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CBR Operating Instructions

This document provides guidance on conducting California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests according to different standards, including British Standard BS 1377, American Standard ASTM D1883, and in-situ testing. It describes the necessary equipment, procedures, and calculations for sample preparation including compaction and swelling, as well as penetration testing to determine the CBR value. Maintenance tips are provided to ensure proper functioning of testing equipment.

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Ahmet Tasdemir
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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
789 views18 pages

CBR Operating Instructions

This document provides guidance on conducting California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests according to different standards, including British Standard BS 1377, American Standard ASTM D1883, and in-situ testing. It describes the necessary equipment, procedures, and calculations for sample preparation including compaction and swelling, as well as penetration testing to determine the CBR value. Maintenance tips are provided to ensure proper functioning of testing equipment.

Uploaded by

Ahmet Tasdemir
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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California Bearing Ratio, BS, ASTM and In-situ

24-9182 to 24-9341

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
California Bearing Ratio, BS, ASTM and In-situ

24-9182 to 24-9341

ELE International Distributor: ELE International


Chartmoor Road, Chartwell Business Park Soiltest Product Division
Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4WG PO Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539
England USA
phone: +44 (0) 1525 249200 phone: +1 (800) 323 1242
fax: +44 (0) 1525 249249 fax: +1 (970) 663 9781
email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
http://www.ele.com http://www.eleusa.com
ELE International, a division of Hach Lange Ltd.

In the interests of improving and updating its equipment, ELE reserves the right to alter specifications to equipment at any time
ELE International 2003 

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Contents

Section Page

1 Introduction 3
2 Part 1 British Standards BS 1377 3
2.1 General requirements for compaction sampling 3
2.2 Requirements for swelling 4
2.3 Requirements for penetration test 5
2.4 Operational notes – 6
Use of moulds
Compaction
Swelling
Penetration
3 Part 2 In-situ CBR 10
3.1 Introduction 10
3.2 Requirements for in-situ tests 10
3.3 In-situ test procedure 11
3.4 Laboratory conversion 13
4 Part 3 ASTM D1883 14
4.1 Requirements for compaction 14
4.2 Requirements for swelling 15
4.3 Requirements for penetration test 15
4.4 Operational notes – 16
Compaction
Swelling
Penetration
5 Maintenance 18
5.1 Moulds 18
5.2 Swell equipment 18
5.3 Penetration equipment 18

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1 Introduction
1.1 The California Bearing Ratio test or CBR test is an empirical test which was first
developed in California, USA, for estimating the bearing value of highway subgrades.
The test follows a standardised procedure, although the British (BS 1377) and
American standard (D 1883) differ in many minor ways, resulting in sets of equipment
to suit each technique.
1.2 The in-situ test was developed by the US Corps of Engineers and follows a standard
procedure specified in BS 1377 and ASTM D 4429. It offers a means of estimating in-
situ CBR on the construction site.
1.3 This manual is intended as a guide to the various techniques involved and is divided
into 3 parts. Part 1 British Standards, Part 2 American Standards and Part 3 In-situ
Testing. Where appropriate reference is made to the operating instructions for the
various test machines available from ELE International.
1.4 To obtain a detailed understanding of the California Bearing Ratio test, the related
calculations, and the evaluation of results, it is recommended that the reader refers to
a copy of "Manual of Soil Laboratory Testing”, Volume II by K H Head. Available from
ELE (reference 90-0080), and the relevant standards.
1.5 Throughout this document the products are listed in unit quantity unless otherwise
stated. The operator will need to define his expected quantity requirements.
2 Part 1 BS 1377 Methods of Test for Soils for Civil Engineering Purposes
2.1 General requirements for sample preparation

2.1.1 Laboratory static compaction (figure 1)


Methods 1 and 2
1 Mould body 24-9198
2 Extension collar 24-9200
3 Solid base plate (2 no.) 24-9204
4 C-spanner (2 no.) 24-9208
5 Base plate tool 24-9210

