Digital Pneumatic Direct Shear Machine

Digital Pneumatic Direct Shear Machine

Pneumatic Direct Shear Machines are compact, tabletop units designed in partnership with Karol-Warner, offering precise direct and residual shear testing for soil strength and stability analysis.

Soil samples are trimmed into a Direct Shear Box, which is horizontally divided to allow independent movement of the upper and lower halves. A vertical confining load is applied to the sample, while a horizontal shear force is applied to the lower half. Once direct shear failure is measured, select models allow for reverse force testing to determine residual shear values.

These machines use a pneumatic system to apply vertical confining pressures, eliminating the need for loading weights. Lightweight loads (4–100lbf or 0.018–0.44kN) are applied with a rolling diaphragm piston, while larger loads up to 1,500lbf (6.67kN) are handled with a larger piston, ensuring high sensitivity and accuracy. A precision regulator with digital display provides accurate load settings to ±0.25%.

Strain rates, adjustable between 0.0001 to 0.3in/min (0.0025 to 7.62mm/min), are controlled by a stepper motor with ±1% accuracy. The total shear load capacity is 1,500lbf (6.67kN). The machines include a Teflon-coated, anodized aluminum water chamber with drainage port for corrosion resistance.

Digital Pneumatic Direct Shear Machines come with additional advanced features, including an S-Type Load Cell for measuring shear load, Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDTs) for horizontal and vertical displacement, and the ability to perform residual shear testing. Measured values are displayed and processed using a Four-Channel Data Readout with USB connectivity, and GetData 5 software facilitates easy data export to spreadsheet applications.

Key Features:

• Pneumatic system applies vertical confining pressures—no weights required.
• Shear load values displayed via a load cell with data readout.
• High shear capacity of 1,500lbf (6.67kN).
• Stepper motor ensures strain rate accuracy of ±1% (0.0001–0.3in/min or 0.0025–7.62mm/min).
• Performs both direct and residual shear tests.

Included Items:

Standard Pneumatic Shear Machine:

• Analog dial indicators
• S-Type load cell
• Water chamber with drainage port
• 15ft air supply tubing

Digital Pneumatic Shear Machine:

• Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDTs)
• S-Type load cell
• Four-Channel data readout
• GetData 5 software
• Water chamber with drainage port
• 15ft air supply tubing

Specifications:

• Shear Capacity: 1,500lbf (6.67kN)
• Accuracy: ±0.25%
• Strain Rate: 0.0001–0.3in/min (0.0025–7.62mm/min)
• Air Pressure Required: 90psi (6.2bar)
• Electrical Requirements: 120V, 50/60Hz, 0.6 amps, 72 watts
• Dimensions: 30 x 14.5 x 22in (762 x 368 x 559mm) WxDxH

Standards Compliance:

• AASHTO T 236
• ASTM D3080/3080M

These self-contained machines provide reliable, high-precision solutions for soil shear testing, ideal for professionals seeking accurate and efficient performance.