Standard Test Method For Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test For Saturated Fine Grained Clayey Soil
Standard Test Method For Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test For Saturated Fine Grained Clayey Soil
Standard Test Method For Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test For Saturated Fine Grained Clayey Soil
1. Scope* priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 These test methods cover the miniature vane test in very bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
soft to stiff saturated fine-grained clayey soils (φ = 0). Knowl-
edge of the nature of the soil in which each vane test is to be 2. Referenced Documents
made is necessary for assessment of the applicability and 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
interpretation of the test results. D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
NOTE 1—It is recommended that the miniature vane test be conducted
in fine-grained, predominately clay soils with an undrained shear strength D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-
less than 1.0 tsf [100 kPa]. Vane failure conditions in higher strength clay Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
and predominantly silty soils may deviate from the assumed cylindrical D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
failure surface, thereby causing error in the measured strength. (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
1.2 These test methods include the use of both conventional D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
calibrated torque spring units (Method A) and electrical torque (Visual-Manual Procedure)
transducer units (Method B) with a motorized miniature vane D2573 Test Method for Field Vane Shear Test in Saturated
shear device. Fine-Grained Soils
1.3 Laboratory vane is an ideal tool to investigate strength D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
anisotropy in the vertical and horizontal directions, if suitable Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
samples (specimens) are available. Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4220 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil
1.4 All measured and calculated values shall conform to the Samples
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Practice D6026. Data
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in 3. Terminology
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each 3.1 Definitions:
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining 3.1.1 For common definitions of terms in this standard, refer
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance to Terminology D653.
with the standard.
1.5.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound 3.2.1 torque—the product of the magnitude of a force and
(lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass the perpendicular distance of the line of action of the force
is slugs. The rationalized slug unit is not given, unless dynamic from a specified axis of rotation.
(F = ma) calculations are involved. 3.2.2 torque spring—an elastic spring that can be calibrated
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the to provide a measure of torque that is proportional to the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the rotation (about a central longitudinal axis) of one end of the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- spring relative to a fixed condition at the opposite end of the
spring.
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 Jan. 1, 2016. Published January 2016. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D4648/D4648M – 13. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D4648_D4648M-16. the ASTM website.
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Jun 29 01:19:28 EDT 2016
2
Downloaded/printed by
University of Queensland (University of Queensland) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D4648/D4648M − 16
diameter ratio as well as vane shape, refer to Refs. (1) and (2).3 noted, remolded strengths may be obtained at less than the recommended
five to ten revolutions.
8. Preparation and Testing of Samples NOTE 5—In cases where electrical torque transducers with wires for
8.1 Specimen Size—Specimens should have a diameter suf- signal transmission are utilized, the remolded miniature vane strength may
be obtained by rotating the vane one complete revolution in one direction
ficient to allow clearance of at least two blade diameters and then again in the opposite direction a number of times to produce the
between all points on the circumference of the shearing surface desired five to ten complete revolutions.
and the outer edge of the sample.
8.2 Intact Vane Strength—Prepare intact specimens from 9. Preparation of Apparatus
large intact samples secured in accordance with Practice 9.1 Vane Blade Damage—Carefully check each vane prior
D1587, and handle and transport in accordance with the to each use for bent shafts and blades and imperfections that
practices for Group C and D Samples in Practices D4220. Tests could alter the vane failure surface from the assumed cylindri-
may be run in the sampling tube, eliminating the need for
cal surface.
extrusion. Handle specimens carefully to prevent disturbance
or loss of water (moisture) content. Trim flat the end of the
10. Calibration
sample where the vane will be inserted. The sample shall be
perpendicular to the wall of the tube. 10.1 Conduct periodically calibration of the spring units (or
8.3 Remolded Vane Strength—Conduct remolded miniature torque transducers) to ensure proper operation of the miniature
vane strength tests on failed specimens similar to remolded vane device and repeatability of the torque spring or transduc-
field vane tests (Test Method D2573) by rotating the vane ers. Calibration is accomplished by the application of cali-
rapidly through a minimum of five to ten revolutions. brated weights onto a calibrated wheel to produce a known
torque (lever arm X weight). Secure the vane shear unit in such
NOTE 4—Remolded shear strength measurements are conventionally a way that the vane spring (torque unit) is in a horizontal
obtained by conducting strength tests on specimens encased in a thin
rubber membrane, to prevent change in water content, and remolded by position. Then insert the calibration wheel in place of the vane
hand (hand remolding). Field vane remolded strength has however been blade. The calibration wheel, calibration string, and calibration
obtained by rotating the vane rapidly through a minimum of five to ten weights all shall hang free of any obstructions. Dimensions of
complete revolutions and conducting a vane test within 1 min of the the calibration wheel shall be noted; specifically the lever arm.
