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Designation: D 6528 00

Standard Test Method for

Consolidated Undrained Direct Simple Shear Testing of
Cohesive Soils1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6528; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-

1.1 This test method defines equipment specifications and priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
testing procedures for the measurement of constant volume bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
strength and stress-strain characteristics of cohesive soils after 2. Referenced Documents
one-dimensional consolidation using a constant rate of simple
shear deformation mode of loading. The constant volume 2.1 ASTM Standards:
condition is equivalent to the undrained condition for saturated D 422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils2
specimens. D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock and Contained
1.2 This test method is written specifically for devices that Fluids2
test rectangular parallelepiped or cylindrical specimens. Other D 854 Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soils2
more general devices, such as the torsional shear hollow D 1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Geotechnical Sam-
cylinder, may be used to perform consolidated constant volume pling of Soils2
simple shear tests but are beyond the scope of this test method. D 2216 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water
1.3 This test method is applicable to testing both undis- (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock2
turbed and compacted soils, however, it does not include D 2435 Test Method for One-Dimensional Consolidation
specific guidance for compacting test specimens. Properties of Soils2
1.4 It shall be the responsibility of the agency requesting D 2487 Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes
this test to specify the magnitude of the normal consolidation (Unified Soil Classification System)2
stress prior to constant volume shear and, when appropriate, D 2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
the maximum normal consolidation stress, which will result in (Visual-Manual Procedure)2
an overconsolidated specimen. D 3550 Practice for Ring-Lined Barrel Sampling of Soils2
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
standard. Reporting test results in units other than SI shall be Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil an Rock
regarded as conformance with this test method. as Used in Engineering Design and Construction2
1.5.1 In the engineering profession it is customary practice D 4220 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil
to use, interchangeably, units representing both mass and force, Samples2
unless dynamic calculations (F=Ma) are involved. This implic- D 4318 Test Method for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
itly combines two separate systems of units, that is, the Plasticity Index of Soils2
absolute system and the gravimetric system. It is scientifically D 4452 Methods for X-Ray Radiography of Soil Samples2
undesirable to combine two separate systems within a single 3. Terminology
standard. This test method has been written using SI units;
however, inch-pound conversions are given in the gravimetric 3.1 DefinitionsThe terms used in this test method are in
system, where the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force accordance with Terminology D 653.
(weight). The use of balances or scales recording pounds of 3.1.1 shear modulus, na measure of a materials resis-
mass (lbm), or the recording of density in lb/ft3 should not be tance to shear stress, equal to the ratio of the increment in the
regarded as nonconformance with this standard. shear stress to the resultant increment in angle of deformation
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the expressed in radians. Also known as the modulus of rigidity.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 active height control, na method of keeping the
height of the specimen constant during the shearing process in
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 Structural
Properties of Soils.
2
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2000. Published May 2000. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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D 6528 00
which the displacement control mechanism is physically ad- interpretation of the results. Expressing the data in terms of the
justed in response to the axial displacement measurement. shear stress and normal effective stress on the horizontal plane
3.2.2 passive height control, na method of keeping the is useful for engineering purposes, but should not be confused
height of the specimen constant during the shearing process in with the effective stress parameters derived from other shear
which the specimen and force measuring device are clamped tests having better defined states of stress.
by a mechanism that is much stiffer than the specimen. 5.5 The values of the secant shear modulus can be used to
estimate the initial settlements of embankments built on
4. Summary of Test Method saturated cohesive soils due to undrained shear deformations.
4.1 In this test method a specimen of cohesive soil is 5.6 The data from the consolidation portion of this test are
constrained axially between two parallel, rigid platens and comparable to results obtained using Test Method D 2435
laterally, such that the cross sectional area remains constant. provided that the more rigorous consolidation procedure of
4.2 The specimen is loaded axially and allowed to consoli- Test Method D 2435 is followed.
date one-dimensionally. Each normal load increment is main- 5.6.1 The axial displacements measured from Test Method
tained until excess pore water pressures are essentially dissi- D 2435 are somewhat smaller than for the simple shear test
pated as interpreted from the axial displacement rate. The because the specimens lateral confinement is less rigid and the
maximum normal load is maintained until completion of one top platen is unable to rotate.
cycle of secondary compression or one day longer than the end 5.6.2 The estimated preconsolidation pressure is compa-
of excess pore water pressure dissipation. rable provided the specimen is loaded sufficiently into the
4.3 The specimen is sheared by displacing one platen normally consolidated range.
tangentially relative to the other at a constant rate of displace- 5.6.3 The rate of consolidation is comparable.
ment and measuring the resulting shear force. The platens are
constrained against rotation and axial movement throughout 6. Apparatus
shear. 6.1 Fig. 1 presents a schematic diagram of the essential
4.4 The specimen volume is held constant during shear to components for the apparatus. The following sections specify
simulate undrained conditions. Constant volume is achieved by the component requirements.
changing the normal load applied to the specimen to maintain 6.2 Normal Loading DeviceA suitable device for apply-
constant specimen height. Since the pore pressure is zero ing normal force to the specimen. The device must be capable
through shear, the change in normal stress is equal to the of maintaining constant force for the entire test duration,
change in effective stress and assumed to be equal to the permit quick application of force increments and allow con-
change in pore water pressure that would occur in a sealed tinuous adjustment of force when using active height control.
specimen confined by a constant total stress. 6.3 Shear Loading DeviceA device for applying shear
force to the specimen with sufficient capacity and control to
NOTE 1The quality of the result produced by this test method is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
deform the specimen at the required displacement rate. Dis-
suitability of the equipment and facilities. Agencies that meet the criteria placement should be smooth and continuous. As a minimum,
of Practice D 3740 generally are considered capable of competent and the displacement rate should be within 6 15 % of the average
objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this test method are calculated rate (12.3.7) from 50 % of the peak shear force to
cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure the end of the test. Vibration due to operation of this device
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 should be sufficiently small so as not to cause visible ripples in
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
a glass of water placed on the loading platform.
5. Significance and Use NOTE 2Screw driven systems typically apply an increase in displace-
5.1 The shear strength of a specimen depends on the soil ment rate with increasing shear load application.
type, normal consolidation stress, time of consolidation, rate of 6.4 Force Measuring DevicesTwo devices are required:
strain, and prior stress history of the soil. one for measuring normal force and one for measuring shear
5.2 In this test, the shear strength is measured under force. Each device shall have the necessary capacity and be
constant volume conditions that are equivalent to undrained accurate to 6 2 % of the applied maximum force for a given
conditions for a saturated specimen; hence, the test is appli- test. The devices shall be insensitive to eccentric loading or
cable to field conditions wherein soils have fully consolidated installed in a fashion to eliminate eccentric loading. The
under one set of stresses, and then are subjected to changes in compressibility of the shear measuring device should not cause
stress without time for further drainage to take place. the deviation in shear displacement rate to exceed6 15 % of
5.3 The constant volume (undrained) strength is a function the average rate. When using passive height control the
of stress conditions. In this test method, the strength is compressibility of the axial measuring device must satisfy the
measured under plane strain conditions and the principle deflection requirement of 6.9.
stresses continuously rotate due to the application of shear 6.5 Axial Loading RamThe axial loading ram must hold
stress. This simple shear stress condition occurs in many field one platen parallel to the other while allowing axial displace-
situations including zones below a long embankment and ment of the specimen. If the piston resists the shear force, it
around axially loaded piles. must do so with negligible rotation of the platen.
5.4 The state of stress within the simple shear specimen is 6.6 Shear Slide TableThe shear slide table must hold the
not sufficiently defined nor uniform enough to allow rigorous platens parallel to each other and allow shear displacement of

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D 6528 00

FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of Essential Direct Simple Shear Components.

the specimen. When using passive height control and the slide must be recessed into the platen such that the surface in contact
table is within the height control boundaries, its compressibil- with the soil is flush with the platen.
ity must satisfy the deflection requirement of 6.9. The slide NOTE 3It is sometimes necessary to increase the surface roughness of
table shall allow a sufficient displacement to provide a mini- the porous disks in order to prevent interface slippage. Short metallic pins
mum of 30 % shear strain. cemented into the disks have been used successfully but introduce large
6.7 Lateral Confinement DeviceThe specimen shall be uncertainty in the shear strain calculations.
constrained laterally such that the cross-sectional area at any NOTE 4Disks of ductile material, for example, brass, have been found
location does not change by more than 0.1 % during shear. In to warp due to the shear stress and need to be flattened on a regular basis.
addition, the confinement must allow uniform shear deforma- 6.8 Displacement IndicatorsTo measure the change in
tion. Circular specimens are generally confined by a wire specimen height and the shear deformation (axial and lateral
reinforced membrane or stacked rigid rings. Square specimens movement of top platen relative to bottom platen) with a
generally are confined by stacked hollow plates or hinged solid readability of 0.0025 mm.
plates. The thickness of the individual stacked rings or plates 6.9 Volume Control EquipmentOne of the two following
must be less than 110 of the specimen thickness in order to methods may be used to achieve constant volume during shear.
allow relatively uniform shear deformation. When the confin- With either method, the specimen is free to drain and the
ing device is within a water bath, it shall be constructed of measured change in normal total stress during shear is assumed
corrosion resistant material. to be equal to the pore pressure which would develop in a
6.7.1 Specimen Size Requirements: sealed specimen confined by a constant total stress. In either
6.7.1.1 The minimum specimen diameter (or lateral dimen- case, the device shall not allow the specimen change in height
sion) shall be 45 mm. to exceed 0.05 % including the equipment deformation deter-
6.7.1.2 The minimum specimen height shall be 12 mm. mined in 10.1.
6.7.1.3 The height to diameter, or minimum lateral dimen- 6.9.1 Normal Force Adjustment DeviceActive height con-
sion, ratio shall not exceed 0.4. trol requires a mechanism to continuously adjust the normal
6.7.1.4 The specimen height shall not be less than ten times force to prevent changes in the specimen height during shear.
the maximum particle diameter (see 9.4). NOTE 5A variety of devices are used including manual adjustment of
6.7.2 PlatensThe top and bottom platens of the apparatus a worm gear, computer control of a worm gear, and computer control of
shall be constructed of corrosion resistant material and have a a pneumatic cylinder.
circular, rectangular or square cross-section to match the 6.9.2 Axial Displacement ClampPassive height control
specimen. The platens shall be designed to securely hold the requires a mechanism to lock the axial loading ram in place
porous disks and provide drainage from the specimen to the during shear. The normal force transducer must be moment
water bath and transfer shear to the specimen without horizon- insensitive and located between the specimen and the clamp or
tal slippage. the specimen and the slide base.
6.7.3 Porous DisksThe porous disks shall be brass, silicon 6.10 Specimen Trimming DeviceA trimming turntable or
carbide, aluminum oxide, or similar rigid corrosion resistant a cylindrical cutting ring may be used for cutting the cylindri-
material. The disks shall be flat, fine enough to prevent cal specimens to the proper diameter. A wire saw and miter box
intrusion of the soil into the pores, and rough enough to or cutting shoe may be used for rectangular specimens. The top
transfer the shear stress. The disks must be at least ten times and bottom of the specimen may be rough trimmed with a wire
more permeable than the soil. Disks must cover at least 90 % saw. All flat surfaces must be finish trimmed with a sharpened
of the specimen surface and when smaller than the specimen, straight edge and shall have a tolerance of 6 0.05 mm.

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D 6528 00
6.11 Specimen Setup FrameA rigid frame to hold in produce the desired conditions. After batching, store the
alignment the bottom platen, the specimen in the trimming material in a covered container for at least 16 hours prior to
device, and expander containing the confinement device. The specimen preparation.
frame must allow the trimmed specimen to be transferred from
the trimming device to the confinement device with a minimum 8. Specimen Preparation
of disturbance.
8.1 All reasonable precautions should be taken to minimize
6.12 Water BathA method to provide the specimen with
disturbance of the soil caused by vibration, distortion, and
free access to water at atmospheric pressure and prevent
compression.
specimen drying due to evaporation. The entire specimen and
confinement device may be submerged in a water bath or the 8.2 Test specimens and soil processing should be performed
end platens may be connected to a standpipe by flexible tubing. in an environment that prevents moisture change.
In either case, water must be available to both ends of the 8.3 Undisturbed SpecimensTrim the specimen to the
specimen by means of the porous disks. lateral dimension of the lateral confinement device.
6.13 Miscellaneous EquipmentIncluding timing device 8.3.1 Undisturbed soil collected using sample tubes shall be
with one second readability, caliper, dial comparator, distilled at least 2.5 mm larger in each dimension than the specimen
or demineralized water, spatulas, knives, trimming blade and dimension except as specified in 8.3.2 and 8.3.3. Trim away the
wire saws. additional material using one of the following methods.
6.14 Balances, in accordance with Test Method D 2216.
NOTE 7The degree of sample disturbance is known to increase
6.15 Drying Oven, in accordance with Test Method D 2216. towards the perimeter of the tube sample, and therefore, it is better to use
6.16 Water Content Container, in accordance with Test larger diameter samples where possible.
Method D 2216.
6.17 EnvironmentTests shall be performed in an environ- 8.3.1.1 When using a trimming turntable and cylindrical
ment where temperature fluctuations are less than 6 2C specimens, make a complete perimeter cut, the width of the
during shear, and there is no direct exposure to sunlight. blade, to reduce the soil diameter to that of the confinement
6.18 Trimming EnvironmentTrim the specimen in a glove ring. Gradually advance the specimen into the ring by the
box or room that has a high enough relative humidity to width of the blade. Repeat until the specimen protrudes from
prevent changes in the water content of the soil. the bottom of the ring.
8.3.1.2 When using a cutting shoe, trim the soil to a gentle
7. Sampling taper in front of the cutting surface with a knife or spatula.
7.1 Undisturbed Samples: After the taper is formed, advance the cutter a small distance to
7.1.1 Undisturbed samples having satisfactory quality for shave off the remaining soil and form the final diameter. Repeat
testing by this method may be obtained using procedures and the process until the specimen protrudes from the top of the
apparatus described by Practices D 1587 and D 3550. Speci- cutter.
mens also may be trimmed from large undisturbed block 8.3.1.3 When using a miter box and parallelepiped speci-
samples obtained and sealed in the field. mens, trim each side of soft to medium stiff soil with a wire
7.1.2 Undisturbed samples to be tested by this method shall saw. Finish each surface with a sharpened straight edge. Stiff
be preserved, handled and transported in accordance with the soil is best trimmed with a sharpened straight edge. The
practices for Groups C and D samples in Practice D 4220. specimen shall have orthogonal surfaces.
7.1.3 Undisturbed samples shall be sealed and stored such 8.3.2 Fibrous soils, such as peats, and those soils that are
that no moisture is lost or gained between sampling and testing. damaged easily by trimming, may be transferred directly from
Storage time and temperature fluctuations should be mini- the sampling tube to the confinement device, provided that the
mized. device has the same dimensions as the sampling tube.
7.1.4 The quality of simple shear test results diminish 8.3.3 Specimens obtained using a ring-lined sampler may be
greatly with sample disturbance. No sampling procedure can used without prior trimming, provided they comply with the
assure completely undisturbed samples; therefore, careful ex- requirements of Practice D 3550 and this test method.
amination of the sample and selection of the highest quality 8.4 Compacted SpecimensThe method of preparation and
material for testing is essential for reliable testing. specifications, such as water content, density, and compactive
NOTE 6Examination for sample disturbance, stones or other inclu- effort shall be stipulated by the agency requesting the test;
sions, and selection of specimen location is greatly facilitated by x-ray however, the specimen must be fabricated using the guidelines
radiography of the samples as described in Methods D 4452. specified in 8.4.1-8.4.3.
7.2 Compacted Specimens: 8.4.1 Compact batched material in layers using a pressing or
7.2.1 Compacted specimens may be prepared from bulk kneading action into a preparation mold or directly into the
homogeneous material. cutting shoe. The top of each layer shall be scarified prior to
7.2.2 Bulk material should be handled and transported in addition of material for the next layer.
accordance with the practices for Group B samples of Practices 8.4.2 When soil is to be compacted directly into the cutting
D 4220. shoe, the specimen must be fabricated in at least three layers
7.2.2.1 The material required for the specimen shall be and the compacted material should be thicker than the final
batched by thoroughly mixing soil with sufficient water to trimmed specimen.

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D 6528 00
8.4.3 When soil is compacted into an oversize preparation Atterberg Limits shall be determined on undried soil unless
mold, compact using more than three layers and then trim the evidence exists to show that results are not affected by oven
specimen using the undisturbed preparation procedures. drying.
8.5 Trim the top and bottom surfaces of the specimen to be 9.4 Particle Size DistributionThe particle size distribu-
flat and perpendicular to the specimen sides. This may be tion shall be determined in accordance with the Test Method
accomplished using the rims of the cutting shoe or an addi- D 422 (except the minimum sample size requirement shall be
tional alignment device. For soft to medium soils, a wire saw waived) on a portion of the test specimen as obtained in
should be used to rough cut the surface. For stiff soils, and all 11.4.6.2. Particle size may be helpful when visual inspection
final surfaces, a straightedge with a sharpened cutting surface indicates that the specimen contains a substantial fraction of
should be used to assure flatness. coarse grained material.
8.6 If a small rock particle is encountered in any surface
being trimmed, it should be removed and the resulting void 10. Calibration
filled with soil from the trimmings.
10.1 The measured axial displacements during consolida-
8.7 Obtain two or three initial water content determinations
tion and shear must be corrected for apparatus compressibility
of the soil in accordance with Test Method D 2216 from
whenever the equipment deformation exceeds 0.05 % of speci-
material trimmed adjacent to the test specimen if sufficient
men height.
material is available or from the excess batched material.
8.8 Determine the initial moist mass of the specimen (Mto) 10.1.1 Assemble the apparatus with a copper or steel disk of
by direct measurement or when in the cutting shoe by approximately the same size as the specimen.
measuring the mass of the shoe with specimen and subtracting 10.1.2 Measure the axial displacement (Dc) as the normal
the tare mass of the shoe. force (Nc) is increased from the seating value to its maximum
8.9 Determine the initial height (Ho) of the specimen to the value and then returned to the seating value.
nearest 0.025 mm by taking the average of at least four evenly 10.1.3 Graph or tabulate these displacements as a function
spaced measurements using a dial comparator or other suitable of force.
measuring device. 10.2 The measured shear force must be corrected for the
8.10 Use the specimen setup frame to insert the fully resistance of the lateral confinement whenever this value
trimmed specimen into the confinement device. exceeds 1 % of the measured failure value. The resistance of
8.11 The cross-sectional area (A) of the specimen may be the lateral confinement can be measured as described below.
taken as that of the confinement device or the cutting shoe. 10.2.1 Assemble the apparatus with the confinement device
8.12 When index properties are specified by the requesting and a sealed water bag or frictionless bearing in place of the
agency, store the remaining trimmings taken from around the specimen, such that the separation between the platens is equal
specimen and judged to be similar material in a sealed to the typical specimen height. Clamp the lateral confinement
container for determination as described in Section 9. to the top and bottom platens to prevent it from rotating during
the calibration.
9. Soil Index Property Determination 10.2.2 Apply the shear displacement (dc) and measure the
9.1 Determination of index properties is an important ad- shear force (Sc) as the top platen is displaced relative to the
junct to, but not a requirement of, this test method. These bottom platen.
determinations when specified by the requesting agency should 10.2.3 Graph or tabulate these forces as a function of shear
be made on the most representative material possible. When displacement.
testing uniform materials, all index tests may be performed on 10.3 Depending on the apparatus configuration, it may be
adjacent trimmings collected in 8.12. When samples are necessary to correct the measured normal and shear force for
heterogeneous or trimmings are in short supply, index tests the friction in the loading ram and the slide table, respectively.
should be performed on material from the test specimen as These corrections are necessary whenever the friction exceeds
obtained in 11.4.6.2, plus representative trimmings collected in 0.2 % of the maximum value for a given test. The friction can
8.12. There will not be sufficient soil, however, from the test be measured as described in 10.3.1-10.3.6.
specimen to meet the minimum sample requirements of all 10.3.1 Assemble the apparatus without the confinement
these index tests. device.
9.2 Specific GravityThe specific gravity (Gs) shall be
10.3.2 Record the normal load while displacing the piston in
determined in accordance with Test Method D 854 on material
the loading direction, and then, record the normal load while
as specified in 9.1. The specific gravity determined from
displacing the piston in the unloading direction.
another sample judged to be similar to that of the test specimen
may be used for calculation in 12.1.5 whenever an approximate 10.3.3 Compute the normal force piston friction (Npf) as one
void ratio is acceptable. half the difference between these two values.
9.3 Atterberg LimitsThe liquid limit, plastic limit and 10.3.4 Record the shear force while displacing the shear
plasticity index shall be determined in accordance with Test piston in the loading direction, and then, record the shear load
Method D 4318 using material from the sample as specified in while displacing the piston in the unloading direction.
9.1. Determination of the Atterberg Limits are necessary for 10.3.5 Compute the shear force piston friction (Spf) as one
proper material classification and evaluation of test results. half the difference between these two values.

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D 6528 00
NOTE 8It is often convenient to include the shear piston friction in the time required to reach 90 % consolidation for the maximum
calibration of the resistance of the lateral confinement device as measured stress increment as determined in 12.2.3.3.
in 10.2.
NOTE 10The time required to satisfy this criteria will not be known
10.3.6 Measure the mass of the top platen (Mtp). until the consolidation phase of the test is complete. Therefore, a
conservative estimate of the consolidation time should be used to ensure
11. Procedure the test comforms to this requirement
11.1 Assembling the Equipment: 11.2.2.4 For the maximum stress increment, obtain suffi-
11.1.1 The apparatus must be assembled in such a manner cient time displacement readings to determine the end of
as to prevent a change in water content of the specimen. Dry primary consolidation. Keep this stress on the specimen the
porous disks must be used with dry, expansive soils, and may lesser of ten times longer or one day longer than the time
be used for all soils. Damp disks may be used with soils having required for 95 % consolidation as determined in 12.2.3.4.
low swell potential. Saturated disks may only be used with 11.3 Shearing the Specimen under Constant Volume Condi-
saturated soils that have a low affinity for water. tions:
11.1.2 Arrange the loading devices, such that no force is 11.3.1 Record the preshear readings of axial displacement
being applied and record the normal force (No) and shear force (Dps), shear displacement (dps), normal force (Nps), and shear
(So) zero readings. force (Sps).
11.1.3 Place the specimen assembly in the loading device, 11.3.2 Activate the height control system to maintain the
clamp it in place and apply a small normal seating stress of current preshear specimen height (Hps). Either method must
approximately 5 kPa. maintain the specimen height after accounting for apparatus
NOTE 9The most appropriate normal seating stress depends on the compressibility to within 0.05% of its pre-shear value.
stiffness of the soil. It should be as large as possible to eliminate seating 11.3.2.1 Active height control must be performed by adjust-
displacement errors yet not so large as to cause consolidation. ing the normal force applied to the specimen to counteract
11.1.4 Immediately adjust the axial displacement indicator movements of the axial displacement of the specimen after
and record the zero reading (Do). If necessary, add additional accounting for apparatus compressibility due to changes in the
normal stress to prevent swelling of the specimen. Conversely, normal force.
if the specimen begins to compress, reduce the seating stress. 11.3.2.2 Passive height control must be performed by
11.1.5 Adjust the shear displacement indicator and record clamping the normal force application system in such a way
the zero reading (do). that the force can be measured and change in the specimen
11.1.6 Inundate the specimen with water. When using non- height after accounting for apparatus compressibility is less
saturated stones, it may be necessary to flush water through the than 0.05 % during shear.
bottom, and top stones separately to provide the specimen with 11.3.3 The specimen must be sheared at a rate that is slow
adequate access to water. As inundation and specimen wetting enough to allow dissipation of excess pore pressures generated
occur, increase the normal stress as required to prevent during shear. These excess pore pressures, while theoretically
swelling. Record the normal load required to prevent swelling zero, result from approximations to the ideal state of simple
and the resulting displacement reading. shear strain. The maximum strain rate shall result in specimen
11.2 Consolidating the Specimen: failure in a time that exceeds twice the time for 90 %
11.2.1 Apply increments of constant total normal force to consolidation as determined in 12.2.3.3.
consolidate the specimen to the stress level specified by the NOTE 11Much of the existing data and practical experience have been
requesting agency. The loading schedule shall comply with the developed using a shear strain rate of 5 % per hour.
guidelines specified in 11.2.1.1-11.2.2.4.
11.2.1.1 If detailed compression characteristics, including 11.3.4 Shear the specimen by displacing the platens relative
the preconsolidation pressure, are to be measured then the load to each other using a constant rate of displacement as estimated
schedule shall conform to Test Method D 2435. in 11.3.3.
11.2.1.2 The standard loading shall consist of a load incre- 11.3.5 Take sufficient readings of axial displacement (when
ment ratio (LIR) of unity that is obtained by doubling the stress using active height control), shear displacement, shear force
on the soil for each increment. A LIR as large as two may be and normal force to define the stress versus strain behavior.
used for stresses below the preconsolidation pressure. More readings will be required at the early stages of shear
11.2.1.3 The standard unloading may be selected such that deformation.
each successive stress is one-fourth as large as the preceding 11.3.6 Continue to shear the specimen until at least 20 %
stress. shear strain or the shear force has dropped 20 % below the
11.2.2 The time sequence of displacement readings and the maximum value.
minimum load duration shall conform to the following. 11.4 Disassemble Equipment
11.2.2.1 Record the axial displacement (D) of the specimen 11.4.1 Minimize access of water to the specimen by drain-
and the time before each stress increment application. ing the water bath and stones.
