Who sells large direct shear box testers?

[cphi]

Who sells large direct shear box testing machines? I'm interested in a shear box size of about 8" x 8" or larger. Before I manufacture my own, I'd like to check out available machines.

 

[Focht3]

Which manufacturers have you contacted? Wykeham Farrance? Soiltest? Humboldt? Durham?

If none of these offer a large shear box, you might consider contracting out the work. This isn't economical if you have a lot of samples to test, though.



Please see FAQ731-376 by [blue]VPL[/blue] for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[cphi]

Hi Focht3,

I have only looked at catalogs on-line from Humboldt and an actual hard copy ELE-Soiltest. Did a google search on soil testing equipment to get to the Humboldt catalog. Both of these list only small size shear boxes. I don't trust the results (45° to 52°) of testing well graded sand in a 2 inch shear box due to box interference. I am not familiar with Durham, I'll try a search for the web address. I prefer to do the tests in our lab (correctness freak) so if I don't find a vendor, I'll make one. I remember a number of years ago when landfill design and construction started up, there was some large size shear boxes being shown at conferences. Maybe I'll post the question elsewhere in the Eng-Tips forums. Thanks for your input.

 

[Focht3]

Durham Geo is in Georgia - talk to (Dr.) Gary Durham if the sales staff doesn't understand your request.

Is your sand angular to sub-angular siliceous sand? Those kinds of results give the impression that [ol][li]Something is wrong with the test set-up, or[li]The sand is very hard and "sharp", and has great interlocking characteristics.[/ol]And let us know what you find in your equipment hunt.

If you decide to explore contracting out, I'd check with BuRec and WES. BuRec should have the capability because of their work on dams; WES could have it because of their studies on the studies on the influence of sample size on the test results.



Please see FAQ731-376 by [blue]VPL[/blue] for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[cphi]

Thanks for replying.

I have since checked their website and found they sell only the small size testing equipment. I'll call him to ask.

The sand is glacial, predominantly granite and dolomite in orgin, so it is your number 2. Your number 1 is what I am referring to by box interference. I suspect that due to the sand particle size verses the shear box test chamber size, the coarse sand particles could be artificially increasing the shear resistance. I want to be able to test 3/4 inch minus sand and gravel sized processed aggregates and natural occurring deposits, rather than quessing friction angles. How do you suggest I access the Waterways Experiment Station research results on size effects?

Thanks again

 

[Focht3]

Your best bet is to place a phone call and ask to speak to someone in the geotechnical lab and/or geotechnical engineering department. I've always found the staff to be very courteous and helpful - very approachable. Give them a call; if you meet resistance, post a message here and I'll contact the (recently retired) geotechnical department head to see what he suggests (and knows.) He's a good friend of my dad's, so I know he'll help. But I'd prefer to go through channels first -



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[Harks]

I agree subcontracting is probably the cheapest option, however, if your still looking to purchase Wykeham Farrance have a 12 inch shearbox in their catalogue, try wfi.co.uk

Cheaper alternatives that I have used are available from an Indian Co. called "Heico"