SEDL / STP / STP131-EB / STP47723S

Use of Direct Shear Tests in Earthwork Projects under Construction

Proctor, R. R.
Field Engineer, Department of Water and Power Water System, Los Angeles, Calif.

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1953

Download this paper for $25 PDF (496K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

The design of a direct shear machine to simulate as nearly as possible the actual failure of compacted fills and foundations along planes of sliding is described. Methods for placing compacted fill and undisturbed foundation samples in the equipment for shear test at the same density and under the same loading as they would have at the possible points of failure in the structure are explained. Methods for determining the factor of safety in a typical earthfill dam cross-section for each sample of soil tested are shown, together with a typical summary and discussion of actual test results applied to one structure.