Journal Published Online: 12 September 2013
Volume 36, Issue 6

Development of a Multidirectional Simple Shear Testing Device

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

A new simple shear testing device capable of applying multidirectional loading to soil specimens has been developed. The Texas A&M University multidirectional simple shear (TAMU-MDSS) device provides the ability to apply a large range of shear stresses and complex loading paths, such as figure-eight and circular patterns, to a cylindrical soil specimen confined by a wire-reinforced membrane. The load and torque experienced by the sample are directly measured by a multi-axis load cell installed above the specimen. Backpressure saturation of the specimen is made possible by the device’s ability to apply pressure in the chamber and backpressure to the water lines. Excess pore pressure is measured by a pressure transducer during the shearing phase of the testing. This paper describes the development of the TAMU-MDSS system and the capabilities of the device and presents test results on saturated clay soil specimens subjected to monotonic, unidirectional cyclic, and multidirectional loading.

Author Information

Rutherford, C.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, US
Biscontin, G.
Zachry Dept. of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX, US
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20120173
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20120173