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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/21645| Title: | Investigation of plane strain shear testing. Report 1, WES high-capacity plane strain shear apparatus |
| Authors: | Al-Hussaini, Mosaid M. |
| Keywords: | Shear strength of soils Soils--Testing Testing-machines |
| Publisher: | Soils and Pavements Laboratory (U.S.) |
| Series/Report no.: | Technical Report;S-71-2, Report 1 |
| Abstract: | Abstract: The stress-strain conditions in many practical problems, such as retaining walls, embankments, and bearing capacity problems, can be approximated by plane strain conditions. In order to gain fundamental understanding of the behavior of soil or to analyze and predict the stresses within such structures, laboratory tests should be conducted under conditions similar to those existing in the field, i.e., plane strain conditions. Thus there is a need for plane strain apparatus that can simulate field conditions; this need formulates the basis of this study. The immediate concern of this study was to review and evaluate plane strain apparatus used by previous investigators and to design and construct a plane strain apparatus that incorporated outstanding features of previous apparatus. The new plane strain apparatus tests soil specimens 16 in. long, 5 in. high, and 2 in. wide under plane strain conditions with complete ability to apply and measure principal stresses. It also enables measurement and control of strains in the directions of principal stresses. With this apparatus the specimen can be consolidated under isotropic or anisotropic stress conditions and can be sheared under drained or undrained conditions with measurement of pore water pressure. Two series of tests on crushed Napa basalt were conducted in the new plane strain apparatus. In the first series, the initial relative density of the specimen was 70 percent, while in the second series, the initial relative density was 100 percent. Each series consisted of two tests: the specimen of the first test was consolidated under Kₒ condition; the specimen of the second test was consolidated isotropically; and both were sheared under drained conditions at a confining pressure of 60 psi. Calibration and demonstration testing indicate the WES high-capacity plane strain shear apparatus to be precise, flexible, and efficient in operation. It is believed to represent a significant addition to the capability of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for testing soils under conditions more closely simulating in situ conditions. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11681/21645 |
| Appears in Collections: | Technical Report |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR S-71-2 Report 1.pdf | 24.67 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |