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CBR & Plate
Bearing Testing

California Bearing Ratio and plate bearing testing for road, pavement and foundation design. Expert guidance interpreting results — anywhere in the UK.

Road Design
Pavement Design
Foundation Design
Results Interpreted
UK-Wide
California Bearing
CBR Test Origin
Roads + Slabs
Primary Applications
In-Situ
Testing Method
UK-Wide
Coverage
About This Service

The Data Behind
Every Road & Foundation

The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test was founded in California and is now widely used throughout the world to design roads, pavements and concrete slab foundations. It assesses the strength of sub-grade soils by measuring the resistance of the material to penetration of a standard plunger under controlled conditions.

The plate bearing test measures the bearing capacity and stiffness of the ground by applying incremental loads to a steel plate on the ground surface and measuring the resulting settlement. It provides data for foundation design and is particularly useful for heavier loading scenarios such as warehouses, industrial floors and heavy vehicle areas.

GeoPrime Solutions have extensive experience carrying out CBR and plate bearing tests across the UK. We understand that confusion often arises between which test is required and how to read the results — we provide clear guidance on both, ensuring you get the information you need to design with confidence.

Both tests can be carried out as part of a wider site investigation programme alongside trial pitting, borehole drilling or other investigation methods.

When You Need It
  • Road and highway design
  • Car park construction
  • Hardstanding and yard areas
  • Concrete slab foundations
  • Warehouse and industrial floors
  • Pavement assessment
  • Access track design
  • Solar farm infrastructure
CBR
The Process

How CBR Testing Works

01
Site Preparation
The test location is agreed and prepared. For in-situ CBR tests, the ground surface is levelled and any loose material removed to expose the sub-grade being tested.
02
Test Setup
The CBR penetration apparatus is set up on the test surface. For plate bearing tests, the steel plate and loading equipment are positioned and the datum beam is installed.
03
Testing
For CBR tests, the plunger is driven into the ground at a controlled rate with load and penetration recorded. For plate bearing, incremental loads are applied and settlement measured at each increment.
04
Results & Advice
Results are calculated and presented clearly. We provide expert guidance on interpreting the results and their implications for your design — not just the numbers, but what they mean for your project.
Applications

Where CBR Testing
is Required

Roads & Highways
CBR testing for adoptable road design on residential and commercial developments to Local Authority and Highways England standards.
Car Parks
Sub-grade testing for car park construction on new developments — both block paving and tarmacadam surfaces.
Industrial Floors
Plate bearing testing for warehouse, logistics and industrial floor slab design where heavy racking and forklift loading is anticipated.
Solar Farms
CBR testing for access track and hardstanding design on solar farm and renewable energy developments across the UK.
Housing
Sub-grade testing for estate road design on housing developments — an essential requirement for adoptable highway construction.
Haulage & Logistics
Heavy duty yard and hardstanding design for HGV turning areas, loading bays and distribution centre infrastructure.
GeoPrime Solutions

The Numbers.
The Meaning.
The Advice.

We don't just hand you a result. We tell you what it means for your project and what to do with it.

Why Choose Us

Why GeoPrime for CBR Testing

Results You Understand
We understand that confusion often arises around which test you need and how to interpret the results. We provide clear, practical guidance — not just data, but advice you can actually use.
Experience Across the UK
Our team have carried out CBR and plate bearing tests on projects across the UK in a wide range of ground conditions. That experience means fewer surprises on site.
Combined Programmes
CBR and plate bearing testing can be combined with trial pitting, borehole drilling or other investigation methods as part of a single, efficiently managed investigation programme.
Other Services

Related Services

Trial & Hand Pitting
Cable Percussive Drilling
Window Sampling & Dynamic Probing
Ground Penetrating Radar
Coring
UXO Borehole Clearance
Common Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

A CBR test assesses the strength of sub-grade soils for road, pavement and foundation design by measuring resistance to penetration of a standard plunger under controlled conditions.
A plate bearing test measures the bearing capacity and stiffness of the ground by applying incremental loads to a steel plate on the ground surface and measuring the resulting settlement. Used for foundation and floor slab design.
CBR tests measure shear strength for road and pavement design. Plate bearing tests measure bearing capacity for foundation and slab design. We can advise on which is most appropriate for your project.
CBR tests are required for roads, car parks, hardstandings, pavements and concrete slabs. If you are planning any surface carrying vehicular loading, you will likely need one.
Yes — we provide clear guidance on interpreting CBR and plate bearing results and their implications for your design. We understand that the numbers alone can be confusing and we're always on hand to talk you through them.
TEST

Need CBR Testing
on Your Site?

Call us or send an enquiry — we respond fast.

07541 553837
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