What it is
A specimen is held in a split shear box, loaded vertically and sheared horizontally at the specified rate.
Public test guide
Direct shear test
Measures the resistance of soil to sliding along a controlled horizontal plane.
Plain-language explanation
What the test tells you.
The project specification controls the exact method and acceptance requirement.
What is used
Prepared or undisturbed specimen, shear box, loading frame, force cell and displacement gauges.
What it determines
Peak and/or residual shear resistance and the related strength parameters for the tested condition.
Why it matters
Provides inputs for slope, retaining-wall, foundation and interface stability calculations.
Typical test sequence
From sample
to result.
- 01
Prepare and install the specimen
- 02
Apply the required normal load
- 03
Shear while recording force and movement, then interpret the strength envelope
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