Published: 2025-12-22

Comparison of field methods for evaluating subgrade bearing capacity based on the CBR index: analysis of test results obtained using the Panda penetrometer and the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer

Agata Kowalewska , Tomasz Gajda

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of two field methods for determining the California Bearing Ratio (CBR), namely the Panda cone penetrometer and the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). The tests were carried out at an airport facility, covering 10 measurement points, and the data obtained was subjected to statistical and comparative evaluation. Due to formal restrictions, it was not possible to collect soil samples, which made it impossible to perform laboratory tests as a reference method. However, a strong correlation was found between the CBR values obtained by the field methods (Pearson r = 0.895), which confirms the possibility of using them interchangeably under certain conditions. The advantages and limitations of dynamic methods in the context of airport and road infrastructure testing were also discussed.

Keywords:

bearing capacity, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), field tests, subgrade soils

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Kowalewska, A., & Gajda, T. (2025). Comparison of field methods for evaluating subgrade bearing capacity based on the CBR index: analysis of test results obtained using the Panda penetrometer and the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer. Roads and Bridges – Drogi I Mosty, 24(4), 591–596. https://doi.org/10.7409/rabdim.025.039

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