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Standard Pneumatic Shear Apparatus: Direct Machine
The Standard Pneumatic Direct Shear Apparatus is designed for precise determination of direct and residual shear strength in soils. This system includes a high-capacity load cell with digital readout to accurately measure shear load up to 1,500 lbf (6.67 kN), along with dial indicators for consolidation and shear displacement measurements. It is ideal for laboratories performing standardized shear testing and advanced geotechnical analysis.
Shear displacement testing evaluates the shear strength of consolidated drained and undrained soil samples, providing critical data for assessing soil stability and structural performance. Soil specimens—either undisturbed or remolded—are trimmed and placed into a Direct Shear Box, which is split horizontally to allow independent movement of the upper and lower halves. During testing, a vertical confining load is applied, followed by a controlled horizontal shear force. After failure, the shear direction can be reversed to determine residual shear values.
Pneumatic Loading & Control System
This tabletop unit uses Certified MTP’s patented CONBEL® Pneumatic Loading System to apply accurate and repeatable vertical loads without the need for dead weights. Two pneumatic pistons apply loads ranging from 4 to 1,500 lbf, enhancing sensitivity at low pressures while maintaining accuracy at higher loads. Load adjustments are controlled through a precision regulator and displayed digitally with an accuracy of ±0.25%.
The front panel features manual valve controls and a digital display, allowing users to easily monitor and adjust test conditions in real time. A stepper motor drive precisely controls strain rates from 0.0001 to 0.3 in/min, ensuring compliance with standardized testing procedures.
Data Acquisition & Software Integration
For advanced automation and reporting, this system is compatible with NEXT Software, enabling real-time monitoring, automated test control, and professional report generation. Independent data acquisition channels capture vertical and horizontal deformation data, which can be stored indefinitely or exported in CSV format for further analysis.
Engineers can conduct tests in stand-alone mode or integrate the machine with a LAN-connected computer for centralized data management, making it suitable for high-volume laboratory environments.
Included Components & Standards Compliance
The system includes a 2.5in stainless steel shear ring, porous stones, drainage plates, and a corrosion-resistant water chamber constructed from Teflon-coated anodized aluminum. Optional accessories such as counter-balance devices and additional porous stones are available separately through Certified MTP Geotechnical Accessories.
Electrical: 110V / 60Hz
Standards: Meets ASTM D3080 and AASHTO T236
