Designation: D3080/D3080M 11

Standard Test Method for

Direct Shear Test of Soils Under Consolidated Drained
Conditions1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3080/D3080M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 1.8 UnitsThe values stated in either inch-pound units or

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the con- SI units [given in brackets] are to be regarded separately as
solidated drained shear strength of one specimen of a soil standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact
material under direct shear boundary conditions. The specimen equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently
is deformed at a controlled rate on or near a single shear plane of the other. Combining values from the two systems may
determined by the configuration of the apparatus. result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.8.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used.
1.2 Shear stresses and displacements are nonuniformly dis- In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force
tributed within the specimen. An appropriate height cannot be (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs. The slug unit is not
defined for calculation of shear strains. Therefore, stress-strain given, unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are involved.
relationships or any associated quantity such as the shear
modulus, cannot be determined from this test. 1.9 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
1.3 The determination of strength envelopes and the devel- Practice D6026.
opment of criteria to interpret and evaluate test results are left 1.9.1 The method used to specify how data are collected,
to the engineer or office requesting the test. calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to
1.4 The results of the test may be affected by the presence of the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other
coarse-grained soil or rock particles, or both, (see Section 7). uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this
standard is beyond its scope.
1.5 Test conditions, including normal stress and moisture
environment, should be selected to represent the field condi- 1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tions being investigated. The rate of shearing must be slow safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
enough to ensure drained conditions. responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.6 Generally, three or more tests are performed on speci- bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
mens from one soil sample, each under a different normal load,
to determine the effects upon shear resistance and displace- 2. Referenced Documents
ment. Results from a test series are combined to determine
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
strength properties such as Mohr strength envelopes. Interpre-
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
tation of multiple tests requires engineering judgment and is
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
beyond the scope of this test method. This test method pertains
Fluids
to the requirements for a single test.
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
1.7 There may be instances when the gap between the shear istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600
box halves should be increased to accommodate sand sized kN-m/m3))
particles greater than the specified gap. Presently there is D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
insufficient information available for specifying the gap dimen- istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3
sion based on particle size distribution. (2,700 kN-m/m3))
D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils for
Geotechnical Purposes
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.05 on Strength and
2
Compressibility of Soils. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2011. Published January 2012. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D308004. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
10.1520/D3080_D3080M-11. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 D3080/D3080M 11
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water both, consolidating the specimen under the normal stress,
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass unlocking the shear box halves that hold the test specimen, and
D2435 Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation shearing the specimen by displacing one shear box half
Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading laterally with respect to the other at a constant rate of shearing
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering deformation while measuring the shearing force, relative lat-
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) eral displacement, and normal displacement (Fig. 1). The
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils shearing rate must be slow enough to allow nearly complete
(Visual-Manual Procedure) dissipation of excess pore pressure.
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as 5. Significance and Use
Used in Engineering Design and Construction 5.1 The direct shear test is suited to the relatively rapid
D4220 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil determination of consolidated drained strength properties be-
Samples cause the drainage paths through the test specimen are short,
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and allowing excess pore pressure to dissipate more rapidly than
Plasticity Index of Soils other drained stress tests. The test can be made on any type of
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal- soil material. It is applicable for testing intact, remolded, or
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and reconstituted specimens. There is however, a limitation on the
Construction Materials Testing maximum particle size (see 6.2).
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Data 5.2 The test results are applicable to assessing strength in a
D6027 Practice for Calibrating Linear Displacement Trans- field situation where complete consolidation has occurred
ducers for Geotechnical Purposes under the existing normal stresses. Failure is reached slowly
under drained conditions so that excess pore pressures are
3. Terminology dissipated. The shear rate must meet the requirements of 9.10.
3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of common technical terms The results from several tests may be used to express the
used in this test method, refer to Terminology D653. relationship between consolidation stress and drained shear
strength.
3.2 Description of Terms Specific to This Standard: NOTE 1The equipment specified in this standard method is not
3.2.1 FailureThe stress condition at failure for a test appropriate for performing undrained shear tests. Using a fast displace-
specimen. Failure is often taken as the maximum shear stress ment rate without proper control of the volume of the specimen will result
attained, or in the absence of a peak condition, the shear stress in partial drainage and incorrect measurements of shear parameters.
at 10 percent relative lateral displacement. Depending on soil 5.3 During the direct shear test, there is rotation of principal
behavior and field application, other suitable criteria may be stresses, which may or may not model field conditions.
defined at the direction of the requesting agency. Moreover, failure may not occur on the weakest plane since
3.2.2 Nominal Normal StressIn the direct shear test, the failure is forced to occur on or near a plane through the middle
applied normal (vertical) force divided by the area of the shear of the specimen. The fixed location of the plane in the test can
box. The contact area of the specimen on the imposed shear be an advantage in determining the shear resistance along
plane decreases during shear and hence the true normal stress recognizable weak planes within the soil material and for
is unknown. testing interfaces between dissimilar materials.
