Standard Direct Shear Machine, Dead-Weight

Standard Direct Shear Machine, Dead-Weight

Dead-Weight Direct Shear Machines are motorized devices designed for direct and residual shear testing of soil samples, utilizing a 10:1 dead-weight beam loading system to apply vertical confining pressures. These compact, self-contained machines are engineered to withstand harsh lab conditions while occupying minimal floor space. They share a similar design but differ in instrumentation for data measurement and collection.

The advanced stepper-motor drive system ensures precise strain rate control, ranging from 0.0001 to 0.3in/min (0.00254 to 7.62mm/min) with ±1% accuracy. The machines provide a maximum shear displacement of 0.8in (20.3mm), a vertical load capacity of 1,411lb (639.9kg), and a horizontal shear force of up to 1,500lbf (6.6kN). Digital thumbwheel controls allow for easy adjustment of settings.

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

Direct shear boxes, available in round or square shapes and various sizes, are purchased separately. Optional shear box counterbalances can offset the top-half weight of the shear boxes and are available in two sizes. Weight sets, essential for operation, are sold separately in US or Metric versions.

Standard Dead-Weight Direct Shear Machine comes equipped with a 1,500lbf (6.6kN) load cell, a digital display for shear force readings, and analog dial indicators to measure vertical and shear displacement. Accessories for electronic upgrades, such as Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDTs), are available. LVDTs have a 1in (25.4mm) range with 0.0001in (0.00254mm) resolution, and they connect to Two-Channel or Four-Channel Data Readouts. The Four-Channel Readout can also collect force measurements from the load cell and displays real-time data on a bright interface. Data can be exported to a Windows computer using the included GetData 5 software.

Key Features:

• Motorized systems for direct and residual shear testing of soil samples
• Simple 10:1 dead-weight beam loading system for vertical confining pressures
• Compact, durable design for harsh lab environments
• Optional electronic data collection and calculation for direct/residual shear testing
• Sturdy steel cabinet with heavy-duty casters for mobility

Included Components:

• Standard Dead-Weight Direct Shear Machine (120V, 50/60Hz or 230V, 50/60Hz)
  • 1,500lbf S-Type load cell
  • Digital display
  • Analog dial indicators
  • Anodized aluminum crossbar
  • Drainage plates
  • Water chamber with drainage port
  • Loading block

Standards Met:

• AASHTO T236
• ASTM D 3080