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Contents
Introduction
Objective
Apparatus
Description of Test
Results
Calculations
Relevance to Geotechnics
Soil Description and Conclusion
References
Introduction
Shear strength is the property that enables a material to remain in equilibrium when its
surface is not level. (Smith, 2006) The direct shear test is used to determine the shear
strength of soils on a predetermined failure surface. This test is used to measure the
shearing resistance, un-drained shear strength, and dilative and contractive tendencies
in soils. (Fratta et al, 2007) The results can then be used to determine the allowable
bearing capacity of foundations and stability of retaining walls, cuttings and
embankments.
Objective
To determine the angle of shearing resistance of a sample of sand; the test may be
carried out either dry or fully saturated but not anywhere in between.
Apparatus
Motorised shear box
Electronic balance
Horizontal and vertical measuring gauges
Assorted steel weights
Lever arm attachment
Tamper
Proving Ring
Description of Test
Three samples of the same soil are placed into the shear box, which has two stacked
squares to hold the sample. A confining stress is applied to the sample and the upper
square is pulled laterally until the sample fails. The normal stress applied, the vertical
displacement and proving ring are recorded at regular and frequent intervals.
angle of shearing resistance ( ) can be determined and used to calculate the active lateral
pressure coefficient (Ka) which is then used in the design of retaining walls.
References
Smith, I. 2006. Smiths Elements of Soil Mechanics. 8th Ed. Blackwell Publishing Fratta.
2007, Introduction to Soil Mechanics Laboratory Testing. CRC Press Liu, C. Evett, J B.
2000. Soil Properties: Testing, Measurement and Evaluation. 4th Ed. Carlisle Publishers
British Standards Institute 1999. BS5930: 1999
British Standards Institute 1999. BS1377: 1999