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6 Tamping rod 34-0130


7 Concrete compression machine
(minimum 300 kN capacity)
8 Static compaction plug
1 no. required for method 1 and
3 no. required for method 2 24-9212
9 Filter papers 24-9220
2.1.2 Laboratory dynamic compaction (figures 1 and 2)
Methods 3 and 5
1 Mould body 24-9198
2 Extension collar 24-9200
3 Solid base plate (2 no.) 24-9204
4 C-spanner (2 no.) 24-9208
5 Base plate tool 24-9210
9 Filter papers 82-7876
10 2.5 kg rammer* 24-9002
or 4.5 kg rammer* 24-9004
* alternative auto compactor 24-9090 series
2.1.3 Field sampling
1 Mould body 24-9198
15 Cutting collar 24-9206
2 Extension collar 24-9200
3 Solid base plate 24-9204
4 C-spanner (2 no.) 24-9208
5 Base plate tool 24-9210
17 Shovel 81-0240
18 Perforated base plate 24-9202
Driving rammer 29-5440
2.1.4 Miscellaneous requirements
BS sieves
Metal straight edge
Balance 25 kg
Spatula
Apparatus for moisture content
Trays and scoops
Sample extruder
2.2 Requirements for swelling (figure 5)
Additional equipment to that used for sample preparation
18 Perforated base plate* 24-9202
19 Swell plate* 24-9260
20 Swell tripod* 24-9262
21 Swell dial gauge* 24-9275
* one required for each mould assembly. Each assembly will also require an
extension collar 24-9200.
22 Soaking tank 24-9268
23 2 kg surcharge weight (annular) 24-9214
24 2 kg surcharge weight (split) 24-9216

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2.3 Requirements for penetration test (figure 6)

2.3.1 Standard laboratory test


Method
Additional equipment to that used for compaction and swelling
25 CBR load frame with * 24-9150 series
26 Stabilising bar
27 Load measuring device 78-0760
28 Penetration piston 24-9182

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29 Penetration gauge 24-9186


30 Bracket and adaptor 24-9188
* alternative load frames – 25-3700 series or 25-3516 series
2.4 Operational notes
2.4.1 Use of moulds
The CBR mould is designed to allow various components to be fitted to the mould
body.
To obtain a long life, it is essential to keep the threaded sections of all components
clean, free from dirt and lightly oiled.
Note: oiling is essential during the swelling stage.

2.4.2 Compaction (static) (figure 7)

Two methods are used, in both cases pre-determined quantities of soil are pressed into
the mould body using a compression machine.
In method 1, all the soil is tamped into the mould before using of the compaction plugs
to compress the soil until the top of the plug is level with the top of the extension collar.
In method 2, the sample is split into 3 equal parts and each layer is compressed in
turn. Three compaction plugs are required for this procedure.

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Each plug is provided with a detachable handle for ease of placing in the mould
Dynamic compaction (using rammer) (figure 8).

The correct use of a rammer is to hold the casing vertical just above the surface of the
soil, raise the rammer to its maximum height and allow it to free fall. The operation is
repeated evenly over the soil surface until the required number of blows have been
applied.
Automatic compactors are available as an alternative to hand rammers.
Where large numbers of tests are required, the use of an automatic compactor is
preferred. Operation of this type of product is detailed in the respective instruction
manual.
2.4.3 Field sampling (figure 10)
The CBR mould may be used to obtain samples direct from the field.
Fit a cutting ring to one end of the mould and an extension collar to the other. Two
solid base plates will also be required with grease or wax to seal the sample after
collection and trimming.
Prepare the ground at the place to be sampled and then press the mould assembly
into the ground until full. Recover by digging out; remove the collar and cutting shoe,
then trim off both ends and seal with the two base plates.

