The equipment utilized for conducting California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests on-site is designed to assess the load-bearing capacity of soil or other compacted materials directly in the field. These devices typically consist of a loading frame, a calibrated load application system, a penetration piston, and instrumentation for measuring the applied force and resulting penetration depth. For example, a portable unit might employ a hydraulic jack to apply force to the soil while a dial gauge precisely measures the piston’s movement.
The ability to evaluate soil strength in situ offers several advantages, including minimizing sample disturbance and providing a more representative assessment of actual ground conditions. This information is crucial for the design and construction of pavements, foundations, and other earthwork structures. Early adoption of this method significantly improved the reliability and cost-effectiveness of road construction by allowing engineers to tailor designs to the specific characteristics of the local soil.