3.2.3 Nominal Shear StressIn the direct shear test, the 5.4 Shear stresses and displacements are nonuniformly dis-
applied shear force divided by the area of the shear box. The tributed within the specimen, and an appropriate height is not
contact area of the specimen on the imposed shear plane defined for calculating shear strains or any associated engineer-
decreases during shear and hence the true shear stress is ing quantity. The slow rate of displacement provides for
unknown. dissipation of excess pore pressures, but it also permits plastic
flow of soft cohesive soils.
3.2.4 Percent Relative Lateral DisplacementThe ratio, in
percent, of the relative lateral displacement to the diameter or 5.5 The number of tests in a series normal stress level, rate
lateral dimension of the specimen in the direction of shear. of shearing, and general test conditions should be selected to
3.2.5 PreshearIn strength testing, the stage of a test after approximate the specific soil conditions being investigated.
the specimen has stabilized under the consolidation loading
condition and just prior to starting the shearing phase. It is used
as an adjective to modify phase relations or stress conditions.
3.2.6 Relative Lateral DisplacementThe displacement be-
tween the top and bottom shear box halves.

4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 This test method consists of placing the test specimen in
the direct shear device, applying a predetermined normal
stress, providing for wetting or draining of the test specimen, or FIG. 1 Test Specimens in Single Shear Apparatus

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 D3080/D3080M 11
5.6 The area of the shear surface decreases during the test. being tested. The hydraulic conductivity of the insert should be
This area reduction creates uncertainty in the actual value of substantially greater than that of the soil, but should be textured
the shear and normal stress on the shear plane but should not fine enough to prevent excessive intrusion of the soil into the
affect the ratio of these stresses. pores of the insert. The diameter or width of the top porous
NOTE 2Notwithstanding the statement on precision and bias con- insert or plate shall be 0.01 to 0.02 in. (0.2 to 0.5 mm) less than
tained in this standard: The precision of this test method is dependent on that of the inside of the shear box. The insert functions to
the competence of the personnel performing the test and the suitability of
the equipment and facilities used. Agencies which meet the criteria of transfer the shear stress to the soil and must be sufficiently
Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and coarse to develop interlock. Sandblasting or tooling the insert
objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance may help, but the surface of the insert should not be so
with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable testing. Reliable irregular as to cause substantial stress concentrations in the
testing depends on several factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of
soil. Porous inserts should be checked for clogging on a regular
evaluating some of these factors.
basis.
6. Apparatus NOTE 4Exact criteria for insert texture and hydraulic conductivity
6.1 Shear DeviceA device to hold the specimen securely have not been established. For normal soil testing, medium grade inserts
with a hydraulic conductivity of about 0.5 to 1.0 10 3 ft/yr [5.0 104 to
between two porous inserts in such a way that torque is not 1.0 103 cm/s] are appropriate for testing silts and clays, and coarse
applied to the specimen. The shear device shall provide a grade inserts with a hydraulic conductivity of about 0.5 to 1.0 105 ft/yr
means of applying a normal stress to the faces of the specimen, [0.05 to 0.10 cm/s] are appropriate for sands. It is important that the
for measuring change in thickness of the specimen, for hydraulic conductivity of the porous insert is not reduced by the collection
permitting drainage of water through the porous inserts at the of soil particles in the pores of the insert. Storing the porous inserts in a
water filled container between uses will slow clogging. The inserts can be
top and bottom boundaries of the specimen, and for submerg- cleaned by flushing, boiling, or ultrasonic agitation.
ing the specimen in water. The device shall be capable of
applying a shear force to the specimen along a predetermined 6.4 Loading Devices:
shear plane (single shear) parallel to the faces of the specimen. 6.4.1 Device for Applying the Normal ForceThe normal
The frames that hold the specimen shall be sufficiently rigid to force is typically applied by dead weights, a lever loading yoke
prevent their distortion during shearing. The various parts of activated by dead weights (masses), a pneumatic force cylin-
the shear device shall be made of material not subject to der, or a screw driven actuator. The device shall be capable of
corrosion by moisture or substances within the soil, for maintaining the normal force to within 6 1 percent of the
example, stainless steel, bronze, or aluminum, etc. Dissimilar specified force. It should apply the load quickly without
metals, which may cause galvanic action, are not permitted. significantly exceeding the steady value. Dead weight systems
6.2 Shear Box, a shear box, either circular or square, made should be checked on a regular schedule. All systems with
of stainless steel, bronze, or aluminum, with provisions for adjustable force application (e.g. pneumatic regulator or motor
drainage through the top and bottom. The box is divided by a driven screw) require a force indicating device such as a
straight plane into two halves of equal thickness which are proving ring, load cell, or pressure sensor.
fitted together with alignment screws. The shear box is also 6.4.2 Device for Shearing the SpecimenThe device shall
fitted with gap screws, which create the space (gap) between be capable of shearing the specimen at a uniform rate of
the top and bottom halves of the shear box prior to shear. The displacement, with less than 65 percent deviation. The rate to
two halves should provide a bearing surface for the specimen be applied depends upon the consolidation characteristics of
along the shear plane during relative lateral displacement. the test material as specified in 9.10. The rate is usually
6.2.1 The minimum specimen diameter for circular speci- maintained with an electric motor and gear box arrangement
mens, or width for square specimens, shall be 2.0 in. [50 mm], and the shear force is determined by a force indicating device
or not less than ten (10) times the maximum particle size such as a proving ring or load cell.
diameter, whichever is larger.
