CBR Testing with ZMA Data Acquisition

Amazeng Technical Team
5 min read
CBR TestSoil TestCalifornia Bearing RatioZMARoad Construction

Introduction

California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is a standard test for measuring soil bearing capacity. Used in road, airport and railway construction to determine soil strength. Modernize your CBR testing data collection process with the ZMA series.

What is CBR Testing?

Standard Procedure

  1. Sample Preparation: Cylindrical sample (152mm diameter x 116mm height)
  2. Penetration: Pushing with standard piston at 2.54mm/min speed
  3. Recording: Load (kN) vs. Penetration (mm) curve
  4. Calculation: CBR = (Standard / Measured) x 100

Critical Data Points

  • kN value at 2.5mm penetration
  • kN value at 5.0mm penetration
  • Peak load (maximum force)

Traditional Methods vs ZMA

Old Method

  • Manual data recording
  • Graph paper reading
  • Manual Excel transfer
  • Time waste: 15-20 minutes per test

ZMA Solution

  • Automatic data recording
  • Instant graphic display
  • Modbus TCP transfer to Linux panel
  • Test time: 3-5 minutes

ZMA Integration

Connection Diagram

Load Cell → ZMA-1000 → Modbus TCP → Industrial Panel (Linux) → Automation Software

ZMA's 24-bit ADC resolution provides accurate readings even at low load values. 1000 Hz sampling speed plots detailed penetration curve.

Laboratory Integration

Linux Panel Options

  • Qt-Based HMI: Touch screen with instant monitoring
  • SCADA Connection: Central database transfer
  • Automation: Processing test results with n8n or Node-RED

Advantages

  1. Speed: Data automatically recorded
  2. Accuracy: Human error elimination
  3. Reporting: Automatic CBR report
  4. Archiving: Historical database

Conclusion

ZMA integration in CBR tests increases laboratory efficiency by 3-4 times. Modernize with ZMA Data Acquisition.

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