ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 7

Multistage Direct Shear Testing of Unsaturated Soils

Gan, KJ
Geotechnical engineer, Minconsult Sdn. Bhd., Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Fredlund, DG
Professor of civil engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Abstract

A conventional direct shear box was modified to accommodate the testing of an unsaturated soil. The design concepts and necessary modifications to the apparatus are described. A multistage testing procedure is outlined. Typical results from direct shear tests are presented. The results illustrate the relationship between suction and shear strength for a glacial till soil.

Keywords:
shear strength, direct shear tests, unsaturated soils, negative pore-water pressure, soil suction, friction angles, high air entry disks

Paper ID: GTJ10959J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10959J
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