Direct Shear

Mauro P. Dos Santos Junior

CE 487 Soil Mechanics
University of Kansas

Group: Mauro P. Dos Santos Junior

Test Date: April 2, 2015

Report Date:
April 27, 2015

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents..................................................................................................................i
Introduction..........................................................................................................................1
Procedure.............................................................................................................................2
Direct Shear Test..............................................................................................................2
Apparatus.............................................................................................................................3
Test Results..........................................................................................................................4
Discussion............................................................................................................................6
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................8
References............................................................................................................................9
Appendix A : Data Sheet......................................................................................................I
Appendix B : Calculations..................................................................................................II
Normal Effective Stress..................................................................................................II
Shear Stress.....................................................................................................................II
Effective Friction Angle..................................................................................................II
Appendix C : Calculation Data..........................................................................................III

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Introduction
In this laboratory section a sample of Kansas River Sand is subjected to study
according to ASTM D3080-11 to determine its consolidated drained shear strength. In
order to accomplish this, the specimen is deformed at a controlled rate near on or near a
single shear plane, determined by the configuration of the apparatus.
In this section three tests were performed on the specimen each under different
normal loads (50lb, 100lb, and 125lb) to determine the effects upon shear resistance. The
results are combined to determine strength proprieties, such as Mohr strength envelopes.
Some advantages related to the use of this test are the fact that the test is cheap
and useful for sandy soils.

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Procedure
The direct shear test was performed on Kansas River Sand in
accordance with ASTM D 3080-03. All bullets are required by
ASTM D 3080-03 but were not completed in this experiment.

*Differences in the procedure according to ASTM D 3080-03.

Exact ASTM D 3080-03 procedure not followed precisely.
Direct Shear Test
1. Use an electronic balance to determine the weight of the
pore stone, cap, ball, bars, handles, and any weights
added. This weight will be the normal load, N (lb), on the
system prior to loading.
2. Determine the diameter of the sample, D (in.).
3. Assemble the shear box.
4. Fill the shear box with the Silica Sand.
5. Assemble the pore stone, cap, and ball with the shear
box.
6. Place the shear box in the machine. Be sure to center it.

Direct Shear
7. Assemble the bars and handles to apply the first vertical
effective stress of 50lb.
8. Calibrate the displacements and loads.
9. Remove the shear pins to allow the box to separate.
10. Begin testing.
11. Record the lateral and vertical displacements and the
shear and normal force at 20 second intervals. Continue
testing until the horizontal (shear) load decreases or
remains constant.
12. Disassemble the apparatus and box.
13. Weight the plates for the second vertical effective
stress loading.
14. Repeat steps 1-11 for a vertical load of 150lb.

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Apparatus
Balance: An electronic balance can be used to determine
the weight of the parts added to the specimen. This is
the normal weight on the specimen before loading.

Shear Device: The shear device applies the loading to the

specimen in the shear box.

The device must have a

method for recording displacements as well as loads in

the horizontal and vertical directions
Shear Box:
testing.

The shear box contains the sample for

Porous Inserts: The porous inserts are placed on the top

and bottom of the specimen to allow drainage from the
soil specimen. They also aid in the transfer of the shear
stress through the sample.

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Test Results

Figure 1- Shear stress versus

normal effective stress (psi)
=43

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Figure 2 Horizontal Shear

Stress versus Lateral
Displacement

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Discussion
1. Why did drained conditions prevail?
The reason why drained conditions prevail in this test is because the shearing is
performed slowly enough for drainage to occur.
2. Should the shear strength failure envelope be forced through the origin?
Why?
The shear failure envelope should be forced through the origin because a noncohesive soul was used.
3. Why was the direct shear test an effective stress test?
The direct shear test is an effective stress test because the water drains in the sand
very fast which makes the pore water pressure to be equal zero.
4. What are typical values for effective friction angle in clean sand?
The typical values for effective friction angle in clean sand are between 29 and 36.

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Conclusion
After performing the laboratory section in accordance with the ASTM D3080-11
we found the effective friction angle to be 43. Typical values for friction angle are
between 26 and 36 degrees, which indicates that the calculated friction angle is higher
than typical values. Therefore, I would not recommend the soil that was tested. The
reasons for this difference can be associated with deviations on the procedure as well as
data collection and student errors in the procedure.

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References
ASTM D 3080-03, Test Method for Direct Shear Test of
Soils Under Consolidated Drained Conditions, ASTM
International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2000.

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Appendix A: Data Sheet

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Appendix B: Calculations

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Appendix C: Charts