EXPERIMENT NO.

10
DIRECT SHEAR TEST
Object
to determine the shear strength parameter i.e. the angle of internal friction
and cohesion of soil.
Scope
the purpose of direct shear test is to obtain the ultimate shear resistance
its angle of internal friction its cohesion and its shear stress deformation
characteristics. This information is necessary in substructure analysis, in
determining bearing capacity of soil, in stability calculation of earth slope, in
pile deriving and other earth works.
Apparatus
Direct shear machine with complete accessories, dial gauges, sample
ejector, sensitive balance and tools for preparing sample.
Procedure
1. Take undisturbed soil sample by means of core cutter and eject the
sample by ejector.
2. place the soil sample in the shear box, so that it is fully in contact with
shear box grips.
3. put the desire vertical load on hanger but hold it so that the load not
applied on the sample.
4. set the dial gauges at its zero position.
5. apply vertical load and horizontal load at the same time and start
taking readings. Keep taking readings till the failure occurs.
Observation and data Collection
The observations to be take during the test are shown on the data sheet.
Some of the initial readings to be taken before the start for the test are as
follow.
a. Area of sample _________________
b. Each normal load _________________
c. Proving ring calibration (PRC)_______________
 DATA SHEET
Horizontal displacement Proving Ring Horizontal Cross Shear
(mm) dial reading shear force Sectional area Stress
DR Displacement (Kg) of sample
=DRxDGLC
1 2 3= 2xPRC 4= 5=3/4

DGLC=Horizontal dial gauge least count

Shear stress (kg/cm2)
Normal stress (kg/cm2)

Cohesion C =_________(kg/cm2)

Angle of internal friction  =__________

Computation and interpretation of results.

The computation to be done after the practical are as fol:

a. Calculate the normal stress=normal load/area of sample

b. Calculate the shear stress as in the data sheet

c. Draw graph between shear stress and horizontal displacement and

 find the peak shear stress. Repeat the procedure for minimum three

normal loads.

d. Find the value of cohesion (C) and angle of internal friction ()