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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* engineering judgment and is beyond the scope of
1.1 This test method covers the determination this test method. This test method pertains to the
of the consolidated drained shear strength of one requirements for a single test.
specimen of a soil material under direct shear 1.7 There may be instances when the gap
boundary conditions. The specimen is deformed between the shear box halves should be increased
at a controlled rate on or near a single shear plane to accommodate sand sized particles greater than
determined by the configuration of the apparatus. the specified gap. Presently there is insufficient
1.2 Shear stresses and displacements are information available for specifying the gap
nonuniformly distributed within the specimen. An dimension based on particle size distribution.
appropriate height cannot be defined for
calculation of shear strains. Therefore, stress- 1.8 Units—The values stated in either inch-
strain relationships or any associated quantity pound units or SI units [given in brackets] are to
such as the shear modulus, cannot be determined be regarded separately as standard. The values
from this test. stated in each system may not be exact
equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used
1.3 The determination of strength envelopes independently of the other. Combining values
and the development of criteria to interpret and from the two systems may result in non-
evaluate test results are left to the engineer or conformance with the standard.
office requesting the test. 1.8.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound
1.4 The results of the test may be affected by units is used. In this system, the pound (lbf)
the presence of coarse-grained soil or rock represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit
particles, or both, (see Section 7). for mass is slugs. The slug unit is not given,
unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are
1.5 Test conditions, including normal stress and
involved.
moisture environment, should be selected to
represent the field conditions being investigated. 1.9 All observed and calculated values shall
The rate of shearing must be slow enough to conform to the guidelines for significant digits
ensure drained conditions. and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.6 Generally, three or more tests are performed 1.9.1 The method used to specify how data are
on specimens from one soil sample, each under a collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard
different normal load, to determine the effects is not directly related to the accuracy to which the
upon shear resistance and displacement. Results data can be applied in design or other uses, or
from a test series are combined to determine both. How one applies the results obtained using
strength properties such as Mohr strength this standard is beyond its scope.
envelopes. Interpretation of multiple tests requires
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 Compressibility of Soils.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2011. Published January 2012. Originally approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as
D3080–04. DOI:
10.1520/D3080_D3080M-11.
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 D3080/D3080M − 11
1.10 This standard does not D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if Geotechnical Data
any, associated with its use. It is the D6027 Practice for Calibrating Linear
responsibility of the user of this standard to Displacement Transducers for Geotechnical
establish appropriate safety and health practices Purposes (Withdrawn 2013)3
and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common
2. Referenced Documents technical terms used in this test method, refer to
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 Terminology D653.
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of 3.2 Description of Terms Specific to This
Soils Standard:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and 3.2.1 Failure—The stress condition at failure
Contained Fluids for a test specimen. Failure is often taken as the
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction maximum shear stress attained, or in the absence
Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort of a peak condition, the shear stress at 10 percent
(12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3)) relative lateral displacement. Depending on soil
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory behavior and field application, other suitable
Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using criteria may be defined at the direction of the
Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 requesting agency.
*A Summary of Changes section
3.2.2 appears atNormal
Nominal the end ofStress—In
this standardthedirect
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
3 shear test, the applied normal (vertical) force
(2,700 kN-m/m ))
divided by the area of the shear box. The contact
area of the specimen on the imposed shear plane
decreases during shear and hence the true normal
D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube
stress is unknown.
Sampling of Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory 3.2.3 Nominal Shear Stress—In the direct shear
Determination of Water (Moisture) Content test, the applied shear force divided by the area of
of Soil and Rock by Mass the shear box. The contact area of the specimen
D2435 Test Methods for One-Dimensional on the imposed shear plane decreases during
Consolidation Properties of Soils Using shear and hence the true shear stress is unknown.
Incremental Loading 3.2.4 Percent Relative Lateral Displacement—
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for The ratio, in percent, of the relative lateral
Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil displacement to the diameter or lateral dimension
Classification System) of the specimen in the direction of shear.
D2488 Practice for Description and 3.2.5 Preshear—In strength testing, the stage of
Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual a test after the specimen has stabilized under the
Procedure) consolidation loading condition and just prior to
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for starting the shearing phase. It is used as an
Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or adjective to modify phase relations or stress
Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in conditions.
Engineering Design and Construction 3.2.6 Relative Lateral Displacement—The
D4220 Practices for Preserving displacement between the top and bottom shear
and Transporting Soil Samples box halves.
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic
Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils 4. Summary of Test Method
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and
Specifying Balances and Standard Masses 4.1 This test method consists of placing the test
for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction specimen in the direct shear device, applying a
Materials Testing predetermined normal stress, providing for
wetting or draining of the test specimen, or both,
2 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, consolidating the specimen under the normal
www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at stress, unlocking the shear box halves that hold
[email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume
information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 3 The last approved version of this historical standard is
the ASTM website. referenced on www.astm.org.
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 D3080/D3080M − 11
the test specimen, and shearing the
specimen by displacing one shear box half
laterally with respect to the other at a constant
rate of shearing deformation while measuring the
shearing force, relative lateral displacement, and
normal displacement (Fig. 1). The shearing rate
must be slow enough to allow nearly complete 5.5 The number of tests in a series normal stress
dissipation of excess pore pressure. level, rate of shearing, and general test conditions
should be selected to approximate the specific soil
5. Significance and Use
conditions being investigated.
5.1 The direct shear test is suited to the
5.6 The area of the shear surface decreases
relatively rapid determination of consolidated
during the test. This area reduction creates
drained strength properties because the drainage
uncertainty in the actual value of the shear and
paths through the test specimen are short,
normal stress on the shear plane but should not
allowing excess pore pressure to dissipate more
affect the ratio of these stresses.
rapidly than other drained stress tests. The test
NOTE 2—Notwithstanding the statement on precision and
can be made on any type of soil material. It is bias contained in this standard: The precision of this test
applicable for testing intact, remolded, or method is dependent on the competence of the personnel
reconstituted specimens. There is however, a performing the test and the suitability of the equipment and
limitation on the maximum particle size (see 6.2). facilities used. Agencies which meet the criteria of Practice
D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and
5.2 The test results are applicable to assessing objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned
that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself
strength in a field situation where complete
assure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on several
consolidation has occurred under the existing factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating
normal stresses. Failure is reached slowly under some of these factors.
drained conditions so that excess pore pressures
are dissipated. The shear rate must meet the 6. Apparatus
requirements of 9.10. The results from several 6.1 Shear Device—A device to hold the
tests may be used to express the relationship specimen securely between two porous inserts in
between consolidation stress and drained shear such a way that torque is not applied to the
strength. specimen. The shear device shall provide a means
NOTE 1—The equipment specified in this standard of applying a normal stress to the faces of the
method is not appropriate for performing undrained shear
tests. Using a fast displacement rate without proper control
specimen, for measuring change in thickness of
of the volume of the specimen will result in partial the specimen, for permitting drainage of water
drainage and incorrect measurements of shear parameters. through the porous inserts at the top and bottom
boundaries of the specimen, and for submerging
5.3 During the direct shear test, there is rotation
the specimen in water. The device shall be
of principal stresses, which may or may not
capable of applying a shear force to the specimen
model field conditions. Moreover, failure may not
along a predetermined shear plane (single shear)
occur on the weakest plane since failure is forced
parallel to the faces of the specimen. The frames
to occur on or near a plane through the middle of
that hold the specimen shall be sufficiently rigid
the specimen. The fixed location of the plane in
to prevent their distortion during shearing. The
the test can be an advantage in determining the
various parts of the shear device shall be made of
shear resistance along recognizable weak planes
material not subject to corrosion by moisture or
within the soil material and for testing interfaces
substances within the soil, for example, stainless
between dissimilar materials.
steel, bronze, or aluminum, etc. Dissimilar metals,
5.4 Shear stresses and displacements are which may cause galvanic action, are not
nonuniformly distributed within the specimen, permitted.
and an appropriate height is not defined for
6.2 Shear Box, a shear box, either circular or
calculating shear strains or any associated
square, made of stainless steel, bronze, or
engineering quantity. The slow rate of
aluminum, with provisions for drainage through
displacement provides for dissipation of excess
the top and bottom. The box is divided by a
pore pressures, but it also permits plastic flow of
straight plane into two halves of equal thickness
soft cohesive soils.
which are fitted together with alignment screws.
The shear box is also fitted with gap screws,
which create the space (gap) between the top and

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Test Specimens in Single Shear Apparatus
 D3080/D3080M − 11
bottom halves of the shear box weights (masses), a pneumatic force cylinder, or a
prior to shear. The two halves should provide a screw driven actuator. The device shall be capable
bearing surface for the specimen along the shear of maintaining the normal force to within 6 1
plane during relative lateral displacement. percent of the specified force. It should apply the
6.2.1 The minimum specimen diameter for load quickly without significantly exceeding the
circular specimens, or width for square steady value. Dead weight systems should be
specimens, shall be 2.0 in. [50 mm], or not less checked on a regular schedule. All systems with
than ten (10) times the maximum particle size adjustable force application (e.g. pneumatic
diameter, whichever is larger. regulator or motor driven screw) require a force
6.2.2 The minimum initial specimen thickness indicating device such as a proving ring, load cell,
shall be 0.5 in. [13 mm], but not less than six (6) or pressure sensor.
times the maximum particle diameter. 6.4.2 Device for Shearing the Specimen—The
6.2.3 The minimum specimen diameter to device shall be capable of shearing the specimen
thickness or width to thickness ratio shall be 2:1. at a uniform rate of displacement, with less than
NOTE 3—A light coating of grease applied to the inside 65 percent deviation. The rate to be applied
of the shear box may be used to reduce friction between depends upon the consolidation characteristics of
the specimen and shear box. TFE-fluorocarbon coating
may also be used on these surfaces instead of grease to
the test material as specified in 9.10. The rate is
reduce friction. usually maintained with an electric motor and
gear box arrangement and the shear force is
6.3 Porous Inserts, Porous inserts function to determined by a force indicating device such as a
allow drainage from the soil specimen along the proving ring or load cell.
top and bottom boundaries. They also function to
NOTE 5—In order to test a wide range of soils the
transfer shear stress from the insert to the top and apparatus should permit adjustment of the rate of
bottom boundaries of the specimen. Porous displacement from 0.0001 to 0.04 in./min [0.0025 to 1.0
inserts shall consist of silicon carbide, aluminum mm/min].
oxide, or metal which is not subject to corrosion NOTE 6—Shearing the test specimen at a rate greater than
specified may produce partially drained shear results that
by soil substances or soil moisture. The proper will differ from the drained strength of the material. The
grade of insert depends on the soil being tested. specimen must be sheared slowly enough to allow pore
The hydraulic conductivity of the insert should be pressures to dissipate.
substantially greater than that of the soil, but 6.4.3 Top Half of Shear Box—The weight of the
should be textured fine enough to prevent top half of shear box supported by the specimen
excessive intrusion of the soil into the pores of the shall be less than 1 percent of the applied normal
insert. The diameter or width of the top porous force during shear: this will most likely require
insert or plate shall be 0.01 to 0.02 in. (0.2 to 0.5 that the top shear box be supported by a counter
mm) less than that of the inside of the shear box. force, the equipment modified or the specimen
The insert functions to transfer the shear stress to sheared under a greater applied normal force.
the soil and must be sufficiently coarse to develop
interlock. Sandblasting or tooling the insert may 6.5 Normal Force Measurement Device—A
help, but the surface of the insert should not be so proving ring or load cell (or calibrated pressure
irregular as to cause substantial stress sensor when using a pneumatic loading system)
concentrations in the soil. Porous inserts should accurate to 0.5 lbf [2.5 N], or 1 percent of the
be checked for clogging on a regular basis. normal force during shear, whichever is greater, is
required when using anything but dead weights to
NOTE 4—Exact criteria for insert texture and hydraulic
conductivity have not been established. For normal soil apply the normal force.
testing, medium grade inserts with a hydraulic 6.6 Shear Force Measurement Device—A
conductivity of about 0.5 to 1.0 × 10 3 ft/yr [5.0 × 10−4 to
1.0 × 10−3 cm/s] are appropriate for testing silts and clays, proving ring or load cell accurate to 0.5 lbf (2.5
and coarse grade inserts with a hydraulic conductivity of N), or 1 percent of the shear force at failure,
about 0.5 to 1.0 × 105 ft/yr [0.05 to 0.10 cm/s] are whichever is greater.
