Fast
Shipping
Quick,
Simple Ordering
Clear,
Upfront Pricing
Over 30,000
Happy Customers
Exceptional
Customer Service
Industry's Largest
Catalog
Torvane Pocket Shear Vane: Fast Soil Strength Testing Anywhere
The Torvane Pocket Shear Vane Tester is a portable, efficient tool for determining the shear strength of cohesive soils in both field and laboratory environments. It delivers quick, precise measurements on excavations, trenches, test pits, and on thin wall or split core soil samples. Geotechnical engineers, field testing technicians, OSHA inspectors, and construction professionals rely on this tester to rapidly assess soil stability during site investigations and quality control operations.
The Torvane tester’s compact design and ease of use make it ideal for when instant soil strength data is needed on site without requiring bulky equipment or extensive sample preparation.
Key Features
- Three Interchangeable Vanes – Includes 16×32, 20×40, and 25×50.8 mm vanes for testing soils from soft to firm conditions.
- Portable & Lightweight – Compact and stainless steel construction with a heavy‑duty carrying case for easy transport.
- Easy to Use – Minimal setup: insert vane, apply torque by rotating, and the indicator needle retains peak readings until reset.
- Calibrated for Accuracy – Extension rods calibrated for soil friction provide reliable measurements.
- Versatile Application – Works on flat surfaces, trenches, test pits, and saturated fine‑grained soils.
- Fast Results – Rapid determination of approximate shear strength without trimming or laboratory prep.
How It Works
The Torvane Pocket Shear Vane measures soil strength by pressing the vane into the soil and rotating it slowly until the soil matrix fails. A calibrated torsional spring inside the handle records torque, which the dial converts to a shear strength value. The indicator retains the peak reading, allowing multiple tests from different failure planes for a thorough soil profile.
Typical measurement ranges from 0 to approximately 1 0 TSF (0 to ~2.5 kg/cm² or 0–260 kPa), making it suitable for a broad range of cohesive soil conditions.
For rapid estimation of unconfined compressive strength where shear measurements are needed alongside vane results, consider the Soil Pocket Penetrometer, which provides complementary data on soil consistency and strength in the field.
Applications
The Torvane Pocket Shear Vane Tester is widely used in:
- Geotechnical Engineering: Assessing shear strength for foundations, excavations, and trenches.
- Construction Sites: On‑site evaluation of soil cohesion to inform excavation safety and earthwork decisions.
- Safety & Compliance: Used by OSHA inspectors and field technicians for rapid soil risk assessments.
- Laboratory Research: Quick characterization of cohesive soils where traditional lab equipment may not be practical.
Accessories and Specifications
- 500 mm Extension Rod: Enables testing at varied depths. Certified MTP
- Heavy‑Duty Carrying Bag: Belt‑clip attachment for field convenience. Certified MTP
- Laminated Instruction Card: Always accessible reference for operation and calibration.
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel build ensures long‑lasting service in demanding conditions.
- ASTM D2573 Compliance: Standardized testing method for consistency and reliability.
Related Soil Strength Testing Tools
To expand your soil testing capabilities with other reliable field instruments, check out:
- Pocket Vane Shear Test Kit – A complete kit with multiple vane sizes for a range of soil strengths.
- Field Vane Shear Tester Kit – For deeper in‑situ shear strength measurements up to several meters.
- 50 mm Diameter Shear Box – Designed for direct and residual shear testing using shear machines.
- 2.0 in Diameter Shear Box – Precision shear testing for standardized direct shear tests.
Why Choose the Torvane Pocket Shear Vane Tester
The Torvane Pocket Shear Vane Tester stands out because it:
- Delivers fast, repeatable shear strength measurements in the field.
- Is compact and rugged enough for both field and lab use.
- Requires minimal preparation while providing reliable soil characterization.
- Supports safety, compliance, and geotechnical decisionmaking with real‑time data.
This tool is an essential part of any soil testing kit — whether you’re working on geotechnical assignments, construction quality control, or research projects.
