Bidirectional Cyclic Direct Simple Shear

Cyclic bidirectional direct simple shear enables researchers and geotechnical engineers to subject specimens to cyclic and monotonic loads in two directions. This allows users to simulate the actual 3D loads and displacements acting on the specimens in nature. Example applications include simulating the 3D loads and displacements that soil is subjected to for offshore structures; assessing liquefaction triggering and susceptibility considering 3D loads and displacements; application of both components of strong ground motion on the specimen in form of Cyclic Stress Ratio (CSR) or strain rate time histories.

Applicable Test Standards

• ASTM D6528, D8296

Features

• Extremely rigid frame design
• Large diameter axial loading piston and precision crafted anti-rocking system
• Passive or active height control
• Stress or strain controlled loading
• User can apply independent sinusoidal stress or strain on X & Y axis
• Apply irregular stress ratio and strain time history (e.g. earthquake motion)
• Capable of static direct simple shear tests in drained (constant load) and undrained (constant volume) condition with or without shear bias
• Supports linear encoders for precise and noise free displacement measurement
• Faster sampling rates, up to 1000 Hz
• Software configurable excitation voltage for sensors
• Remote network access for real-time monitoring and control
• Software generates full report of the test or raw data (.CSV export)

Specifications

• Horizontal loading capacity: 4.5 kN (1000 lbf)
• Vertical loading capacity: 11 kN (2500 lbf)
• Horizontal displacement: 50 mm (2.0 in)
• Vertical displacement (stroke): 50 mm (2.0 in)
• Specimen size: 2.5 in (63.5 mm) diameter standard. Also available: 2.0 in (50 mm) and 4.0 (101 mm) diameter
• For both horizontal axis, monotonic loading and cyclic loading from 0.033 Hz up to 10 Hz
• Cyclic peak to peak strain of up to 10%; monotonic strain of up to 25% in either direction