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2.4.4 Swelling (figure 11)


Often the lowest CBR value will be obtained when the soil is in a saturated condition.
Soaking the sample will cause swelling which must be recorded for corrections to
volume and density to be determined.
To achieve saturation, the solid base plate of the mould is replaced by a perforated
plate.
The apparatus is assembled as shown, with the swell plate placed on the surface of
the soil and the tripod and swell gauge resting on top of the extension collar.
Surcharge weights should be added to represent the designed overburden loads
expected in the completed road structure (2 kg represents approximately 70 mm of
pavement construction).

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Maintain the water level in the tank until the soaking procedure is completed.
After completing saturation and when not in use keep the various parts of the
apparatus dry.
2.4.5 Penetration (figure 12)
The technique calls for a penetration plunger of specified cross-sectional area to be
pressed into the soil at a constant rate of 1mm/min, to a depth not exceeding 7.5 mm.
The force applied to achieve the penetration is recorded at intervals of penetration.
From the data obtained the CBR value can be determined.

Different models of CBR load frames are available to carry out the test. Details are
given in the ELE Materials Testing catalogue.
The prepared test sample and mould should be assembled as shown.
Include surcharge weight to represent the design overburden loads of the road
structure.
During loading there is a tendency for the plunger to move sideways. To prevent this,
a stabilising bar (26) is fitted to the load frame assembly.
It is essential to keep the bearing of the stabilising bar clean and lightly oiled.

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3 Part 2 In-situ Field CBR Test


3.1 Introduction
The in-situ test was developed by the US Corps of Engineers and follows a standard
procedure specified in BS 1377 and ASTM D4429. It offers a means of estimating in-
situ CBR on the construction site.
3.2 Requirements
3.2.1 In-situ test (figure 13) BS 1377
36 Ball seating attachment 24-9300
31 45 kN mechanical jack 24-9290
34 Load ring (28 kN) 78-0760
39 Bracket and adaptor 24-9188
29 Penetration dial gauge 24-9186
41 Set of extension rods 24-9308
42 Datum bar assembly 24-9312
28 Penetration piston 24-9182
63 Surcharge weight (annular) 4.5 kg 24-9320
64 Surcharge weight (slotted) 4.5 kg 24-9322

3.2.2 Laboratory conversion (figure 14)


32 Conversion frame and 29-9341
33 Stabilising bar
23 Surcharge weight (annular) 4.5 kg 24-9320
24 Surcharge weight (split) 4.5 kg 24-9322
3.2.3 In-situ test (figure 13) ASTM D 4429
34 10 kN load ring 78-0460
28 kN load ring 78-0760
28 Penetration piston 24-9182

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40 Penetration dial gauge 24-9184


39 Bracket and adaptor 24-9188
31 45 kN (10,000 lb) mechanical jack 24-9290
36 Ball seating attachment 24-9300
41 Set of extension rods 24-9308
42 Datum bar assembly 24-9312
63 Surcharge weight (annular) 4.5 kg 24-9320
64 Surcharge weight (slotted) 4.5 kg 24-9322
Surcharge weight (slotted) 9.1 kg 24-9324
3.3 In-situ test
3.3.1 Reaction (figures 15 and 16)

To carry out an in-situ penetration test requires a stable reaction force, that will permit
the required rate of penetration of the plunger.
A bracket is available (24-9298) for ELE equipment and is designed to fit Landrover
series 90 and 110 in place of the standard tow bar attachment.
It comprises the bracket (38) and an attachment plate (61) supplied with the
necessary fixing bolts (63).
Note: 2 bushes (62) are provided and are required on the two lower bolts when fitting
to certain types of Landrover.
The bracket can also be mounted to any rigid vertical surface that can absorb the
required energy (30 kN or more) and is provided with 4 x M16 bolts and 4 nuts and
bolts.
Any mobile reaction should be jacked up off the road wheel suspension springs
before conducting a test.

