How is a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value ideally interpreted?

The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is a measure used to evaluate the strength of a material, specifically soil or aggregate, in terms of its ability to support load. A higher CBR value reflects a material's capacity to resist deformation under loading conditions, indicating a stronger material that can support heavier weights without significant failure or instability.

CBR values are typically reported as a percentage, and materials with higher CBR percentages demonstrate greater bearing capacity, which is essential for applications in roadway design and construction. Therefore, interpreting higher values as indicative of a stronger material aligns with foundational geotechnical principles. This is crucial for engineers and technicians when assessing the suitability of materials for various construction projects. Higher CBR values suggest that the material can effectively perform in structural applications, thus influencing design decisions.