Direct Shear Apparatus for Soil Shear Strength Testing

The Direct Shear Apparatus is designed to determine the shear strength of soil specimens subjected to horizontal shear under a controlled normal load. It is widely used in geotechnical engineering to evaluate the shear behavior of soils for foundation design, slope stability analysis, embankment construction, and earthworks.

During testing, the soil specimen is enclosed in a horizontally split shear box and subjected to a vertical normal load through a precision loading system. The lower half of the shear box moves horizontally at a controlled displacement rate while the applied shear force and vertical displacement are continuously monitored.

The BESMAK Direct Shear Apparatus features a microprocessor-controlled digital stepper motor, an advanced digital control unit, and high-precision displacement measurement to deliver reliable, accurate, and repeatable test results.

Key Features

• Designed for direct shear testing of soils
• Microprocessor-controlled digital stepper motor
• Fully programmable displacement speed
• Precision digital control unit
• High-resolution digital display with keypad
• RS232 communication interface
• Automatic return function
• Forward and reverse travel limit switches
• Compatible with analogue and digital measuring devices
• Stable and repeatable load application
• High-accuracy displacement measurement
• Suitable for laboratory quality control and research applications

Standards

• ASTM D3080
• BS 1377-7
• AASHTO T236

Technical Specifications

Supported Specimen Sizes

The Direct Shear Apparatus accommodates the following specimen sizes:

• 60 mm diameter
• 60 mm square
• 100 mm diameter
• 100 mm square
• 2.5 in diameter

Drive System

• Microprocessor-controlled digital stepper motor
• Variable displacement speed
• Programmable test speed range: 0.00001–9.99999 mm/min
• Automatic return function
• RS232 communication interface
• Forward and reverse travel limit switches

Accessories

The Direct Shear Apparatus can be supplied with the following accessories:

• 3 kN load ring
• 60 mm shear box
• 100 mm shear box
• Specimen extrusion tool
• Vertical dial gauge (0.002 mm resolution)
• Horizontal dial gauge (0.01 mm resolution)
• 50 kg weight set
• Weight hanger

Available Models

Direct Shear Test Method

The Direct Shear Apparatus measures the resistance of soil specimens to horizontal shear forces while maintaining a controlled normal load.

Throughout the test, shear force, horizontal displacement, and vertical displacement are continuously monitored. The collected data enable engineers to determine the peak shear strength, residual shear strength, and other critical shear parameters used in geotechnical design and soil stability assessments.

Precision Digital Control System

The BESMAK Direct Shear Apparatus incorporates a microprocessor-based digital control system that precisely regulates the displacement rate throughout the test.

Its advanced controller ensures stable loading conditions, accurate data acquisition, and highly repeatable testing performance, making it suitable for both routine laboratory testing and advanced research applications.

Applications

The Direct Shear Apparatus is suitable for:

• Direct shear testing of soils
• Soil shear strength determination
• Geotechnical investigations
• Foundation engineering
• Embankment design
• Highway engineering laboratories
• Construction materials laboratories
• Universities and research institutes
• Research and development laboratories

Why Choose the BESMAK Direct Shear Apparatus?

The BESMAK Direct Shear Apparatus combines precision digital control, programmable displacement speeds, and robust laboratory construction to deliver accurate and repeatable soil shear strength measurements.

Its flexible specimen configurations, advanced control system, and high measurement accuracy make it an ideal solution for geotechnical investigations, quality control laboratories, universities, and research facilities requiring dependable direct shear testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Direct Shear Apparatus?

A Direct Shear Apparatus is laboratory equipment used to determine the shear strength of soil specimens under controlled normal loading conditions.

What is the Direct Shear Test used for?

The Direct Shear Test is used to determine the peak and residual shear strength of soils for applications such as foundation design, slope stability analysis, embankment design, and other geotechnical engineering projects.

Which specimen sizes are supported?

The apparatus accommodates the following specimen sizes:

• 60 mm diameter
• 60 mm square
• 100 mm diameter
• 100 mm square
• 2.5 in diameter

Which standards does the Direct Shear Apparatus comply with?

The Direct Shear Apparatus complies with the following international standards:

• ASTM D3080
• BS 1377-7
• AASHTO T236

What is the displacement speed range?

The programmable displacement speed ranges from 0.00001 mm/min to 9.99999 mm/min, allowing precise control for various soil testing applications.

Does the machine support digital data acquisition?

Yes. The apparatus includes a digital controller with RS232 communication and is compatible with both analogue and digital measuring devices for efficient data acquisition and test monitoring.

Where is the Direct Shear Apparatus commonly used?

The Direct Shear Apparatus is widely used in geotechnical laboratories, universities, highway authorities, construction materials testing laboratories, research institutes, and foundation engineering laboratories for soil shear strength evaluation and geotechnical investigations.