Soil Mechanics – CENG 4313/411

Lab Report #7

Name: Yassin Aly

ID: 900202372

Date of Submission: 11/26/2023

Submitted To: Dr. Safwan Khedr

Experiment no. 1
Direct shear test

The Direct Shear experiment is utilized on soil samples to determine the parameters of
the failure envelope by applying vertical and horizontal forces and measuring deformations.
Throughout the test, the soil experiences consolidation and drainage, facilitated by a porous
stone positioned beneath the sample. As stress is applied to the sample, measurements are taken
at regular intervals until failure takes place. Following this, data from three distinct tests are used
to create plots of normal and shear stresses, assisting in the identification of the failure envelope.

Procedures & Equipment used:

This experiment procedures and equipment used will be according to ASTM D3080-72

Objectives

To ascertain the shear strength parameters, namely cohesion and internal angle

of friction, and to graphically represent the failure envelope.

Results:

Sample 1

Sample 2
Sample 3:
For three samples:

Baes on the results

C= 0

Angle of internal friction = Tan^-1(1.1395) =48.735 degrees.

All samples tested were determined to be stiff according to their graphs

Deviations

● Correction factors were not calculated due to the absence of temperature

measurements.
● The density of the sample was not computed.
● The sample was prepared in a laboratory setting rather than being obtained from
the field.
● Pre-soaking of the sample in water did not precede the experiment.
● Despite the cross-sectional shape being ellipsoidal, no adjustments were made
to the area.
● Water content of the samples was not determined.
● Residue on the machine was not cleaned before the experiment.
● Samples underwent deformation prior to placement.
● Weights of the samples were not measured.
● Readings were recorded at half-minute intervals instead of every 0.2mm of
deformation.
● The loading rate was not maintained at a constant level.

Conclusion:

In summary, this experiment offers a quick method for identifying the soil's

failure plane, requiring minimal preparation and equipment. However, the obtained

results were not highly accurate. The soil cohesion was measured at 0, indicating a lack

of cohesion, and the angle of internal friction was determined to be 48.7357 degrees.

Moreover, all tested soil samples were classified as stiff based on the shape of their

graphs. Nevertheless, various deviations in the experimental procedure could have had
a notable impact on the results. Consequently, I suggest repeating the experiment to

improve the accuracy of the outcomes.

Reference:

● ASTM

● BOWLES

● LAB NOTES