Digital Direct Shear Machine, Dead-Weight

Digital Direct Shear Machine, Dead-Weight

Dead-Weight Direct Shear Machines are motorized systems designed for direct and residual shear testing of soil samples. These machines use a 10:1 dead-weight beam loading system to apply vertical confining pressures and are ideal for compact laboratory setups due to their space-saving, self-contained design. They are built to withstand harsh lab environments and feature variations in instrumentation for data measurement and collection.

The strain rate is controlled with precision, ranging from 0.0001 to 0.3in/min (0.00254 to 7.62mm/min) ±1%, using an advanced stepper-motor drive system. The machines allow a maximum shear displacement of 0.8in (20.3mm), a vertical load capacity of 1,411lb (639.9kg), and a maximum horizontal shear force of 1,500lbf (6.6kN). Settings are easily adjustable via digital thumbwheel controls.

The shear box assembly is mounted on a durable 1.25in (31.75mm) base, housed in a sturdy powder-coated steel cabinet with heavy-duty casters for mobility. The unit includes an anodized aluminum crossbar, drainage plates, a loading block, and a water chamber with a drainage port. For added durability, the water chamber is coated with corrosion-resistant Teflon™.

Shear boxes, available in round or square shapes and various sizes, as well as counterbalances and weight sets, are sold separately. At least one US or Metric weight set is required for operation.

Digital Dead-Weight Direct Shear Machines offer fully electronic data measurement and collection for both direct and residual shear tests. The machine uses a load cell to measure shear force, and LVDTs to record horizontal and vertical displacements, all processed via a Four-Channel Data Readout. Data is transferred to a Windows-based computer through a mini USB port using the included GetData 5 software, enabling test data analysis and report generation. Optional Direct/Residual Shear Data Acquisition Software is available for real-time data recording, calculation, and report preparation in compliance with ASTM and AASHTO standards.

Key Features:

• Motorized machines for direct and residual shear testing of soil samples
• 10:1 dead-weight beam loading system for vertical confining pressures
• Compact design built for demanding lab environments
• Full electronic data collection and calculation capability
• Mounted on a durable steel cabinet with casters for mobility

Included Items:

• Digital Dead-Weight Direct/Residual Shear Machine (120V, 50/60Hz or 230V, 50/60Hz)
  • S-Type load cell (1,500lbf capacity)
  • Four-Channel Data Readout
  • Linear Variable Displacement Transducers
  • Anodized aluminum crossbar
  • Drainage plates
  • Water chamber with drainage port
  • Loading block
  • GetData Software

Specifications:

• Load Capacity: 1,411lb (640kg)
• Shear Capacity: 1,500lbf (6.67kN)
• Accuracy: ±1%
• Strain Rate: 0.0001–0.3in/min (0.0025–7.62mm/min)
• Electrical Requirements: 120V, 50/60Hz, 0.5 amps, 60 Watts
• Dimensions: 36 x 14.5 x 54in (914 x 368 x 1,372mm), WxDxH

This system offers high precision, durability, and efficiency for soil shear testing while meeting laboratory professionals' needs with ease.

Meets Standard(s)

AASHTO T 236 , ASTM D3080/3080M