Direct simple shear test - DSS

Soil testing for the investigation of stress-strain-strength relationships for

horizontal loading situations.

monotonic and cyclic loading

stress-strain-strength properties
drained and undrained conditions
shear modulus
creep test
special testing programs

BACKGROUND
The NGI direct simple shear (DSS) apparatus was developed in the 1960's by Landva and
Bjerrum and has since then been extensively used both at NGI and by others throughout the
world. Simple shear testing is relevant and useful in the investigation of stress-strain-strength
relationships for a range of soil types. Both monotonic and cyclic loading can be applied.
TESTING EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
A cylindrical soil specimen with cross-sectional area of 20, 35, 50 or 104 cm2 and typical
height 16 mm is enclosed in a reinforced rubber membrane which prevents radial
deformation, but allows the specimen to be deformed vertically and in simple shear (Fig. 2).
Procedures have been developed to achieve the best quality for sample preparation and
mounting of the specimen between porous stones for a variety of soils.

The soil specimen is subjected to K0consolidation stress in steps. Overconsolidated

specimens are loaded to their past maximum
vertical stress and then unloaded before
shearing to achieve representative horizontal
stress. The test can be performed drained or
undrained. Undrained condition is simulated
by continuously adjusting the vertical stress so
that the specimen height is kept constant
(thereby keeping constant volume). The change
in vertical stress is assumed to be equal to the Figure 1. Schematic set-up for DSS-test
change in pore water pressure that would have equipment
occurred during a truly undrained test.
Comparative tests at NGI have shown that this
assumption is valid.
Static and cyclic loading can be performed as
either stress-controlled or strain-controlled.
The specimen can be subjected to varying
cyclic stress/ strain levels and frequencies.
It is also possible to perform undrained or
drained creep tests by having a sustained
horizontal shear stress on the specimen and
measuring shear strain vs. time.

Figure 2. Concept of direct simple shear on

test specimen

SPECIAL FEATURES / CAPABILITIES

8 DSS devices for both static and cyclic testing

One direct simple shear pressure chamber where horizontal stress can be controlled and monitored
Swell pressure testing in DSS devices
Gmax (maximum shear modulus) can be measured by bender elements in top and bottom of specimen
by measuring the shear wave velocity

Key NGI references:

Bjerrum, L. and A. Landva (1966): Direct simple shear tests on a Norwegian quick clay.
Geotechnique, Vol.16. No.1, pp. 1-20. Also NGI Publ. No. 70. Dyvik, R., T. Berre, S.
Lacasse and B. Raadim (1987): Comparison of truly undrained and constant volume direct
simple shear tests. Geotechnique, Vol.37, No.1, pp. 3-10. Also NGI Publ. No. 170.

EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS of DSS-tests

Geotechnical problem

Stability of slope or fill soft clay

Cyclic loading of gravity base structure

NGI pile design method, static and cyclic

testing of remoulded and undisturbed soil

Laboratory test results