NOTE 5In order to test a wide range of soils the apparatus should
6.2.2 The minimum initial specimen thickness shall be 0.5 permit adjustment of the rate of displacement from 0.0001 to 0.04 in./min
in. [13 mm], but not less than six (6) times the maximum [0.0025 to 1.0 mm/min].
particle diameter. NOTE 6Shearing the test specimen at a rate greater than specified may
6.2.3 The minimum specimen diameter to thickness or produce partially drained shear results that will differ from the drained
width to thickness ratio shall be 2:1. strength of the material. The specimen must be sheared slowly enough to
NOTE 3A light coating of grease applied to the inside of the shear box allow pore pressures to dissipate.
may be used to reduce friction between the specimen and shear box.
TFE-fluorocarbon coating may also be used on these surfaces instead of
6.4.3 Top Half of Shear BoxThe weight of the top half of
grease to reduce friction. shear box supported by the specimen shall be less than 1
percent of the applied normal force during shear: this will most
6.3 Porous Inserts, Porous inserts function to allow drain-
likely require that the top shear box be supported by a counter
age from the soil specimen along the top and bottom bound-
force, the equipment modified or the specimen sheared under a
aries. They also function to transfer shear stress from the insert
greater applied normal force.
to the top and bottom boundaries of the specimen. Porous
inserts shall consist of silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, or 6.5 Normal Force Measurement DeviceA proving ring or
metal which is not subject to corrosion by soil substances or load cell (or calibrated pressure sensor when using a pneumatic
soil moisture. The proper grade of insert depends on the soil loading system) accurate to 0.5 lbf [2.5 N], or 1 percent of the

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 D3080/D3080M 11
normal force during shear, whichever is greater, is required noticeable disturbance would be caused by the extrusion
when using anything but dead weights to apply the normal device, split the sample tube lengthwise or cut off a small
force. section to facilitate removal of the sample with minimum
6.6 Shear Force Measurement DeviceA proving ring or disturbance. Prepare trimmed specimens, whenever possible,
load cell accurate to 0.5 lbf (2.5 N), or 1 percent of the shear in an environment which will minimize the gain or loss of
force at failure, whichever is greater. specimen moisture.
7.1.1 The sample selected for testing should be sufficiently
6.7 Deformation IndicatorsEither dial gauges or displace- large so that a minimum of three specimens can be prepared
ment transducers capable of measuring the change in thickness from similar material. While this standard test method applies
(normal displacement) of the specimen, with a readability of at to the measurements on one specimen, the requesting agency
least 0.0001 in. [0.002 mm] and to measure relative lateral will typically specify a series of tests which cover a range of
displacement with readability of at least 0.001 in. [0.02 mm]. stress levels. The series should be performed on similar
D6027 provides details on the evaluation of displacement material.
transducers. 7.1.2 Extreme care shall be taken in preparing intact speci-
6.8 Shear Box BowlA metallic box which supports the mens of sensitive soils to prevent disturbance to the natural soil
shear box and provides either a reaction against which one half structure.
of the shear box is restrained, or a solid base with provisions 7.1.3 Assemble the shear box halves and determine the mass
for aligning one half of the shear box, which is free to move of the empty box. Trim the lateral dimensions of the specimen
coincident with applied shear force along a plane. The bowl to fit snuggly into the shear box using either a shape cutting
also serves as the container for the test water used to submerge shoe or a miter box. With the specimen in the shear box, trim
the specimen. the top and bottom surface of the specimen to be flat and
6.9 Controlled High Humidity Environmentif required, for parallel.
preparing specimens, such that water content gain or loss 7.1.4 Determine and record the initial mass of the box plus
during specimen preparation is minimized. specimen and height of the wet specimen for use in calculating
the initial water content and total mass density of the material.
6.10 Test WaterWater is necessary to saturate the porous NOTE 7If large particles are found in the soil after testing, a particle
stones and fill the submersion reservoir. Ideally, this water size analysis should be performed in accordance with Method D422 to
would be similar in composition to the specimen pore fluid. confirm the visual observations, and the result should be provided with the
Options include extracted pore water from the field, potable tap test report.
NOTE 8A controlled high-humidity room or laboratory glove box
water, demineralized water, or saline water. The requesting provides an appropriate atmosphere for trimming the specimen.
agency should specify the water option. In the absence of a
7.2 Laboratory Fabricated SpecimensTest specimens can
specification, the test should be performed with potable tap
be fabricated by reconstitution (7.3) or compaction (7.4).
water.
