ASTM D1883-21 PDF
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St ASTM D1883-21
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Ст ASTM D1883-21
Original standard ASTM D1883-21 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASTM D1883-21 — Standard Test Method for California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of Laboratory-Compacted Soils. This test method describes preparation, soaking (when specified), and penetration testing of laboratory‑compacted soil specimens to determine the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) used for pavement and subgrade evaluation and design.
Abstract
ASTM D1883-21 specifies the procedure to determine a CBR value for soils compacted in the laboratory. The method addresses specimen molding, compaction to a specified dry unit weight or water content (commonly tied to Proctor/Modified Proctor results), optional soaking of specimens, a controlled‑rate penetration test, and calculation/reporting of CBR values for use in flexible pavement design and related engineering decisions.
General information
- Status: Active / Current.
- Publication date: 2021 (designation D1883‑21; ASTM listing updated Dec 10, 2021; published Nov 15, 2021 on some catalogs).
- Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
- ICS / categories: 93.020 — Earthworks; excavations; foundation construction; underground works.
- Edition / version: D1883‑21 (2021 revision of the D1883 series).
- Number of pages: 16 pages.
(General publication and status details from ASTM product listings and standards catalogs.)
Scope
This test method covers determination of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of laboratory‑compacted specimens and is primarily intended for materials with maximum particle size less than 3/4 in. (19 mm). The standard provides procedures for testing specimens at a specified moisture content or dry unit weight and allows for specimen soaking prior to penetration unless otherwise specified by the requesting agency. Results are used to evaluate strength of subgrade, subbase and base materials for flexible pavement and airfield design.
Key topics and requirements
- Specimen preparation and compaction: specimens compacted to project‑specified dry unit weight or moisture (commonly referenced to Standard Proctor or Modified Proctor results per D698/D1557).
- Mold and specimen dimensions: standard cylindrical molds (commonly 152.4 mm / 6 in. nominal diameter) with spacer disk, porous plates and surcharge arrangement as required by the method.
- Soaking requirement: unless otherwise specified, specimens are normally soaked prior to penetration (soak periods and surcharge during soaking are specified in the method and by the client).
- Penetration test parameters: penetration piston forced at a controlled rate (commonly 0.05 in./min = 1.27 mm/min); load readings recorded at specified penetration intervals (including key points at 0.1 in / 2.54 mm and 0.2 in / 5.08 mm) to produce a load‑penetration curve used to compute CBR.
- Calculation and reporting: CBR expressed as percentage (ratio of measured stress to standard reference stress at the same penetration), with reporting of specimen preparation details, moisture content, dry unit weight, any swell, and curve data.
Typical use and users
Used by geotechnical and pavement engineers, materials testing laboratories, transportation agencies (DOTs), consultants and researchers to quantify relative bearing strength of compacted subgrade/subbase materials for flexible pavement and airfield design, quality control, and comparative material evaluation. The method supports design decisions and construction acceptance criteria.
Related standards
Commonly referenced and related standards include ASTM D698 (Standard Proctor compaction), ASTM D1557 (Modified Proctor compaction), ASTM D4429 (CBR of field‑compacted materials), ASTM D3740 (laboratory quality), and various AASHTO equivalents (AASHTO T193 aligns with D1883). The method is produced under ASTM Committee D18 (Soil and Rock).
Keywords
California Bearing Ratio; CBR; laboratory‑compacted soils; penetration test; Proctor; compaction; subgrade; pavement design; soak; surcharge; D1883‑21.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASTM D1883‑21 is the ASTM test method that defines how to determine the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of soils compacted in the laboratory for use in pavement and subgrade evaluation.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers specimen molding and compaction to a specified density/moisture, optional soaking, controlled‑rate piston penetration, recording of load‑penetration data, calculation of CBR values and required reporting. The method is primarily intended for materials with maximum particle size less than 3/4 in. (19 mm).
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Geotechnical engineers, pavement designers, DOT/materials labs, consulting laboratories and researchers performing pavement material evaluation and construction quality control.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: D1883‑21 is the 2021 revision (current/active edition as listed by ASTM at the time of publication updates). Users should confirm the latest active designation directly from ASTM for any changes after 2021.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: Yes — D1883 is part of ASTM Committee D18 series on soils and rock test methods; earlier editions exist (for example D1883‑99, D1883‑14, etc.) and agencies sometimes reference AASHTO equivalents (T193). Consult committee references for companion practices and related tests.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: California Bearing Ratio, CBR, laboratory‑compacted soils, penetration, Proctor, compaction, pavement subgrade, soak, D1883.