California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Russian Snow Penetrometer (RSP) application on snow pavements

<jats:p>This study investigates the application of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and Russian Snow Penetrometer (RSP) methods for evaluating snow pavement strength in remote, cold regions While CBR is widely accepted as the gold standard for characterizing the load-bearing capacity of conventional granular materials, its use on snow is rare because of logistical challenges and the unique mechanical behavior of snow. To address this, field CBR testing was conducted over a 30 hr period on processed snow pavement, with results compared to RSP measurements taken in similar settings. Despite inherent difficulties in setup and execution, field CBR testing provided valuable time-stamped strength data, capturing the progression of snowpack stiffening over time. Findings affirm the viability of both methods for monitoring snow pavement performance, though RSP offers greater ease and depth coverage. The combined application of CBR and RSP testing enhances understanding of snow pavement behavior and informs engineering practices for infrastructure on snow-covered terrains.</jats:p>