3.3.2 Assembly (figures 16 and 17)

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With the 8 bolts provided, first assembly the ball seating to the mechanical jack and
then to the bracket.
With the mechanical jack fully retracted, connect the load ring onto the threaded
piston.
Jack the reaction to the required height and select the length of extension rod (see
table 1) to fit between the load ring and the penetration plunger.
The maximum available run out for the jack is 100 mm. To take up the necessary
daylight the jack can be run out quickly by pulling out the key (46) and rotating the
knurled head to the jack (47). Hold the load ring to prevent rotation.
Alternatively the reaction support jacks could be lowered. Care must be taken not to
apply a load to the penetration plunger.
Connect the penetration dial gauge to the load ring by using either the adaptor or the
bracket and the adaptor.
Arrange the datum bar assembly to align with the dial gauge and adjust to a
convenient zero point.
Note: ensure that the supports for the datum bar stand on firm ground.
Place the required surcharge weights around the plunger to represent expected total
overburden.

Effective length
Upper adaptor 55 mm
Extension 1 50 mm
Extension 2 50 mm
Extension 3 254 mm
Extension 4 356 mm
Extension 5 457 mm
Extension 6 610 mm
Lower adaptor 30 mm
Penetration piston 69 mm
Table 1 Extension rods
3.3.3 Test procedure
The principle of the test is to determine the load required during the procedure to
cause the plunger to penetrate the soil at the rate of 1 mm/min (1.27 mm/min ASTM).
The penetration gauge rotates one mm/revolution or 0.05 inch/revolution according to
the type fitted, which equals the required rate/minute. Using a suitable clock, wind the
hand crank (48) at a rate to achieve the required rate of penetration.
Readings of load should be taken at each 0.25 mm of penetration (each ¼ gauge
pointer rotation) up to 7.5 mm penetration or at the specified penetration for ASTM
type tests.
As detailed in the introduction, reference should be made to “The Manual of Soil
Laboratory Testing” for appreciation of the data, calculations and analysis of the
results obtained.

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3.4 Laboratory conversion (figure 19)

3.4.1 When considering the operation of site laboratories, there may be the requirement to
conduct both in-situ and laboratory tests for CBR. The ELE conversion frame permits
the use of the in-situ jack unit to conduct CBR tests in the laboratory.
3.4.2 The ball seating (36) is not required in the laboratory test.
Before use check that the 4 nuts (35) securing the columns are tight.
Assemble the jack (31) to the mounting pad on the conversion frame.
3.4.3 Assemble the other components as for the standard laboratory test.
3.4.4 Conduct the penetration test in accordance with the preferred standard laboratory
test.
Note: fit the appropriate penetration gauge for ASTM or BS tests.
4 Part 3 ASTM D 1883 Standard Test for California Bearing Ratio of Laboratory
Compacted Soils
4.1 Requirements for compaction
Laboratory (figure 20)
50 Mould body 24-9228
Solid Base Plate 24-9234
52 Extension collar 24-9230
53 Spacing disc 24-9238
54 Rammer 5.5 lb 24-9063
55 Rammer 10 lb 24-9070

56 Perforated base plate 24-9232


9 Filter papers 24-9250

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4.1.1 Field sampling

Although this is not listed in the standard, ELE offer a cutting collar (24-9236), to
permit the use of the mould body to cut samples in the field.
The operator will work in a similar manner to that for the British Standard. However,
care must be taken not to damage the lugs on the side of the mould body. Also, a
suitable container that can be sealed will be required to hold the sample until testing.
4.1.2 Miscellaneous equipment
ASTM sieves
Metal straight edge
Balance 25 kg
Moisture content apparatus
Spatula
Trays and scoops
4.2 Requirements for swell (figure 21)

Additional equipment to that used for compaction


56 Perforated base plate* 24-9232
19 Swell plate* 24-9260
20 Swell tripod* 24-9262
40 Penetration/swell dial gauge* 24-9184
* one required for each mould assembly
22 Soaking tank 24-9268
58 10 lb surcharge weight (annular) 24-9243
59 5 lb surcharge weight (split) 24-9244