Acquire enough material to conduct the required series of tests.
6.11 Trimmer or Cutting Ring, for trimming oversized Blend the material to produce a uniform batch and if necessary
samples to the inside dimensions of the shear box with a divide into appropriate quantities for each required water
minimum of disturbance. An exterior jig may be needed to content. Mix the soil with sufficient water to produce the
maintain the shear box alignment. desired water content. Allow the moist material to stand prior
6.12 Balancesa balance or scale conforming to the re- to specimen preparation in accordance with the following
quirements of Specification D4753 readable (with no estimate) guide:
to 0.1% or better. USCS Classification (D2487) Minimum Standing Time, h
SW, SP No Requirement
6.13 Apparatus for Determination of Water Contentas SW-SM, SP_SM, SM (>5% fines) 3
specified in Test Method D2216. SC, ML, CL, SP-SC 18
MH, CH 36
6.14 Equipment for Compacting Specimensif applicable,
as specified in Test Methods D698 or D1557.
7.3 Reconstituted SpecimensSpecimens shall be prepared
6.15 Miscellaneous Equipmentincluding timing device using the compaction method, water content, and mass density
with a second hand, distilled or demineralized water, spatulas, prescribed by the individual assigning the test. Specimens may
knives, straightedge, wire saws, etc., used in preparing the be molded by either kneading or tamping each layer until the
specimen. accumulative mass of the soil placed in the shear box is
compacted/reconstituted to a known volume, or by adjusting
7. Test Specimen Preparation the number of layers, the number of tamps per layer, and the
7.1 Intact SpecimensPrepare intact specimens from large force per tamp. The top of each layer shall be scarified prior to
intact samples or from samples secured in accordance with the addition of material for the next layer. The compacted layer
Practice D1587, or other intact tube sampling procedures. boundaries shall be positioned so they are not coincident with
Intact samples shall be preserved and transported as outlined the shear plane defined by the shear box halves, unless this is
for Group C or D samples in Practice D4220. Handle speci- the stated purpose for a particular test. The tamper used to
mens carefully to minimize disturbance, changes in cross compact the material shall have an area in contact with the soil
section, or loss of water content. If compression or any type of equal to or less than 12 the area of the shear box.

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 D3080/D3080M 11
7.3.1 Secure the halves of the shear box together and 8.6 If the apparatus deformation correction exceeds 0.1 %
assemble in the bowl. Place a moist porous insert in the bottom of the initial specimen thickness at any load level during a test,
of the shear box. Determine the mass of wet soil required for the correction must be applied to every measurement of the
a single layer and place it in the shear box. Distribute the test.
material uniformly and compact the soil to achieve the desired
condition. Continue placing and compacting soil in additional 9. Procedure
layers until the entire specimen is reconstituted. 9.1 Assemble the shear box and shear box bowl in the load
frame.
NOTE 9The required thickness of the compacted lift may be deter-
9.1.1 Intact SpecimenPlace moist porous inserts over the
mined by directly measuring the thickness of the lift, or from the marks on
the tamping rod which correspond to the thickness of the lift being placed. exposed surfaces of the specimen in the shear box, place the
shear box with the intact specimen and porous inserts into the
7.3.2 Determine and record the height and initial mass of the shear box bowl and align the bowl in the load frame.
test specimen.
NOTE 10The decision to dampen the porous inserts or use dry inserts
7.3.3 Place the top moist porous insert on top of the depends on the problem under study. For intact samples obtained below
specimen. the water table, the porous inserts are usually dampened. For swelling
soils, the sequence of consolidation, wetting, and shearing should prevent
7.4 Compacted SpecimensTest specimens may also be swelling until the specimen is equilibrated under the final normal stress.
prepared by compacting soil using the procedures and equip-
9.1.2 Reconstituted SpecimenPlace and align the as-
ment used to determine moisture-density relationships of soils
sembled shear box, specimen, porous inserts and bowl into the
(Test Methods D698 or D1557), and then trimming the direct load frame.
shear test specimen from the larger compaction specimen as
though it were an intact sample. The shear plane of the direct NOTE 11For some apparatus, the top half of the shear box is held in
shear specimen should not be aligned with any of the compac- place by a notched rod which fits into a receptacle in the top half of the
shear box. The bottom half of the shear box is held in place in the shear
tion lift interfaces. box bowl retaining bolts. For some apparatus, the top half of the shear box
is held in placed by an anchor plate.
8. Calibration 9.2 Connect and adjust the position of the shear force
8.1 Calibration is required to determine the deformation of loading system so that no force is imposed on the shear load
the apparatus when subjected to the consolidation load, so that measuring device. Record the zero value of the shear load
for each normal consolidation load the apparatus deflection measuring device.
may be subtracted from the observed deformations. Therefore, 9.3 Position and adjust the shear displacement measurement
only deformation due to specimen consolidation will be device. Obtain an initial reading or set the measurement device
reported for completed tests. Calibration for the equipment to indicate zero displacement.
load-deformation characteristics need to be performed on the 9.4 Place the load transfer plate and moment break on top of
apparatus when first placed in service, or when apparatus parts the porous insert.
are changed. The following series of steps provide one method
of calibrating the apparatus. Other methods of proven accuracy 9.5 Place the normal force loading yoke into position and
for calibrating the apparatus are acceptable. adjust it so the loading bar is aligned. For dead weight lever
loading systems, level the lever. For pneumatic or motor drive
8.2 Assemble the direct shear device with a metal calibra- loading systems, adjust the yoke until it sits snugly against the
tion disk or plate of a thickness approximately equal to the recess in the load transfer plate, or place a ball bearing on the
typical test specimen and a diameter or width that is slightly load transfer plate and adjust the yoke until the contact is snug.
less than the direct shear box. 9.6 Apply a small seating normal load to the specimen.
8.3 Assemble the normal force loading yoke and apply a Verify that the components of the normal loading system are
small normal load equivalent to about 1 lbf/in2 [5 kPa]. seated and aligned. The top porous insert and load transfer
plate must be aligned so that the movement of the load transfer
8.4 Position the normal displacement indicator. Adjust this plate into the shear box is not inhibited. The specimen should
indicator so that it can be used to measure either consolidation not undergo significant compression under this seating load.
or swell from the calibration disk or plate reading. Record the
zero or no load reading. NOTE 12The seating normal load applied to the specimen should be
sufficient to assure all the components are in contact and alignment but not
8.5 Apply increments of normal force up to the equipment so large as to cause compression of the specimen. For most applications,
a load resulting in approximately 1 lbf/in.2 [5 kPa] will be adequate but
limitations, and record the normal displacement indicator
other values meeting the objective are acceptable.
reading and normal force. Remove the applied normal force in
reverse sequence of the applied force, and record the normal 9.7 Attach and adjust the normal displacement measurement
displacement indicator readings and normal force. Average the device. Obtain an initial reading for the normal displacement
values and plot the load deformation of the apparatus as a measurement device along with a reading of the normal load
function of normal load. Retain the results for future reference (either weights or measurement device).
in determining the thickness of the test specimen and compres- 9.8 ConsolidationThe final consolidation normal load
sion within the test apparatus itself. may be applied in one increment or in several intermediate

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 D3080/D3080M 11
increments depending on the type of material, the stiffness of in this manner will apply a tensile stress increment along the potential
the specimen, and the magnitude of the final stress. Load failure surface. This can unintentionally weaken the material. The top cap
should not move upwards while creating the gap.
increments must be small enough to prevent extrusion of the
material from around the porous inserts. For stiff cohesive or 9.10 Determine Shearing RateThe specimen must be
coarse grained material a single increment is normally accept- sheared at a relatively slow rate so that insignificant excess
able. For soft materials, it may be necessary to limit the load pore pressure exists at failure. Determination of the appropriate
increment ratio to unity as described in Test Method D2435 rate of displacement requires an estimate of the time required
(11.4) and apply a number of intermediate load increments. for pore pressure dissipation and amount of deformation
Based on the above considerations and instructions of the required to reach failure. These two factors depend on the type
requesting agency, calculate and record the normal force of material and the stress history. The following procedures
required to achieve each intermediate normal stress level should be used to compute the required shear rate. 9.10.1 and
progressing the specimen from the seating load to the final 9.10.2 may be used to compute times to failure when the
consolidation normal stress. maximum consolidation increment yields well defined normal
9.8.1 Apply the first load increment and, if required, fill the deformation versus time curves and the material has a low
shear box bowl with test water, and keep it full for the duration overconsolidation ratio. 9.10.3 provides default values to be
of the test. In the absence of specification, the bowl should be used in all other situations.
filled with potable water. 9.10.1 When data for the maximum consolidation increment
NOTE 13Flooding the specimen with water eliminates negative pore yield a well defined normal deformation versus log time curve
pressure due to surface tension and also prevents evaporative drying which extends into secondary compression, the curve should
during the test. If and when to inundate the specimen as well as the water be interpreted as in Test Method D2435 and the time to failure
chemistry is part of the test specification which should be provided by the should be computed using the following equation:
requesting agency.
t f 5 50t 50 (1)
9.8.2 For each intermediate stress level, apply the load as
quickly as practical. Maintain each load level until primary where:
consolidation is essentially complete based on either a) inter- tf = total estimated elapsed time to failure, min,
pretation of time versus normal deformation, b) experience t50 = time required for the specimen to achieve 50 percent
with the material or c) a default value of 24 h. Record the consolidation under the maximum normal stress
normal deformation at the end of each increment and the increment, min.
increment duration.
