Direct Shear Machines (Dead-Weight)

Dead-Weight Direct Shear Machines by Karol-Warner are motorized units for direct and direct/residual shear testing of soil samples and use a 10:1 dead-weight beam loading system to apply vertical confining pressures. These compact, self-contained units have similar designs but differ in instrumentation for data measurement and collection. Both are built for harsh laboratory environments and require little floor space.

Strain rate is precisely controlled from 0.0001–0.3in/min (0.0025–7.62mm/min) ±1% by an advanced stepper-motor drive system. Settings are easily adjusted using digital thumbwheel controls. The maximum shear displacement is 0.8in (20.3mm). Vertical load capacity is 1,411lb (640kg) and the maximum horizontal shear force is 1,500lbf (6,7N). A solid 1.25in (32mm) base for the Shear Box assembly is mounted on a sturdy painted steel cabinet and stands with heavy-duty casters for easy mobility. Included are an anodized aluminum crossbar and a water chamber with a drainage port. For additional durability, the water chamber has a corrosion-resistant Teflon coating. Round or Square Direct Shear Boxes are available in a variety of sizes and are purchased separately. HMA-739 Shear Box Counterbalance offsets the top-half weight of Shear Boxes with specimen dimensions up to 2.5in (63.5mm) and is also purchased separately. Weight Sets are purchased separately and at least one US or Metric weight set is required for proper operation.

HM-380R Standard Dead-Weight Direct Shear Machine features an HM- 424D 1500lbf (6.7kN) Load Cell with Digital Readout to display shear force and Analog Dial Indicators to measure vertical and shear displacement. Options can be purchased separately to upgrade the HM-380R for partial or complete electronic measurement and data collection. HM-739 Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDT’s) have a 1in (25.4mm) range with 0.0001in (0.0025mm) resolution to measure horizontal and vertical displacement. The LVDT’s must be connected to HM 418 Two-Channel or HM-419 Four-Channel Data Readouts. The Readouts display real-time values on a large bright display and use included GetData 5 software to transfer data to a computer with a Windows® operating system. Using the HM-419 Four-Channel Data Readout provides an additional channel to collect force measurements from the Load Cell.

HM-380D Digital Dead-Weight Direct Shear Machine performs both direct and residual shear measurements and is configured for complete electronic measurement and data collection. Using a load cell to measure shear force and LVDT's to measure horizontal and vertical movements which are all processed through an HM-419 Four-Channel Data Readout. The included GetData Software transfers data to the user’s Windows-based computer via a mini USB port for analysis from the creation of reports and graphs from a spreadsheet application. HMA-610 Direct/Residual Shear Data Acquisition Software, listed separately, works with the Data Readout to record real-time test data, calculate results, and prepare reports following ASTM and AASHTO requirements.

Features:

• Motorized units test direct or direct/residual shear of soil samples
• A simple 10:1 dead-weight beam loading system applies vertical confining pressures
• Compact machines are built for harsh lab environments
• Options for electronic data collection and direct/residual shear testing
• Mounted on sturdy steel cabinet with heavy-duty casters for easy mobility

Included Items:

• HM-380R Dead-Weight Direct Shear Machine (115V/60Hz or 230V/50Hz)
  • S-Type Load Cell with digital display
  • Analog Dial Indicators
  • Water Chamber with drainage port
  • Loading Block
  • Water Chamber
• HM-380D Dead-Weight Direct/Residual Shear Machine (115V/60Hz or 230V/50Hz)
  • Linear Variable Displacement Transducers
  • Four-channel Data Readout
  • GetData Software
  • Water Chamber with drainage port
  • Loading Block
  • Water Chamber

Accessories:

• Shear Boxes are available in popular sizes for round or square specimens
• Direct Shear Accessories include Cutters (sample rings) with built-in cutting edges, Extruders for removal of specimens from sample rings, and Porous Stones all available in popular round or square specimen sizes.
• HMA-610 Direct/Residual Shear Data Acquisition Software records specimen and real-time test data to calculate results and prepare reports following ASTM and AASHTO requirements.
• HM-739 1in Linear Variable Displacement Transducer (LVDT) for the electronic measurement of displacement
• HMA-739 Shear Box Counterbalance offsets the weight of the top half of the Shear Box. Inquire for Counterbalances for larger sizes.
• Weight Sets a weight set is required for proper sample loading of the Karol Warner Dead Weight Direct/Residual Shear Machine
• Data Readouts accept input from Load Cells and LVDT’s, and display accurate readings instantaneously

Related blogs:

• Soil Direct Shear Test: Understanding the Process