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4.3 Requirements for penetration test (figure 22)


4.3.1 Standard laboratory test
Additional equipment to that required for compaction and swell
25 CBR load frame * with 24-9150 series
26 Stabilising bar
27 Load measuring device 78-0760
28 Penetration piston 24-9182
60 Penetration/swell gauge 24-9184
30 Bracket and adaptor 24-9188
* Alternative 25-3700 series or 25-3516 series
4.4 Operational notes

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4.4.1 Compaction (figure 23) (see ASTM D1883)

Assemble the solid mould base plate and collar to the mould body.
Place the spacer disc into the mould with the extraction handle hole facing down, and
place a filter disc on top.
Fill and compact the soil according to the selected procedure detailed in ASTM D698
or ATSM D1557.
When the compaction is complete, remove the extension collar and scrape off the
surplus soil.
Place a filter disk on the surface of the soil, fit another baseplate. Invert the complete
assembly and remove the original baseplate. Screw in the handle of the spacer disk
and remove the disc.

4.4.2 Swelling (figure 24)

Assemble the apparatus as shown using the required surcharge weights to represent
the designed overburden pressure.
Ensure free access of the water to both upper and lower surfaces of the soil.

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4.4.3 Penetration (figure 25)

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The penetration test will be conducted in a similar manner to that for British Standard
methods, except that the rate of penetration should be 0.05 in/minute (1.27
mm/minute).
Refer to the relevant standard or to the “Manual for Soil Laboratory Testing” for
interpretation of results.
5 Maintenance
5.1 Moulds
Moulds, collars, base plates etc. should be kept clean, dry and lightly oiled.
5.2 Swell equipment
5.2.1 Swell gauges should be checked for free movement of the mechanism. When not in
use, keep stored away from moist and dusty atmospheres.
5.2.2 Surcharge weights should be stored dry.
5.2.3 Regularly oil the adjustable anvil of the swell plate.
5.3 Penetration equipment
5.3.1 The care and maintenance of the load frame and load measuring device will be
detailed in the relevant operating instructions.
5.3.2 Check the penetration gauge for free movement. Store away from dusty laboratory
conditions.
5.3.3 Clean the end of the plunger after each test or series of tests.

18 9901X0228 Issue 2

Common questions

Powered by AI

Improper handling or preparation of soil samples in CBR testing can lead to several challenges that significantly affect test outcomes. Key issues include inaccuracies in soil density and moisture content if samples are not compacted correctly or are exposed to unintentional drying or saturation . Misalignment or inappropriate assembly of test apparatus can skew penetration measurements, leading to unreliable CBR values . Errors in applying surcharge weights can result in incorrect simulation of field conditions, thereby misrepresenting the soil's load-bearing capacity . Each of these factors could introduce variability and inaccuracies, thus compromising the reliability and applicability of the CBR test results to real-world engineering problems .

Laboratory and in-situ CBR tests differ in their testing environments and procedures. Laboratory CBR tests involve controlled conditions where a soil sample is compacted in a mould and subjected to penetration load to determine its bearing ratio . This test allows for precise control of moisture and compaction . In contrast, in-situ CBR tests are conducted directly on construction sites using mechanical jacks and other field equipment to measure soil strength as it exists naturally . In-situ testing follows standards like ASTM D4429 and offers practical assessments of soil strength in existing field conditions but is subject to more environmental variables .

Surcharge weights are used in CBR testing to simulate the overburden pressures that soil would experience in real field conditions, such as those under a road or pavement structure. These weights apply additional pressure to the soil sample to mimic the stress from overlying layers during testing. In both laboratory and in-situ tests, specific weights are placed on top of the soil during the swelling and penetration stages . For instance, a 2 kg surcharge weight represents an equivalent overburden load typically expected in a thin pavement structure . By accounting for these pressures, the CBR test provides more accurate predictions of soil performance under actual service conditions .

