Journal Published Online: 17 November 2014
Volume 38, Issue 1

A Direct Shear Apparatus With Vibrational Loading

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

For some geotechnical design projects where soils are exposed to dynamic loads (vibrations), it becomes necessary to evaluate the strength and deformation characteristics of the soil under existing and/or anticipated vibrations. In order to investigate the effect of the vibrations on the strength and deformation properties of soils, representative samples should be collected and tested in laboratories and subjected to vibration of expected magnitudes. In this case, it is important that the laboratory equipment used is able to simulate field conditions as close as possible to provide the necessary parameters that can successfully be used in the design. A vibrational direct shear apparatus has been developed based on the conventional direct shear apparatus to evaluate the strength and deformation characteristics of soils (granular and cohesive) under a wide range of vibrational accelerations and frequencies. The apparatus makes it possible to test soils in both stress and displacement controlled modes. The design of the apparatus is such that it allows modification of the most commonly used direct shear apparatuses into the vibrational ones. The new apparatus was built and tested to prove its performance and reliability.

Author Information

Taslagyan, Karén
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CA
Chan, Dave
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CA
Morgenstern, Norbert
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CA
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20140078
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20140078