7.

0 Discussion

The experiment of the Direct Shear Stress is to determine the parameter of the shear strength of soil, to find the value of cohesion and also to find the angle of friction. By plotting the graph, which is the graph of shear stress versus strain, we can find for these values. (Refer to the graph).

For sample loading 1.75kg, a slight error of the data obtained, the value obtained from the dial gauge showed increases, decreases and increases return. This is because, the stretch of sand is not tested in the same condition. Therefore, uneven compression will occur and will cause the data obtained is not uniform.

In addition, erratum often occurs while taking the readings of the data. As it happens, because the dial gauges have some technical problem So, the readings that we took may have differed from what we were supposed to have taken. Another reason is, it may also happen when the equipments were not fixed in properly enough hence the data obtained as the result may slightly run from the one that we were supposed to obtain. The equipment we used were not cleaned properly before it was used to undergo the experiment. Old particles of sand and soil from previous experiments were still stuck onto the bottom of some of the plates hence the result of the experiment may be affected a little by this incident

8.0 Conclusion

As a conclusion, we can know that the objective of the experiment is to determine the parameter of shear strength of soil, cohesion and angle of friction was achieved. From the experiment that we have done, the value of cohesion, c is 0.00kN/m2 and the value of friction of angle is 36. The direct shear test has advantages and disadvantages. It is simple and fast especially for sands. The failure that occurs is along a single surface, which approximates observed slips or shear type failure in natural soils.

Direct shear test is useful when cohesion less soils are to be tested. In this test the failure plane is forced to occur at a predetermined location where both normal and shear stresses are acting; the sample is placed in a closed shear box, fixed at the base with the top free to translate under a horizontal force. The two portions of the box are spaced by using spacing screws to reduce the friction. The space should be at least as large as the largest sand particle. The box is then placed in the direct shear apparatus, and increasing horizontal load is applied with constant corresponding vertical load, and the horizontal deformation shall be recorded by using the dial gage. For each test shear stress-strain diagram is drawn in order to find out the ultimate stress, then the shear failure envelope is drawn by relating each ultimate shear stress to the normal stress corresponding to it in at least three tests.

The direct shear test can be used to measure the effective stress parameters of any type of soil as long as the pore pressure induced by the normal force and the shear force can dissipate with time. For the experiment we use the clean sands as a sample, so there is no problem as the pore pressure dissipates readily. However, in the case of highly plastic clays, it is merely necessary to have a suitable strain rate so that the pore pressure can dissipate with time.

Direct shear tests can be performed under several conditions. The sample is normally saturated before the test is run. The test can be run at the in-situ moisture

content. Before we find the value of cohesion and friction angle, we must plot the graph from the data that we get from the experiment. The results of the tests on each specimen are plotted on a graph with the peak (or residual) stress on the x-axis and the confining stress on the y-axis. The y-intercept of the curve which fits the test results is the cohesion, and the slope of the line or curve is the friction angle.

9.0 Questions

Question 1

a. Why perforated plate in this test with teeth? Plate with teeth is usedl to increase fiction and to produce a grip forces between the place and the sample and assists in distributing the shear stress evenly.

Perforated

Perforated

b. What maximum value of displacement before stop the test? The maximum value of displacement before stop the test is when the values from dial gauge are constant at least three times continuously or no more increase data and also when the incline value suddenly dropped so we stop the test.

Question 2

a. What is the purpose of a direct shear test? Which soil properties does it measure?

A direct shear test is a laboratory test used by geotechnical engineers to find the shear strength parameters of soil. The direct shear test measures the shear strength parameters which are the soil cohesion (c) and the angle of friction (). The results of the test are plotted on a graph with the peak stress on the x- axis and the confining stress on the y- axis. The yintercept of the curve which fits the test results is the cohesion and the slope of the line or curve is the friction angle.

b) Why do we use fixing screw in this test? What happen if you do not removed them during test?

We use fixing screw in this direct shear test because in order to avoid shear for happening before the experiment is carried out. If we do not remove them during the test, they will be no friction and the there will be no shear on the sample and thus the result will be not accurate.

10.0 Reference Braja M. Das, Principles of Geotechnical Engneering. Seventh Edition. SI Edition. Cengage Learning.