C E 328.3 Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering

σ'_v max

τ_max/σ'_v

τ_c/σ'_v


	C E 328.3 Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering Department of Civil and Geological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan

Direct Shear Test Simulation

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Introduction | Instructions

The Java applet on the left simulates a direct shear test. Before using the applet, please read the Introduction and the Instructions by clicking on the links above. Brief instructions on the operations of the applet can also be found under the Info tab located near the top of the applet. Once you are familiar with the operations of the applet, use it to obtain answers for the Assignment given at the bottom of this page. You may need to scroll down to see the assignment questions.

Simulation Controls
Soil:

Assignment

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Using the control panel of the applet above, select any one of the seven soils. The name of the selected soil should appear in the box below. Please use the same soil for both the normally consolidated and the overconsolidated cases.

Case 1 - Normally Consolidated Soil

You are required to do four tests at four different values of vertical stress (100 kPa, 200 kPa, 400 kPa and 600 kPa). Since the soil is normally consolidated, the preconsolidation stress should be equal to vertical stress for all the tests. Do not change the value of maximum horizontal displacement. At the end of each test, DO NOT FORGET to click on the Record button (located in the control panel for the applet) to enter the data in the table below. Perform all the necessary calculations and fill the last two columns of the table.

From the calculated results, plot a graph of τ_c vs. σ'_v. Using the graph, calculate the critical angle of friction (φ'_cs in degrees) of the soil. Type your answer in the box below and submit your graph to the instructor by the due date.
φ'_cs = °

Case 2 - Overconsolidated Soil

You are required to do four tests at four different values of vertical stress (100 kPa, 200 kPa, 400 kPa and 600 kPa). For each of the four tests, the preconsolidation stress should be equal to 600 kPa. Do not change the value of maximum horizontal displacement. At the end of each test, DO NOT FORGET to click on the Record button (located in the control panel for the applet) to enter the data in the table below. Perform all the necessary calculations and fill the last two columns of the table.

From the calculated results, plot graphs of τ_max vs. σ'_v and τ_c vs. σ'_v. From the graph, calculate the angle of dilation α for the test with vertical effective stress of 100 kPa. Type your answer in the box below and submit your graph to the instructor by the due date.
α = °