A novel simple shear apparatus with stacked steel laminations for fine grained soil

A new simple shear apparatus is invented for fine grained soil based on the existing designs. Some rectangular- stacked steel laminations are used for the new simple shear apparatus. The internal dimensions of the steel laminations are 100 mm in length and 40 mm in width. It effectively eliminates the common issues such as sample tilting and uneven stress distribution during shear testing compared to the conventional simple shear apparatuses. The pin type deformation control rod can ensure uniform shear deformation of the specimen. The guiding side plate around the specimen chamber controls the direction of the shear force. The new lever support structure effectively solves the problem of load rod force transmission because the lever is tilted. The simple shear apparatus is featured with stable structure and easy operation. It combines the stress/strain control functions into one unit, allowing for the uniform shear testing of fine-grained soils. The shear strength tests and shear creep tests on clay are carried out using the novel simple shear apparatus. Meanwhile, the parameters of shear strength and the laws of creep are analyzed. The test results validate the good performance of the novel simple shear apparatus.