Automatic Direct Shear
STANDART: ASTM D3080; BS 1377:7; AASHTO T236, CEN-ISO/TS 17892-10
LT-S0260 Automatic Direct Shear Test Machine | 5 kN
LT-S0265 Shear Box Assembly | 60x60mm
LT-S0270 Shear Box Assembly| Ø60mm
LT-S0275 Shear Box Assembly | 100x100mm
LT-S0280 Shear Box Assembly | Ø100mm
LT-S0285 Shear Box Assembly | Ø2.5inch
The Automatic Direct Shear Test Machine is designed to determine the consolidated drained shear strength of soil specimens under controlled normal load and horizontal displacement. The system supports automatic test control, data acquisition and calculation of soil shear strength parameters.
- Maximum shear force: 5 kN.
- Variable test speed: Continuously adjustable for different soil and drainage conditions.
- Direct shear testing: Determines soil shear resistance under controlled normal stress.
- Automatic calculation: Supports determination of cohesion (C) and internal friction angle (φ).
- Graphical evaluation: Automatically generates shear stress–normal stress and displacement-related test graphs.
- Large LCD display: Provides clear monitoring of test parameters.
- Computer connection: Allows test control, data acquisition and result evaluation from a PC.
- Automatic test termination: The system can stop the test automatically at completion.
- Normal loading system: Uses 9:1, 10:1 and 11:1 beam-loading ratios.
- Maximum vertical load: Up to approximately 5000 N using the 10:1 loading arrangement.
- Standard weight set: 50 kg slotted weight set supplied with the system.
- Standard shear box: 60 × 60 mm shear box equipment is included.
- Multiple specimen sizes: 60 × 60 mm, Ø60 mm, 100 × 100 mm, Ø100 mm and Ø2.5 inch options are available.
- Dimensions: 65 × 155 × 135 cm.
- Weight: Approximately 170 kg.
- Power supply: 220 V, 50–60 Hz, 1 Ph.
- Product code: LT-S0260.
| Product Code | Product Name | Dimensions (cm) | Weight (kg) | Speed Range (mm/min) | Maximum Shear Force (kN) | Maximum Vertical Load | Power Supply |
| LT-S0260 | Automatic Direct Shear Test Machine | 65 × 155 × 135 | 170 | 0.0001–9.9999 | 5 | 0–500 N; up to 5000 N with 10:1 beam | 220 V, 50–60 Hz, 1 Ph |
| LT-G8025 | Slotted Weight Set | — | 50 | — | — | 4×10 kg + 1×5 kg + 2×2 kg + 1×1 kg | — |
| Product Code | Product Name | Specimen Size / Specification |
| LT-S0260 | Automatic Direct Shear Test Machine | 5 kN |
| LT-G8025 | Slotted Weight Set | 50 kg (4×10 kg + 1×5 kg + 2×2 kg + 1×1 kg) |
| LT-S0265 | Shear Box Assembly | 60 × 60 mm |
| LT-S0265/1 | Shear Box | 60 × 60 mm |
| LT-S0265/2 | Loading Pad | 60 × 60 mm |
| LT-S0265/3 | Retaining Plate | 60 × 60 mm |
| LT-S0265/4 | Porous Plate | 60 × 60 mm |
| LT-S0265/5 | Plane Grid | 60 × 60 mm |
| LT-S0265/6 | Perforated Grid | 60 × 60 mm |
| LT-S0265/7 | Specimen Cutter | 60 × 60 mm |
| LT-S0265/8 | Specimen Extractor | 60 × 60 mm |
| LT-S0270 | Shear Box Assembly | Ø60 mm |
| LT-S0270/1 | Shear Box | Ø60 mm |
| LT-S0270/2 | Loading Pad | Ø60 mm |
| LT-S0270/3 | Retaining Plate | Ø60 mm |
| LT-S0270/4 | Porous Plate | Ø60 mm |
| LT-S0270/5 | Plane Grid | Ø60 mm |
| LT-S0270/6 | Perforated Grid | Ø60 mm |
| LT-S0270/7 | Specimen Cutter | Ø60 mm |
| LT-S0270/8 | Specimen Extractor | Ø60 mm |
| LT-S0275 | Shear Box Assembly | 100 × 100 mm |
| LT-S0275/1 | Shear Box | 100 × 100 mm |
| LT-S0275/2 | Loading Pad | 100 × 100 mm |
| LT-S0275/3 | Retaining Plate | 100 × 100 mm |
| LT-S0275/4 | Porous Plate | 100 × 100 mm |
| LT-S0275/5 | Plane Grid | 100 × 100 mm |
| LT-S0275/6 | Perforated Grid | 100 × 100 mm |
| LT-S0275/7 | Specimen Cutter | 100 × 100 mm |
| LT-S0275/8 | Specimen Extractor | 100 × 100 mm |
| LT-S0280 | Shear Box Assembly | Ø100 mm |
| LT-S0280/1 | Shear Box | Ø100 mm |
| LT-S0280/2 | Loading Pad | Ø100 mm |
| LT-S0280/3 | Retaining Plate | Ø100 mm |
| LT-S0280/4 | Porous Plate | Ø100 mm |
| LT-S0280/5 | Plane Grid | Ø100 mm |
| LT-S0280/6 | Perforated Grid | Ø100 mm |
| LT-S0280/7 | Specimen Cutter | Ø100 mm |
| LT-S0280/8 | Specimen Extractor | Ø100 mm |
| LT-S0285 | Shear Box Assembly | Ø2.5 inch |
| LT-S0285/1 | Shear Box | Ø2.5 inch |
| LT-S0285/2 | Loading Pad | Ø2.5 inch |
| LT-S0285/3 | Retaining Plate | Ø2.5 inch |
| LT-S0285/4 | Porous Plate | Ø2.5 inch |
| LT-S0285/5 | Plane Grid | Ø2.5 inch |
| LT-S0285/6 | Perforated Grid | Ø2.5 inch |
| LT-S0285/7 | Specimen Cutter | Ø2.5 inch |
| LT-S0285/8 | Specimen Extractor | Ø2.5 inch |
Soil Shear Strength Analysis with Automatic Direct Shear Testing
The Automatic Direct Shear Test is used to determine the shear strength characteristics of soil specimens under laboratory conditions. In particular, the test helps evaluate important strength parameters such as cohesion and the angle of internal friction. These parameters provide valuable data for foundation design, slope stability analysis and other geotechnical engineering applications.
The current ASTM D3080/D3080M-23e1 standard covers the determination of the consolidated drained shear strength of soils under direct shear conditions.
How Is a Direct Shear Test Performed?
Before testing, the prepared soil specimen is placed into a suitable shear box. A predetermined normal load is then applied to the specimen. After the consolidation stage, one section of the shear box is displaced horizontally at a controlled rate.
During the test, shear force and displacement values are continuously monitored. Tests performed under different normal loads allow the shear strength behaviour of the soil to be evaluated.
The resulting data can be used to determine engineering parameters such as cohesion (C) and the angle of internal friction (φ).
ISO 17892-10:2018 also specifies laboratory direct shear methods for determining the effective shear strength parameters of soils under consolidated drained conditions.
Automatic Testing and Data Evaluation
The test speed of the LT-S0260 Automatic Direct Shear Test Machine can be adjusted according to the test requirements. The official technical table specifies a speed range of 0.0001 to 9.9999 mm/min.
A large LCD display allows the operator to monitor test parameters easily. The machine can also be connected to a computer, enabling the test procedure and recorded data to be managed digitally.
The system supports automatic evaluation of test results. Relationships between shear stress and normal stress can be displayed graphically. In addition, cohesion (C) and internal friction angle (φ) can be calculated automatically, helping laboratories evaluate test results more efficiently.
When the programmed test procedure is completed, the machine can terminate the test automatically.
Suitable for Different Specimen Sizes
The standard configuration includes 60 × 60 mm shear box equipment together with a 50 kg slotted weight set.
Additional shear box assemblies are available for Ø60 mm, 100 × 100 mm, Ø100 mm and Ø2.5 inch specimens. Matching accessories include loading pads, retaining plates, porous plates, plane and perforated grids, specimen cutters and specimen extractors.
The LT-S0260 has a maximum shear force capacity of 5 kN. The normal loading system provides up to 5000 N vertical load when using the 10:1 beam loading arrangement.
The machine has external dimensions of 65 × 155 × 135 cm and weighs approximately 170 kg. Its electrical requirement is 220 V, 50–60 Hz, single phase.
Standards for Direct Shear Testing
The LT-S0260 product family supports direct shear testing according to ASTM D3080/D3080M, BS 1377-7, AASHTO T236 and ISO 17892-10.
The current ASTM edition is ASTM D3080/D3080M-23e1, while ISO 17892-10:2018 remains the active international standard. The previous ISO/TS 17892-10:2004 has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO 17892-10:2018.
Overall, the Automatic Direct Shear Test Machine provides controlled and repeatable determination of soil shear strength characteristics. Its adjustable test speed, computer connection, automatic calculations and multiple shear box options make it a comprehensive solution for soil mechanics and geotechnical laboratories.