remolding process (machine remolding). A machine remolded test yields
a vane strength value that is considered more a residual strength. The 10.2 For each vane torque spring to be used, apply a series
machine remolded strength is typically higher than the hand remolded of calibration weights to the calibration wheel to develop a plot
strength and, as a consequence, produces lower sensitivities. In many
sensitive clayey soils, residual strengths may be obtained within one to of spring deflection (in degrees) versus torque (in lbf·in. or
two revolutions or less. If such soils are being tested, it is recommended [N·m]). Carefully fasten each calibration weight to the calibra-
that several remolded strengths be obtained using the standard five to ten tion string and allow to deflect the spring. Record the deflection
revolutions for verification. If no major remolded strength differences are of the spring (in degrees) and applied torque for each weight
applied. The calibration wheel configuration, lever arm,
3
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of weights, and resulting torque shown in Fig. 3 is recommended
this standard. for consideration in the calibration procedure.
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Jun 29 01:19:28 EDT 2016
3
Downloaded/printed by
University of Queensland (University of Queensland) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D4648/D4648M − 16
is rotated with the vane/spring rotation device. The torque
spring or transducer shall produce a repeatable linear relation-
ship between spring deflection (degrees) or transducer output
(mV) and torque applied.
NOTE 6—Since vane strength may be greatly influenced by the rate at
which shear occurs, it is recommended that torque be applied using a
motorized vane device. A hand crank manual device may be utilized, but
is not recommended due to the potential variation in rate of shear.
NOTE 7—When the miniature vane test is conducted using a calibrated
torque spring, the top of the spring unit is rotated at a constant rotation rate
while the bottom of the spring most often remains stationary or nearly
stationary until enough energy (torque) is built up in the spring. Just prior
to or at failure, the bottom of the spring and vane begin to rotate (generally
slowly) as failure begins. The torque applied by the spring soon over-
comes the shearing resistance of the soil and the vane blade rotates rapidly
to bring the soil to total failure. Thus, depending upon the stiffness of the
calibrated torque spring, soil strength, and consistency, the rate of shear
and possibly the shear strength may vary.
NOTE 8—It should be recognized that there is a fundamental difference
in the failure modes between miniature vane tests made using a calibrated
torque spring and an electrical transducer. An electrical torque transducer
FIG. 3 Typical Calibration Wheel Configuration and Weight Se- will produce a strain-controlled failure of the soil, whereas a calibrated
lections torque spring will produce failure that varies somewhere between purely
stress-controlled and strain-controlled conditions. Using an electrical
11. Application and Measurement of Vane Blade Torque torque transducer, the constant rate of rotation applied to the top of the
torque transducer is transmitted directly to the vane blade. The resulting
11.1 Apply the torque to the vane by a conventional torque strain-controlled failure could result in a higher rate of shear than that
spring (Fig. 4a) or an electrical torque transducer (Fig. 4b) that produced using a calibrated torque spring.
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Jun 29 01:19:28 EDT 2016
4
Downloaded/printed by
University of Queensland (University of Queensland) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D4648/D4648M − 16
12. Vane Rotation and Shearing Rate where:
12.1 Apply torque to the vane/spring at a constant rate T = torque, lbf·ft [N·m],
within the ranges identified in 7.2. Select the combination of τ = undrained shear strength, lbf/ft2 [Pa], and
K = vane blade constant, ft3 [m3].
torque spring or vane rotation rates to cause specimen to reach
NOTE 11—The undrained shear strength (τ) determined in this labora-
failure within 2 to 3 min (see Note 9).
tory procedure needs to be multiplied by a vane correction factor (µ) to
NOTE 9—The rate of vane rotation has two major effects on the give a field value of undrained shear strength, (τ)field = µ(τ)lab. A more
resulting measured vane shearing strength. The first is preventing drainage detailed discussion of the use of the vane correction factor is given in
so that a truly undrained shear strength is measured. The second resembles Refs. (5) and (6).
a viscous effect: the faster a soil is sheared the higher is its measured 14.2 Assuming the distribution of the shear strength is
strength. There are currently two approaches for determining the vane
rotation and shearing rate. These approaches are (1) angular shear velocity uniform across the ends of the failure cylinder and around the
approach, and (2) Blight’s drainage approach. A more detailed discussion perimeter, K is given as follows:
of these two approaches can be found in Refs. (3) and (4), respectively.