9.8.3 For the maximum normal stress level and for the final 9.10.2 When data for the maximum consolidation increment
normal stress level, apply the normal load to the specimen as do not satisfy the requirements of 9.10.1 but yield a well
quickly as practical and immediately begin recording the defined normal deformation versus root time curve, the curve
normal deformation readings against elapsed time. Test should be interpreted as in Test Method D2435 and the time to
Method D2435 provides details of the loading procedure and failure should be computed using the following equation:
suggestions for appropriate time recording schedules. For these t f 5 11.6t 90 (2)
load increments, verify completion of primary consolidation
where:
before proceeding to the next stage of the test by interpreting
either the plot of normal displacement versus log of time or t90 = time required for the specimen to achieve 90 percent
square root of time (in min). Test Method D2435 provides consolidation under the maximum normal stress (in-
interpretation details of both methods. crement), min.
9.8.4 If the test specification requires consolidation to a 9.10.3 When data for the maximum consolidation increment
specific stress and then rebounding to a lower stress prior to do not satisfy the requirements of 9.10.1 or 9.10.2 or when the
shearing, then the maximum stress should be maintained for at specimen is significantly overconsolidated (OCR greater than
least one cycle of secondary compression. about 2) under the maximum consolidation stress, default
9.8.5 If the material exhibits a tendency to swell under the values for the time to failure should be computed based on a
maximum normal stress, the soil must be inundated with water normally consolidated coefficient of consolidation for the soil.
and must be permitted to achieve equilibrium (essentially stop In the absence of soil specific consolidation data the time
swelling) under this normal stress before continuing on to the should be based on the soil type. The following table provides
next stage of the test. these default values.
9.9 Just before shearing and after consolidation of the final USCS Classification (D2487) Minimum Time to Failure, tf
increment is completed, record the preshear normal displace- SW, SP (<5% fines) 10 min
SW-SM, SP_SM, SM (>5% fines) 60 min
ment and then remove the alignment screws or pins from the SC, ML, CL, SP-SC 200 min
shear box. Use the gap screws to separate the shear box halves MH, CH 24 h
to approximately the diameter of the maximum sized particle in
NOTE 15The tabulated times are based on estimates of typical
the test specimen or 0.025 in. [0.64 mm] as a minimum default normally consolidated coefficient of consolidation values for each soil
value for fine grained materials. Back out the gap screws after type and a 1 cm drainage path. A particular soil can vary considerably
creating the gap. from these typical values. Square root of time interpretations can yield
NOTE 14The gap screws in most equipment raise the upper box half erroneously fast rates of consolidation for partly saturated or very stiff
relative to the lower box half by prying apart the halves. Creating the gap materials. Shearing overconsolidated specimens will soften the material in

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 D3080/D3080M 11
the shear zone causing a reduction in the coefficient of consolidation. 9.11.6 Remove the normal force from the specimen and
Consequently, the calculation of tf based on deformation vs. time curves disassemble the loading apparatus.
may produce an inappropriate estimate of the time required to fail the
specimen under drained conditions. For overconsolidated clays which are 9.12 For cohesive test specimens, separate the shear box
tested under normal stresses less than the soils pre-consolidation pres- halves with a sliding motion along the failure plane and in the
sure, it is suggested that a time to failure be estimated using a value of t50 direction of shearing. Do not pull the shear box halves apart
based on the coefficient of consolidation in the normally consolidated
range for the soil. Care should be exercised if the time curve interpretation perpendicularly to the failure surface, since this motion would
yields considerably shorter times than the tabulated values. damage the specimen. Photograph, sketch, or describe in
writing the failure surface. This step in the procedure is not
9.10.4 Estimate the relative lateral displacement required to applicable to cohesionless specimens.
fail the specimen. This displacement will depend on many
factors including the type of material and the stress history. In 9.13 Remove the specimen from the shear box and deter-
the absence of specific experience relative to the test condi- mine the water content and dry mass according to Test Method
tions, as a guide, use df = 0.5 in. [10 mm] if the material is D2216. If applicable, collect the extruded material in a separate
normally or lightly over consolidated fine-grained soil, other- container and determine the dry mass.
wise use df = 0.2 in. [5 mm].
9.10.5 Determine the appropriate maximum displacement 10. Calculation
rate from the following equation: 10.1 GeneralTypical units are shown for both IP and SI
df systems and SD stands for significant digits. Furthermore, the
Rd 5 (3) prefix used for each variable has been chosen based on current
tf
practice. Other prefixes are permissible and will require differ-
where: ent numerical values for the Unit Conversion Factors. Other
Rd = displacement rate, in./min [mm/min], and units are permissible, provided consistency of units is main-
df = estimated relative lateral displacement at failure, in. tained throughout the calculations. See 1.8 for additional
[mm]. comments on the use of inch-pound units.
9.11 Drained ShearingFor some types of apparatus, the 10.2 Calculate the following for each reading during shear:
displacement rate is achieved using combinations of gear 10.2.1 Nominal shear stress, acting on the specimen is:
wheels and gear lever positions. For other types of equipment Fs
the displacement rate is achieved by adjusting the motor speed. t5 (4)
A
Select and record a displacement rate that is equal to or slower
than the value computed in 9.10.5. where:
9.11.1 Record the initial time, normal and relative lateral t = nominal shear stress, lbf/in.2 [kPa] (3 SD),
displacements, and normal and shear forces. Fs = shear force, lbf [kN] (3 SD), and
A = area of the shear box, in.2 [m2] (3 SD).
9.11.2 Start the apparatus and initiate shear.
9.11.3 Obtain data readings of time, normal and relative 10.2.2 Nominal normal stress acting on the specimen is,
lateral displacement, and shear force at the desired interval of Fn
sn 5 (5)
displacement or time. Data readings should be taken often A
enough to accurately define a shear stress-displacement curve.
where:
At a minimum, data should be recorded at relative lateral
displacements of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, sn = nominal normal stress, lbf/in.2 [kPa] (3 SD), and
and then every 2 percent relative lateral displacement until test Fn = normal force acting on the specimen, lbf [kN] (3 SD).
NOTE 18Factors which incorporate assumptions regarding the actual
completion. specimen surface area over which the shear and normal forces are
NOTE 16Additional readings may be helpful especially at the begin- measured can be applied to the calculated values of shear or normal stress,
ning of the test in identifying trends in behavior and the value of the peak or both. If a correction(s) is made, the factor(s) and rationale for using the
shear stress of over consolidated or brittle material. correction should be explained with the test results.
10.2.3 Displacement RateThe average displacement rate
9.11.4 It may be necessary to stop the test and re-gap the
along the shear surface is:
shear box halves to maintain clearance between the shear box
halves. The test should be checked periodically to confirm that dh
Rd 5 (6)
a gap persists throughout the shearing phase of the test. te
9.11.5 The specimen should be sheared to at least 10 percent where:
relative lateral displacement unless specific termination criteria Rd = displacement rate, in./min [mm/min] (3 SD),
are provided by the specifying agency. Stop the motor drive to dh = relative lateral displacement, in. [mm] (3 SD),
terminate shearing. te = elapsed time of test, min (3 SD).
NOTE 17The shape of the shear force versus displacement curve will 10.2.4 Percent Relative Lateral DisplacementThe percent
depend on the soil type and stress history. The curve may have a well relative lateral displacement along the shear surface is:
defined peak or may increase monotonically throughout the test. In
general, it is better to continue the test to large deformation rather than dh
P d 5 100 (7)
terminate based on shear force variation. D

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 D3080/D3080M 11
where: 11.2.12 Table of normal stress, final normal displacement,
Pd = percent relative lateral displacement, % (3 SD), and and duration of load increment during consolidation.
D = specimen diameter or lateral dimension in direction of 11.2.13 Table of nominal normal stress, nominal shear
shear, in. [mm] (3 SD). stress, relative lateral displacement or percent relative lateral
displacement, normal displacement, and rate of deformation
10.3 Compute the initial void ratio, initial dry density, initial
during shear.
water content, and initial degree of saturation based on the
11.2.14 Plot of deformation versus log of time or square
specific gravity, initial wet mass, final dry mass, and initial
root of time for those load increments used to determine the
volume of the total specimen. Specimen volume is determined
shear rate.
by measurements of the shear box lengths or diameter and the
11.2.15 Plot of nominal shear stress versus lateral displace-
measured thickness of the specimen.
ment or percent relative lateral displacement.
10.4 Compute the preshear void ratio, dry density, and water 11.2.16 Plot of normal displacement versus lateral displace-
content based on the values used in 10.3 plus the measured ment or percent relative lateral displacement.
normal deformation. 11.2.17 For cohesive material, observations made relative to
the shear surface.
11. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s) 11.2.18 Departure from the procedure outlines, such as
11.1 The methodology used to specify how data are re- special loading sequences or special wetting requirements.
NOTE 19In most cases, there is significant soil loss during shear and
corded on the data sheet(s)/form(s), as given below is covered the specimen shape is such that the final phase relations (density, water
in 1.9 and Guide D6026. content, and saturation) cannot be determined with any degree of
reliability. Therefore these values are not required but may be included in
11.2 Record as a minimum the following general informa-
the test report.
tion (data):
11.2.1 Sample identification, project and location. 12. Precision and Bias
11.2.2 Test number, date, apparatus identification, and tech- 12.1 PrecisionTest data on precision are not presented due
nician. to the nature of the soil or rock, or both materials tested by this
11.2.3 Description of type of shear device used in test. standard. It is either not feasible or too costly at this time to
11.2.4 Description of appearance of the specimen, based on have ten or more laboratories participate in a round-robin
Practice D2488 (Test Method D2487 may be used as an testing program. In addition, it is either not feasible or too
alternative), Atterberg limits (Test Method D4318), and grain costly to produce multiple specimens that have uniform physi-
size data (Method D422), if obtained (see 7.2). cal properties. Any variation observed in the data is just as
11.2.5 Description of soil structure, that is whether the likely to be due to specimen variation as to operator or
specimen is intact, remolded, reconstituted, or otherwise pre- laboratory testing variation.
pared. 12.2 Subcommittee D18.05 is seeking any pertinent data
11.2.6 Initial thickness and diameter (width for square shear from users of these test methods that might be used to make a
boxes). limited statement on precision.
