Martin Ochieng Obor

ECSI/06227P/2023

LAB REPORT
SHEAR BOX TEST
 LAB REPORT
SHEAR BOX TEST
1. Introduction

The shear box test also known as the direct shear test, is a laboratory procedure used to determine
the shear strength properties of soils. The test applies a horizontal shear force to the soil sample
confined to a shear box to asses its resistance to sliding along a plane. The shear strength is crucial in
geo technical engineering as it helps in the design of foundations, slopes, and retaining structures.
The main goal of the shear box test is to measure the shear strength parameters, which include
cohesion (C) and the angle of internal friction (ᶲ) of the soil.

2. Objectives
• To determine the shear strength parameters (Cohesion and angle of internal friction) of a
given soil sample.
• To understand the relationship between shear stress and normal stress.
• To observe the failure pattern of the soil sample under different normal stresses.

3. Theory

The shear strength of the soil is governed by the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, which is expressed
as

Ƭ = C +δ tan φ

Where:

• Ƭ is the shear stress at failure.

In the shear ox test, the soil is subjected to a normal load, and shear force is gradually applied until
failure occurs. The resulting shear stress and normal stress are used to calculate the soils shear
strength parameters.

4. Apparatus and Materials

• Shear box apparatus: A box that is divided into two halves and can slide over each other
horizontally.
• Soil sample: A homogenous soil sample, typically compacted to a known density.
• Loading frame: A system to apply normal load to the soil sample.
• Shear box base: The base on which the shear box is laced.
• Dial gauge or displacement sensor: To measure the horizontal displacement during the test.
• Load cells or weights: To apply the normal load and shear force.
 5. Procedure

1.Sample Preparation:

• Prepare the soil sample by placing it into the shear box. The sample should have a known
volume and be carefully compacted to achieve the desired density.
• The top and bottom surfaces of the soil sample should be smooth to ensure uniform stress
distribution.

2.Setup:

• Place the shear ox on the base of the testing machine. Ensure that the soil sample is
positioned correctly between the top and bottom parts of the box
• Attach a dial gauge or measure the horizontal displacement.

3.Applying the normal load:

• Apply a normal load (δ) to the top of the soil sample using the loading frame. This load will
compress the sample vertically and will e varied in successive tests to observe the effect on
shear strength.

4.Shearing the sample:

• Gradually apply a horizontal shear force to the soil sample. This force is increased
incrementally and the horizontal displacement is measured at each step.
• The test continues until the soil sample fails (i.e., until a significant displacement is
observed), indicating the peak of shear strength.

5.Data Recording:

• Record the normal load and the corresponding shear force at each stage of the test.
• Measure the horizontal displacement of the soil sample at various shear forces.

6.Repeat for Different Normal Loads:

• The test is usually repeated for different normal loads to obtain a range of data for the shear
stress vs normal stress relationship.

6. Results

The results of the shear box test are typically represented as a plot of shear stress (Ƭ) versus normal
stress (δ). From this plot, the shear strength parameters (cohesion C and friction angle (φ)) can be
determined using the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion.

For each test, the peak shear stress (Ƭpeak) is recorded at the point of failure. The relationship
between normal stress and shear stress can be analysed to draw a failure envelope.
Sample Data Table:

Test Number Normal load Normal Stress Shear Force Shear Stress H.
(N) (δ, kpa) (F, N) (Ƭ, kpa) Displacement
(mm)
1 100 50 45 22.5 5
2 150 75 60 30 7
3 200 100 75 37.5 9
4 250 125 90 45 12

7. Analysis

The shear stress (Ƭ) at failure is plotted against the normal stress (δ) for each test. The slope of the
failure envelope represents the tangent of the angle of internal friction (tan φ), and the Y intercept
represents the cohesion (C).

From the data above, a linear regression can be performed to calculate the values of C and φ.

• Cohesion (C): the Y-intercept of the shear stress vs. normal stress plot.
• Angle of internal friction (φ): The slope of the failure envelope, calculated as:

tan φ = Δ Ƭ/Δ δ

8. Discussion

The results show a linear increase in shear stress with normal stress, as expected for a typical granular
material. The failure envelope indicates that the soil has both cohesive strength and frictional
resistance to shear, as is typical for most soils. The angle of internal friction (φ) is relatively high,
indicating that the soil resists shearing under high normal loads.

If the soil exhibits significant cohesion, it would suggest the presence of clay or other cohesive
materials in the sample. If the friction angle is high and cohesion is low, it suggests that the soil is more
granular (like sand).

9. Conclusion

The shear box test successfully provided valuable information about the shear strength of the soil
sample. The calculated shear strength parameters, including cohesion and angle of internal friction,
are essential, for understanding the behaviour of the soil under shear stress. These parameters are
crucial for designing foundations, slopes and other geotechnical strutures.