11.2.2.2 If detailed compression characteristics are required 11.4.2 Remove the shear force from the specimen.
then follow Test Method D 2435. 11.4.3 Reduce the normal force to the seating value.
11.2.2.3 For stress increments where time displacement data 11.4.4 If the requesting agency requires the water content
are not recorded, leave the load on the specimen for at least the during shear.

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D 6528 00
11.4.4.1 Allow the specimen to swell for the lesser of the HoA Vs
Initial void ratio: eo 5 Vs (5)
time required for 95 % consolidation or one hour.
11.4.4.2 Record the final reading of axial displacement (Df). HpsA Vs
Preshear void ratio: eps 5 Vs
11.4.5 Remove the specimen from the equipment and de-
termine the final moist mass (Mtf). 12.1.6 Calculate the initial degree of saturation, in percent,
11.4.6 Determine the final water content (vf) and dry mass as follows:
of solids according to Test Method D 2216. G s vo
11.4.6.1 If material is not needed for index tests then use the So 5 e (6)
0
entire specimen.
12.2 Consolidation Characteristics:
11.4.6.2 If the index tests must be performed on the test
specimen, use a representative (pie slice) portion of the 12.2.1 Compute the axial strain, in percent, as follows:
specimen for water content (vfp) determination and the remain- D Do Dc
ea 5 Ho 3 100 (7)
ing undried soil for index tests.
12.2.2 Compute the normal effective stress, in MN/m2 as
12. Calculation follows:
12.1 Specimen Properties: N Npf 1 Mtp 3 9806.6
s8n 5 A (8)
12.1.1 Obtain the dry mass of the total specimen, in Mg, by
direct measurement or when part of the specimen is used for
where:
index testing, calculate the dry mass as follows:
N = applied normal force, MN,
Mtf Npf = correction to normal force, due to friction, MN, and
Md 5 1 1 v (1)
fp Mtp = mass of top platen, Mg.
where: 12.2.3 Determine the time corresponding to 95 % consoli-
Mtf = final moist mass of total specimen after swelling, dation during the maximum stress increment using the follow-
Mg, and ing procedure (see Test Method D 2435 for more details).
vfp = final water content from wedge of specimen after 12.2.3.1 Plot axial displacement (or strain) versus the square
swelling, decimal form. root of time for the increment.
12.1.2 Compute the volume of solids, in m3, as follows: 12.2.3.2 Draw a straight line through the points representing
Md the initial readings which exhibit a straight line trend. Extrapo-
Vs 5 G r (2) late this line back to t = 0 and obtain the ordinate (or strain)
s w
representing 0 % primary consolidation.
where: 12.2.3.3 Draw a second straight line through the 0 %
Gs = specific gravity of solids, and primary consolidation ordinate such that the abscissa of this
rw = density of water, Mg/m3. line is 1.15 times the abscissa of the line drawn through the
12.1.3 Calculate the specimen height at any time during the data. The intersection of this second line with the curve defined
test, in m, as follows: by the data gives the displacement (or strain) at 90 % consoli-
H 5 Ho ~D Do Dc! (3) dation.
12.2.3.4 The displacement (or strain) at 95 % consolidation
where: is 118 more than the difference between 0 % and 90 % values.
Ho = initial specimen height, m,
The time for 95 % consolidation, t95, is the intersection of the
D = axial displacement, m,
Do = initial setup displacement measurement, m, and curve defined by the data and this ordinate.
Dc = apparatus compressibility from calibration curve 12.2.4 If detailed compression characteristics are required
which depends on the axial load, m. follow the calculation section of Test Method D 2435.
