Direct shear test for cohesive soils is conducted using a motorised and manual mode shear box equipment. Soil shear strength parameters are essential for stability as every physical structure imposes some load on the soil that supports the foundations. Direct shear apparatus is mainly used to determine shear strength of soils.

Specification

For determining the direct shear strength of soil or specimen size 60 mm x 60 mm x 25 mm, the direct shear apparatus consists of the following:

Loading Unit

This unit is provided with load yoke with direct and lever system for attaching balanced and detachable lever. There is provision for applying the load either through steel balls recessed in the loading pad or directly on the pre calibrated loading yoke. The loading unit is also provided with V strip and roller strip for frictionless movement of shear box cover.

Besides loading unit, there are some other essential accessories and optional accessories supplied with direct shear apparatus.

Essential accessories includes :

• High sensitivity compression proving ring cap 200 kg
• One consolidation dial gauge 0.01 mm x 25 mm
• One strain dial gauge 0.01 x 25mm.

Optional accessories includes:

• Additional set of weights to give a normal stress 5kg/sq cm.
• Soil sampler for 60 mm x 60 mm specimen
• Test form pad of 50.

Spare accessories include a porous stone for 60 mm x 60 mm size sample and is available in pairs.

Application

This apparatus can be used to determine the shear strength of soil. Some areas where the apparatus finds application are :

• Construction (Buildings, Bridges, Dams, etc.)
• Testing of Rock Samples
• Testing of Minerals
• Mining