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Direct Shear Test

Tests on soil

Direct Shear Test

Code: Test is performed as per IS: 2720(part- 13): 1986.

Procedure:

  • (i) Check the inner dimension of the soil container.
  • (ii) Put the parts of the soil container together.
  • (iii) Calculate the volume of the container. Weigh the container.
  • (iv) Place the soil in smooth layers (approximately 10 mm thick). If a dense sample is desired tamp the soil.
  • (v) Weigh the soil container, the difference of these two is the weight of the soil. Calculate the density of the soil.
  • (vi) Make the surface of the soil plane.
  • (vii) Put the upper grating on stone and loading block on top of soil.
  • (viii) Measure the thickness of soil specimen.
  • (ix) Apply the desired normal load.
  • (x) Remove the shear pin.
  • (xi) Attach the dial gauge which measures the change of volume.
  • (xii) Record the initial reading of the dial gauge and calibration values.
  • (xiii) Before proceeding to test check all adjustments to see that there is no connection between two parts except sand/soil.
  • (xiv) Start the motor. Take the reading of the shear force and record the reading.
  • (xv) Take volume change readings till failure.
  • (xvi) Add 5 kg normal stress 0.5 kg/cm2 and continue the experiment till failure
  • (xvii) Record carefully all the readings. Set the dial gauges zero, before starting the experiment

Uses:

To determine the shear for given soil.