12.1.4 Calculate the water contents, in percent, as follows: 12.3 Shear Characteristics:
Mto Md 12.3.1 Calculate the shear strain, in %, as follows:
Initial water content: vo 5 3 100 (4)
Md d dps
g 5 H 3 100 (9)
Mtf Arw ~Hf Hps! Md ps
Preshear water content: vps 5 Md 3 100
where:
Final water content: vf 5
Mtf Md
3 100
d = shear displacement, m, and
Md dps = shear displacement at start of shear, m.
where: 12.3.2 Calculate the shear stress, in MN/m2, as follows:
Mto = initial moist mass of specimen, Mg, S Sc Spf
t5 (10)
A = cross sectional area of specimen, m2, A
Hf = final specimen height after swelling, m, and
Hps = specimen height at start of test, m. where:
12.1.5 Calculate the void ratio as follows: S = measured shear force, MN,

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Sc = shear resistance of lateral confinement device as a 13.1.3.1 Average water content of trimmings
function of shear displacement, MN, and 13.1.3.2 Initial specimen water content, void ratio density,
Spf = correction to shear force due to slide table friction, and degree of saturation
MN. 13.1.3.3 Preshear void ratio (and water content when re-
12.3.3 Calculate the axial strain, in %, as follows: quested)
D Dps 1 D8c Dc
13.1.4 Test Procedure
ea 5 Hps 3 100 (11) 13.1.4.1 Undisturbed or compacted specimen
13.1.4.2 Trimming procedure
where: 13.1.4.3 Shear strain rate (nominal value)
Dps = axial displacement at the start of shear, m, and 13.1.4.4 Specimen height and diameter
D8c = apparatus compressibility at the start of shear, m. 13.1.5 Consolidation results
12.3.4 Calculate the normal effective stress using the equa- 13.1.5.1 Tabulate the axial strain, normal stress and load
tion of 12.2.2. duration for each consolidation increment
12.3.5 Calculate the shear induced pore pressure, in MN/m2, 13.1.5.2 When applicable provide consolidation results as
as follows: required by Test Method D 2435.
Dus 5 s8nc s8n (12) 13.1.5.3 Maximum and preshear consolidation stress and
strain
where: 13.1.5.4 Load duration of the maximum and preshear con-
s8nc = normal consolidation stress at the start of shear, solidation stress
MN/m2. 13.1.5.5 t95 for maximum stress increment
12.3.6 Calculate the secant shear modulus, in MN/m2, as: 13.1.6 Shear Results:
t tps 13.1.6.1 Tabulate the shear strain, shear stress, normal
G5 g 3 100 (13)
stress, pore pressure, axial strain and shear modulus.
13.1.6.2 Graph the shear stress versus shear strain
where: 13.1.6.3 Graph the shear stress versus normal effective
tps = shear stress at the start of shear, percent.
stress
12.3.7 Calculate the average strain rate, in %/s, as:
13.1.6.4 Graph the shear induced pore pressure versus shear
g100 g50 strain
g 5 t t (14)
100 50 13.1.6.5 Graph the axial strain versus shear strain when
where: using active height control
g50 = shear strain at 50 % of the peak shear stress, %, 13.1.6.6 Graph the log shear modulus versus log shear strain
g100 = shear strain at the peak shear stress, %,
t50 = time at 50 % of the peak shear stress, s, and 14. Precision and Bias
t100 = time at the peak shear stress, s. 14.1 PrecisionDue to the nature of the soil materials
tested by this test method, it is either not feasible or too costly
NOTE 12Since the strain rate typically increases throughout shear
when using screw driven load frames, this calculation provides a nominal
at this time to produce multiple specimens which have uniform
value for comparative purposes. physical properties. Any variation observed, in the data, is just
as likely to be due to specimen variation as to operator or
13. Report laboratory testing variation. Subcommittee D18.05 welcomes
13.1 The report shall include the following: proposals that would develop a valid precision statement.
13.1.1 Project name and location, boring number, sample 14.2 BiasThere is no acceptable reference value for this
number and depth, specimen location in sample. test method; therefore, bias cannot be determined.
13.1.2 Soil description and classification in accordance with
Practice D 2488 or Test Method D 2487 when Atterberg Limits 15. Keywords
and percent passing #200 sieve are available. Specific gravity 15.1 clays; cohesive soils; consolidated undrained test; con-
of solids, Atterberg Limits and grain size distribution when solidation test; constant volume test; recompression; samples;
available plus source of such data when not measured on test shear apparatus; shear strain; shear strength; shear test; simple
specimen. shear; soils; stress-strain curve; undisturbed samples; und-
13.1.3 Soil Conditions rained shear tests

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