13.3 Following the determination of the maximum torque, 14.4 If the vane torque is to be measured utilizing a standard
determine the remolded vane strength by rotating the vane vane shear device by noting the deflection of springs with
rapidly through a minimum of five to ten revolutions; the known constants, a relationship between vane torque and
determination of the remolded strength should be started spring deflection may be established through the calibration
immediately after completion of rapid rotation and in all cases procedure described in Section 10 as shown in Fig. 5a.
within 1 min after the remolding process. Repeat the procedure Alternatively, a similar calibration curve for an electrical
in 13.1 and 13.2. torque transducer may be developed as shown in Fig. 5b.
14.5 The torque, T, also may be expressed in terms of spring
14. Calculation deflection in degrees, as follows:
14.1 Calculate the undrained shear strength in the following ~∆!
~ B ! ~ 12! ~
T5 Inch 2 Pound Units! (5)
manner (see Note 11). The turning moment required to shear
the soil is given as follows: ∆
T 5 τ 3K (1)
T5
B
@ SI Units# (6)
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Jun 29 01:19:28 EDT 2016
5
Downloaded/printed by
University of Queensland (University of Queensland) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D4648/D4648M − 16
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Jun 29 01:19:28 EDT 2016
6
Downloaded/printed by
University of Queensland (University of Queensland) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D4648/D4648M − 16
15.2.7 Torque spring or Vane Rotation rate in °/min [rad/ tion observed in the data is just as likely to be due to specimen
min], rate of shear at vane blade edges, time to failure of the variation as to operator or laboratory testing variation. Sub-
test (maximum rotation–rotation rate) where applicable. committee D18.05 welcomes proposals that would allow for
15.2.8 Type vane apparatus used (manufacturer, model). development of a valid precision statement.
15.2.9 Notes on any deviations from standard procedure. 16.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
method; therefore bias cannot be determined.
16. Precision and Bias
16.1 Precision—Due to the nature of soil tested by this 17. Keywords
method, it is too costly at this time to produce multiple 17.1 clays; intact; laboratory; miniature; remolded; satu-
specimens which have uniform physical properties. Any varia- rated; shear value; undrained strength
REFERENCES
(1) Aas, G., “A Study of the Effect of Shape of Vane and Rates of Strain (4) Lee, H. J., “State of the Art: Laboratory Determination of the Strength
On In-Situ Shear Strength of Clays,” Proceedings 6th Intl. Conference of Marine Soils,” Strength Testing of Marine Sediments: Laboratory
on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Vol. 2, 1966, pp. and In Situ Measurements , ASTM STP 883, ASTM 1985, pp.
141–145. 181–250.
(2) Richardson, A., “In Situ Determination of Anisotropy,” Proceedings (5) Ladd, C. C., Discussion: “Measurement of In Situ Shear Strength,”
In Situ Measurements, Vol. I, ASCE, 1974, pp. 336–349. Proceedings In Situ Measurements, Vol. II, ASCE, 1975, pp. 153–160.
(3) Perlow, M. and Richards, A. F., “Influence of Shear Velocity in Vane (6) Larsson, R., “Undrained Shear Strength,”Canadian Geotechnical
Shear Strength,” Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division, Journal, Vol. 17, No. 4, November 1980, pp. 591–602.
Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 103, No.
GTI, 1977, pp. 19–32.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (2013) that may impact the use of this standard. (January 1, 2016)
(1) Added the plural Method(s) to title to be consistent with (4) Added references to Test Methods D2216 in Sections 2 and
Methods A and B described in the text. 13 and changed “moisture” references to “water.”
(2) Revised 1.5 (added 1.5.1). (5) Replaced term “undisturbed” with “intact” throughout.
(3) Added reference to Terminology D653 in Section 2 and 3.
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.
This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Wed Jun 29 01:19:28 EDT 2016
7
Downloaded/printed by
University of Queensland (University of Queensland) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.