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Dynamic Cone Test

Best for CBR > 5

Measure hammer blows / 100mm to calculate mm/blow Source Fig 5.1 of Austroads PDG (2004)

Source VicRoads TB 40

Static Cone Test

Best for soft clays CBR < 5

Record resistance to penetration measured every 30mm at penetration speed of 1mm/min

Source VicRoads TB 40

Subgrade Material Tests

Bearing/Shear Strength Swell Grading (Select Fill) Liquid Limit (LL) Plastic Limit (PL) Plasticity Index (PI) Stability of Select Fill Density, Optimum Moisture Content and Moisture Ratio Permeability CBR % Swell Test Sieve Analysis Atterberg Test Atterberg Test LL - PL PI x % < 0.425mm Compaction Permeameter

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Liquid Limit & Plastic Limit Tests

Mixing

Liquid Limit

Linear Shrinkage Plastic Limit

Permeameter
Constant head permeameter
Measures permeability of materials in m/sec

Source - VicRoads TB 39

Relationship between Moisture, Density & CBR Strength

Shows difference in CBR when specimen is compacted 1% above & below OMC Source Fig 5.1 Austroads PDG (2004)

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Assigning a CBR Strength (Cont (Contd)

For a minimum of 10 field estimated CBRs (dynamic or static cone) the 10th percentile value is normally used (90% of results exceed this value) or use

Assigned CBR = Mean SD x 1.3

Provided the SD / Mean < 0.25

Laboratory CBR tests not usually in sufficient numbers to apply statistical formula. The following is a good general guide: 3 tests - Adopt mean value of lowest two results 6 tests - Adopt second lowest test result or the mean value of the lowest three tests whichever is the lesser
Source - Austroads PDG Subsection 5.5 VicRoads Co P No. RC 500.20

Example 1 Dynamic Cone Tests

Ten Dynamic cone test gave the following Estimated CBR results at 14 sites (Minimum should be 10 for this method to be used) :

7, 8, 6, 7, 7, 5, 8, 9, 5, 6, 4, 7,6, 5 What CBR value would you apply to this set of results ?

Example 1 Dynamic Cone Tests

7, 8, 6, 7, 7, 5, 8, 9, 5, 6, 4, 7,6, 5
SD = 1.4 Mean = 6.42 SD/Mean = 1.4/6.42 = 0.22 CBR = Mean SD x 1.3 = 6.42 1.3 x 1.4 = 4.6 Say 4.5% OK (Max < 0.25)

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Example 2 Dynamic Cone Tests

Ten Dynamic cone test gave the following Estimated CBR results for 14 sites:

2, 8, 6, 4, 15, 10, 6, 5, 3, 7, 5, 6, 4, 5
What value would you assign to this set of 14 DCP results ?

Example 2 Dynamic Cone Tests

2, 8, 6, 4, 15, 10, 6, 5, 3, 7, 5, 6, 4, 5
SD = 3.25 Mean = 6.14 SD/Mean = 3.26/6.14 = 0.53
Too variable (Max < 0.25)

If formula is applied CBR = Mean SD x 1.3 = 6.14 1.3 x 3.25 = 1.92 (Too low)

Example 2 Dynamic Cone Tests (Cont (Contd)

If the highest and lowest values are ignored leaving the following following 12 test results

2, 8, 6, 4, 15, 15, 10, 6, 5, 3, 7, 5, 6, 4, 5

SD = 1.91 Mean = 5.75 SD/Mean = 1.91/5.75 = 0.33 Still too variable (Max < 0.25)

Try again by deleting the highest and lowest leaving 10 test results results (min required)

2, 8, 6, 4, 15, 15, 10, 10, 6, 5, 3, 7, 5, 6, 4, 5

SD = 1. 26 Mean = 5.6 SD/Mean = 0.23 (< 0.25 therefore OK) Mean - 1.3 x SD = 5.6 1.3 x 1.26 = 3. 3.96 Say 4%

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Example (Lab. Soaked CBRs) CBRs)

Six Lab Soaked CBR tests produce the following results:

2, 5, 6, 7, 5, 8
What value would you assign to these ?

Example (Lab. Soaked CBRs) CBRs)

2, 5, 6, 7, 5, 8
Lower of the Mean of the lowest 3 results or the second lowest value. Second Lowest Value = 5.0% Mean of Lowest Three = (2+5+5)/3 = 4.0% Assigned CBR = 4.0%

Presumptive Values of CBR

For very small jobs where testing cannot be justified presumptive values may be considered.

Source Table 5.4 Austroads PDG (2004)

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