11.2.7 Dry mass of test specimen. 12.3 BiasThere is no accepted reference value for this test
11.2.8 Initial and pre-shear water content. method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
11.2.9 Initial and pre-shear wet density, see Note 19.
11.2.10 Initial and pre-shear dry density and void ratio, see 13. Keywords
Note 19. 13.1 compacted specimens; consolidated; direct-shear test;
11.2.11 Initial and pre-shear degree of saturation, see Note drained test conditions; intact; Mohr strength envelope; recon-
19. stituted specimens; shear strength

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this test method since the last issue,
D308004, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved November 1, 2011)

(1) Extensive editorial changes to clarify text and renumber (3) Section 1.1 to clarify the Method covers only one test.
sections to accommodate more substantial changes. The fol- (4) Added section 1.6 on test series.
lowing items are only the substantial changes. Section and note (5) Added section 1.8 on Units.
numbers are referenced to this revision. Summary of changes (6) Add reference in Section 2.
do not state specific relocations of section material or notes. (7) Added definitions 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, and 3.2.6.
(2) Changed standard number and modifications to make dual (8) Modified section 4.1 relative to strain rate.
units. (9) Section 5.2 added statement on shear rate.

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 D3080/D3080M 11
(10) Added Note 1 relative to fast tests. (43) Section 9.7 added requirement.
(11) Section 5.5 added requirement. (44) Section 9.8 added clarification and reference to D2435.
(12) Added section 5.6 on contact area changes. (45) Section 9.8.1 new procedural step.
(13) Section 6.2 added requirement to shear box. (46) Added Note 13 for clarification.
(14) Section 6.3 new requirement to check stones. (47) Added Section 9.8.2 for intermediate consolidation incre-
(15) Note 4 (and throughout) change permeability to hydraulic ments.
conductivity. (48) Section 9.8.3 added requirements for time deformation
(16) Note 4 added guidance on stone care. data.
(17) Section 6.4.1 added option to use screw driven load frame (49) Section 9.8.4 new requirement for overconsolidated tests
for normal force. (50) Section 9.8.5 moved information from prior note.
(18) Section 6.4.2 moved shear rate requirement to suggestion (51) Section 9.9 changed gap specification.
in Note 5 (52) Added Note 14 identifying potential problem.
(19) Added guidance to Note 6. (53) Section 9.10 completely reorganized and added some
(20) Section 6.4.3 added title. discussion to clarify method of interpretation. Added number-
(21) Added Section 6.5 specifying normal force measurement. ing of equations.
(22) Section 6.7 changed SI resolution. (54) Section 9.10.1 specification for the log time method.
(23) Section 6.8 added function. (55) Section 9.10.2 specification for the root time method and
(24) Added section 6.10 for specification of test water. changed equation 2.
(25) Section 7 changed title and reorganized some of the (56) Section 9.10.3 added default time based on material type
sections. and high OCR specimen.
(26) Section 7 separated into Intact, Reconstituted and Com- (57) Added Note 15 with rationale and clarification.
pacted sections. (58) Added section 9.10.4 which was mandatory material in a
(27) Section 7.1 changed undisturbed to intact throughout note.
standard. (59) Section 9.10.5 new terms in same equation.
(28) Section 7.1 clarified that standard is for one test but (60) Section 9.11 reorganized for shearing and add specifica-
sample should be large enough for test series. tion of shear rate.
(29) Section 7.1 added method to trim specimens. (61) Section 9.11.3 increase rate of data collection.
(30) Section 7.2 added method to process material and changed (62) Add section 9.11.4 which was information in a note and is
USCS symbols. now required.
(31) Section 7.3 clarified method to form specimen. (63) Section 9.11.5 change termination requirement.
(32) Section 7.4 added requirement. (64) Added note 17 for clarification.
(33) Section 8.1 added some flexibility to method which was (65) Section 9.12 add clarification.
previously in note. (66) Section 9.13 add requirement.
(34) Section 8.2 changed specification on calibration disk. (67) Add Section 10.1 for clarification.
(35) Added section 8.3 and renumbered subsequent sections. (68) Section 10.2 clarify units and significant digits.
(36) Added section 8.6 specifying when correction is neces- (69) Equation 5 fix equation symbol.
sary. (70) Equation 6 change symbol for displacement rate.
(37) Section 9.1 altered method to be consistent with section 7. (71) Section 10.2.4 change equation and symbols.
(38) Added clarification to Note 10. (72) Section 10.4 add requirement,
(39) Section 9.2 added requirement. (73) Section 11 change reporting requirements in several
(40) Section 9.4 added moment break. locations.
(41) Section 9.6 added clarification to seating load. (74) Section 12 change to standard precision caveat.
(42) Note 12 added clarification. (75) Change title of Figure 1.

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