About Direct Shear Apparatus
Direct Shear Apparatus has been fabricated as per IS: 2720 (Part XIII). This apparatus is widely used in the construction industry to determine the direct shear strength of soil or specimen. The apparatus contains a loading unit with V-strips on which shear box housing rests supplied with load yoke with direct and lever system for applying normal load up to the capacity of 8 kg/cm
2. It comprises fixtures for proving ring; brackets for holding consolidation and strain dial gauges having manually operated lead screw for shear stress application. It has complex counter balancing alignment that has been distributed and the unit is available with pre-calibrated load yoke. There is a Shear box assembly ideal for square specimen size 60 x 60 x 25mm. It is further furnished with two halves of shear box, 2 nos. plain gripper plates, 2 nos. perforated gripper plates, 2 nos. porous stones, 1 .no top loading pad and 1 no. base Plate. The shear box housing accommodates the shear box assembly. It is complete with two 1 no. ball roller strips and 1 no. specimen cutter used for cutting 60 x 60 x 25mm specimen from larger sample.
The Direct Shear Apparatus Is Equipped With : - 1 set of weights to give normal stress of 3 kg/cm2 through lever (without proving ring) 0.05 kg/cm2 4 nos.
- 0.1 kg/cm2 1 no.,
- 0.2 kg/cm2 1 no.,
- 0.5 kg/cm2 4 nos.,
- 1.0 kg/cm2 1 no.
- Proving Ring 2 kN & dial Gauge 0.01 x 25mm.
Precision & ComplianceEngineered to meet IS 2720 (Part XIII) standards, this direct shear apparatus guarantees reliable soil strength testing for laboratories, universities, and field specialists. The advanced mechanical system, incorporating a mechanical lever arm and manual weighted operation, delivers consistent results with high accuracy (0.01 mm) across each test.
Robust Construction & AccessoriesManufactured from quality mild steel and brass with a durable powder-coated finish, the apparatus withstands rigorous daily use. Essential accessories including loading frame, shear box, weights, proving ring, and dial gauge are provided for seamless, professional testing experiences.
User-Friendly Mechanical DesignDesigned for manual operation, the apparatus includes an intuitive control system that facilitates easy setup and use. Its portable dimensions and manageable net weight (approx. 30 kg) allow straightforward integration into any soil testing laboratory in India or abroad.
FAQs of Direct Shear Apparatus:
Q: How does the Direct Shear Apparatus operate to test soil strength?
A: The apparatus measures the shear strength of soil samples by applying controlled horizontal force through a mechanical lever arm. The sample, confined in a shear box (60 x 60 x 25 mm), is gradually loaded using manually applied weights, while displacement is tracked with a high-precision dial gauge.
Q: What specific features enhance the accuracy of this apparatus?
A: The device provides fine measurement increments with a dial gauge least count of 0.01 mm and an overall accuracy of 0.01 mm. This allows for precise tracking of soil displacement during shear, improving experimental reliability.
Q: When should this apparatus be used in soil testing?
A: It is typically employed during geotechnical investigations, foundation analysis, and research to determine soil shear strength parameters, especially where IS 2720 (Part XIII) compliance is required.
Q: Where is this apparatus most suitable for installation?
A: The direct shear apparatus fits perfectly in soil testing laboratories within universities, research institutions, construction companies, or government quality control departments due to its manageable size (approx. 350 x 250 x 400 mm) and manual operation.
Q: What is the process for conducting a test using this machine?
A: A soil specimen is placed in the shear box, weights (50 g to 1 kg set range) are applied manually to reach desired loading, and horizontal movement is initiated. The dial gauge records displacement up to 10 mm as shear occurs, enabling calculation of soil shear strength.
Q: What benefits do users gain from choosing this apparatus?
A: Users benefit from its mechanical reliability, precise measurements, solid build quality, and compliance with Indian testing standards, ensuring trustworthy results for both basic geotechnical research and advanced soil engineering projects.