Investigation on Shear Strength of Soil using

Direct Shear Test

Report submitted to
Government Polytechnic Katihar,
Katihar

Diploma
In
Civil Engineering

Abhay Kumar Jaiswal

(611241520601)

Under the guidance of

Prof. Sujeet Kumar (Hod Civil)
&
Prof. Himanshu Kumar (Lecturer Civil)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC KATIHAR
AUGUST 2023

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 DECLARATION

I declare that

a) The work contained in this report has been done by me under the guidance of my
supervisor.
b) The work has not been submitted to any other institute for any degree or diploma.
c) I have conformed to the norms & guidelines given by ethical code of conduct of the
Institute.
d) Whenever I have used materials (data, figures, text) from other sources, I have given due
credit lo them by citing them in the title of the report & giving their details in the
references.

Date: 22.08.2023 Abhay Kumar Jaiswal

Place: G.P. Katihar 611241520601

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 DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
Government Polytechnic Katihar

KATIHAR- 854105, INDIA

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this project report entitled “Investigation on Shear Strength of Soil using
Direct Shear Test” submitted by Abhay Kumar Jaiswal bearing roll no 611241520601 to Government
Polytechnic Katihar, Katihar, is a record of project work carried out under my supervision and is worthy
of consideration for the award of Diploma Civil Engineering.

Prof. Sujeet Kumar,

Dare: 22.08.2023 HOD I/C.
Department of Civil Engineering.
Government Polytechnic Katihar

Prof. Himanshu Kumar,

LECTURER.
Department of Civil Engineering.
Government Polytechnic Katihar

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to convey the deepest thanks to Prof. Sujeet Kumar for his confidence in me and for
the chance to pursue this work. I would like to thank my teachers for guidance and
encouragement. I would like to thank my guide Prof. Himanshu Kumar as well as my mentor
Gulsan Kumar for his valuable help during my work.
Acknowledgements to the Geotech Engineering laboratory for providing required
laboratory equipment, and to G.P. Katihar for providing all services I needed during the
work.
Thanks to my friends for their valuable help. support, and friendship. A special thanks to
the laboratory assistants who helped me with a tremendous amount of laboratory testing
during the study.
Finally, I would like to thank my family and friends, who have encouraged me in any
moment of my life.

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The "Investigation on Shear Strength of Soil using Direct Shear Test" abstract summarizes a
study that focuses on understanding the shear strength characteristics of soil through the
utilization of the direct shear test method. Shear strength is a fundamental property of soil
that plays a crucial role in various geotechnical engineering applications, including
foundation design, slope stability analysis, and soil mechanics.

The research aims to explore the behavior of soil under shear forces by conducting direct
shear tests on soil samples. The direct shear test involves subjecting a soil specimen to
controlled horizontal displacement while measuring the corresponding shear stress and
shear strain. This allows for the determination of important parameters such as the shear
strength, angle of internal friction, and cohesion of the soil.

The experimental setup, testing procedures, and analysis techniques employed in the study
are detailed. The research investigates how different soil types, densities, moisture contents,
and loading conditions influence shear strength behavior. The collected data are then used to
construct shear strength envelopes and failure envelopes, aiding in the understanding of soil
response to varying stress states.

The abstract concludes by highlighting the significance of the study's findings in enhancing
the understanding of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering practices. The results of
the investigation provide valuable insights for designing safe and reliable structures in
geotechnically challenging environments, as well as contributing to the broader body of
knowledge in soil engineering.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ..................................................................................................................................

CERTIFICATS. ........................................................................................................................................

ACKNOWLEDGE………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................................

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................

1.1 Objectives of the Study

1.2 Scope and Significance
1.3 Research Methodology

CHAPTER 2 Literature Review. .....................................................................................................

2.1 Shear Strength of Soils: Concepts and Importance

2.2 Factors Affecting Shear Strength
2.3 Direct Shear Test: Principles and Applications

CHAPTER 3 Experimental Setup....................................................................................................................

4.1 3.1 Selection of Soil Samples

4.2 3.2 Sample Preparation and Compaction
4.3 3.3 Direct Shear Apparatus and Testing Procedure
4.4 3.4 Data Collection and Instrumentation

CHAPTER 4 Data Analysis and Results ....................................................................................................

4.1 4.1 Shear Stress-Strain Relationships

4.2 4.2 Failure Modes and Patterns
4.3 4.3 Effect of Soil Properties on Shear Strength
4.4 4.4 Influence of Confining Pressure

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CHAPTER 5 Discussion. .................................................................................................................................
4.1
4.2 5.1 Interpretation of Experimental Findings
4.3 5.2 Comparison with Existing Shear Strength Models
4.4 5.3 Implications for Geotechnical Engineering Practice
5.4 Limitations of the Study
4.5

CHAPTER 6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS....................................................................................

4.1 6.1 Summary of Key Findings

4.2 6.2 Contributions to Soil Mechanics Knowledge
4.3 6.3 Practical Applications and Recommendations

CHAPTER 7 Appendices ...........................................................................................................................

4 7.1 Details of Soil Properties

5 7.2 Detailed Test Procedures
6 7.3 Raw Data and Calculations

4.1

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LIST OF FIGURES

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LIST OF TABLES

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