechanics Experiments Handbook by Soil Mechanics Laboratory from

C. Equipment and Materials

With Standard Unit Stress on penetration value:

3. Penetrate the sample in soaked condition.

C. Differences with ASTM

III. DATA COMPUTATIONS

Mould Dimension K-08

c. Percentage change in water content from unsoaked

Calculation of Water Content (%)

Wsoil (gr) = Total weight – Weight of mould

Vsoil (cm3) = Volume of soil = Volume of mould

Wc = Unsoaked water content

A = piston area (inch2) = 3 inch2

LRC = calibration factor

4. Calculation of CBR Value

A = piston area (inch2) = 3 inch2

LRC = calibration factor

= 1000 (untuk 0,1 inch)

= 1500 (untuk 0,2 inch)

Calculation of CBR Value

Relation Between Unsoaked and soaked Dial Reading and

B. Data and Result Analysis

Based on graphs 1 and 2, the increase in pressure is also following by an increasing

SNI 1744:1989 “Metode Pengujian CBR Laboratorium”

Figure 1. Recording the Dial Reading

Figure 2. Strinking The Soil with Compaction Hammer

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