When conducting in-situ CBR tests using a mechanical jack, several operational considerations are critical to ensure accurate and reliable results. A stable reaction force must be established to permit the required penetration rate of the plunger without sideways movement, necessitating the use of a stabilizing bar and proper setup on a solid base . Additionally, ensuring that the penetration gauge is accurately aligned and calibrated is essential for recording precise measurements . The mechanical jack should also be correctly assembled and maintained, with particular attention given to the cleanliness and oiling of critical components . These steps prevent errors in data collection and ensure that the applied loads accurately reflect field conditions .

Dynamic compaction differs from static compaction chiefly in its method of application and the equipment used. Dynamic compaction involves using a rammer of specific weight (e.g., 2.5 kg or 4.5 kg) to repeatedly drop onto the soil from a fixed height, allowing gravity to compact the soil by kinetic energy . This approach mimics the effects of field vibratory and impact forces . In contrast, static compaction involves pressing soil into a mould using a mechanical press, resulting in a more controlled application of pressure . The choice between dynamic and static compaction is determined by the test's objectives and volume of samples, with dynamic methods preferred for larger batches due to the availability of automatic compactors .

The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is a crucial measurement in civil engineering used to determine the strength and load-bearing capacity of subgrade soils, aggregate base courses, and subbase materials. The test assesses the resistance of soil to penetration under controlled conditions. In the laboratory, CBR is determined by preparing a soil sample in a mould and measuring the force required to penetrate it with a plunger at a constant rate of 1 mm/min up to a depth of 7.5 mm . Different methods such as static and dynamic compaction are used depending on the sample preparation requirements . In situ, CBR tests involve using equipment like a mechanical jack and a penetration piston to measure the soil's resistance under field conditions , following standards such as BS 1377 and ASTM D4429.

In CBR testing, the swelling behavior of the soil is accounted for by immersing the compacted sample in water to achieve full saturation, thereby causing the soil to swell. This process is essential because it simulates the worst-case conditions where the soil might have to support loads while being fully saturated . Swelling is measured using dial gauges that record the increase in soil volume, which is crucial for making corrections to soil strength calculations as volume changes affect density and, consequently, the CBR value . Correctly accounting for swelling ensures more accurate assessments of soil behavior under probable service conditions, such as post-rainfall saturation in subgrades and pavements .

The ASTM D1883 and BS 1377 standards for CBR testing differ in certain specified components and methodologies. For ASTM D1883, specifications include a 5.5 lb and 10 lb rammer for sample compaction , whereas BS 1377 offers a broader range of compaction techniques such as static and dynamic compaction . Equipment like moulds, extension collars, and base plates are present in both standards, but ASTM typically requires components like spacing discs that are not explicitly listed in BS specifications . Furthermore, ASTM tests may incorporate slightly different procedural elements, such as the use of sealing containers for samples and alternative handling methods for certain apparatus, adapting the requirements to its context of application and standards .

The static compaction test in the laboratory is performed using specific equipment, including a mould body, extension collar, and solid base plate. The soil is compacted using a compression machine. In method 1, the entire soil sample is first tamped into the mould, then compacted with plugs until level with the extension collar. In method 2, the soil is divided into three equal parts and compacted layer by layer using three plugs . This method involves pre-determined quantities of soil and requires lubrication of the threaded sections of the equipment to ensure longevity and accuracy of the results .

Maintaining cleanliness and applying light oiling to equipment components during the swelling stage of laboratory CBR testing is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and longevity of the equipment. The threaded sections of the CBR mould and other components must be kept clean and lightly oiled to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation during testing. This is particularly important during the swelling stage, as swelling can affect the volume and density measurements of the soil sample being tested . Proper maintenance thus ensures the reliability of test results and the effective functioning of the equipment over time .

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