How is the strength of soil typically represented in the California Bearing Ratio?

The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is a crucial measure used in civil engineering, particularly for evaluating the strength and load-bearing capacity of soil and subgrade materials for road construction and pavement design. The CBR value is expressed as a percentage, which represents the ratio of the pressure required to penetrate the soil with a standard piston to the pressure required to achieve the same penetration in a standard crushed stone material. By using a percentage, it becomes easier to compare the strength of different soil types and ensure that they meet the required standards for construction projects.

This method of representation allows engineers to quickly assess the suitability of soil for various applications, making the CBR a widely acknowledged and standardized measure in geotechnical engineering.