appropriate for sands. It is important that the hydraulic
conductivity of the porous insert is not reduced by the 6.7 Deformation Indicators—Either dial gauges
collection of soil particles in the pores of the insert. Storing or displacement transducers capable of measuring
the porous inserts in a water filled container between uses
the change in thickness (normal displacement) of
will slow clogging. The inserts can be cleaned by flushing,
boiling, or ultrasonic agitation. the specimen, with a readability of at least 0.0001
in. [0.002 mm] and to measure relative lateral
6.4 Loading Devices: displacement with readability of at least 0.001 in.
6.4.1 Device for Applying the Normal Force— [0.02 mm]. D6027 provides details on the
The normal force is typically applied by dead evaluation of displacement transducers.
weights, a lever loading yoke activated by dead
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 D3080/D3080M − 11
6.8 Shear Box Bowl—A the sample with minimum disturbance. Prepare
metallic box which supports the shear box and trimmed specimens, whenever possible, in an
provides either a reaction against which one half environment which will minimize the gain or loss
of the shear box is restrained, or a solid base with of specimen moisture.
provisions for aligning one half of the shear box, 7.1.1 The sample selected for testing should be
which is free to move coincident with applied sufficiently large so that a minimum of three
shear force along a plane. The bowl also serves as specimens can be prepared from similar material.
the container for the test water used to submerge While this standard test method applies to the
the specimen. measurements on one specimen, the requesting
6.9 Controlled High Humidity Environment—if agency will typically specify a series of tests
required, for preparing specimens, such that water which cover a range of stress levels. The series
content gain or loss during specimen preparation should be performed on similar material.
is minimized. 7.1.2 Extreme care shall be taken in preparing
intact specimens of sensitive soils to prevent
6.10 Test Water—Water is necessary to saturate disturbance to the natural soil structure.
the porous stones and fill the submersion 7.1.3 Assemble the shear box halves and
reservoir. Ideally, this water would be similar in determine the mass of the empty box. Trim the
composition to the specimen pore fluid. Options lateral dimensions of the specimen to fit snuggly
include extracted pore water from the field, into the shear box using either a shape cutting
potable tap water, demineralized water, or saline shoe or a miter box. With the specimen in the
water. The requesting agency should specify the shear box, trim the top and bottom surface of the
water option. In the absence of a specification, the specimen to be flat and parallel.
test should be performed with potable tap water.
7.1.4 Determine and record the initial mass of
6.11 Trimmer or Cutting Ring, for trimming the box plus specimen and height of the wet
oversized samples to the inside dimensions of the specimen for use in calculating the initial water
shear box with a minimum of disturbance. An content and total mass density of the material.
exterior jig may be needed to maintain the shear NOTE 7—If large particles are found in the soil after
box alignment. testing, a particle size analysis should be performed in
accordance with Method D422 to confirm the visual
6.12 Balances—a balance or scale conforming observations, and the result should be provided with the
to the requirements of Specification D4753 test report.
NOTE 8—A controlled high-humidity room or laboratory
readable (with no estimate) to 0.1% or better. glove box provides an appropriate atmosphere for
6.13 Apparatus for Determination of Water trimming the specimen.
Content—as specified in Test Method D2216. 7.2 Laboratory Fabricated Specimens—Test
6.14 Equipment for Compacting Specimens—if specimens can be fabricated by reconstitution
applicable, as specified in Test Methods D698 or (7.3) or compaction (7.4). Acquire enough
D1557. material to conduct the required series of tests.
Blend the material to produce a uniform batch and
6.15 Miscellaneous Equipment—including
if necessary divide into appropriate quantities for
timing device with a second hand, distilled or
each required water content. Mix the soil with
demineralized water, spatulas, knives,
sufficient water to produce the desired water
straightedge, wire saws, etc., used in preparing
content. Allow the moist material to stand prior to
the specimen.
specimen preparation in accordance with the
following guide:
7. Test Specimen Preparation USCS Classification (D2487) Minimum
Standing
7.1 Intact Specimens—Prepare intact specimens Time, h
from large intact samples or from samples SW, SP No
secured in accordance with Practice D1587, or Require
ment
other intact tube sampling procedures. Intact SW-SM, SP_SM, SM (>5% fines) 3
samples shall be preserved and transported as SC, ML, CL, SP-SC 18
MH, CH 36
outlined for Group C or D samples in Practice
7.3 Reconstituted Specimens—Specimens shall
D4220. Handle specimens carefully to minimize
be prepared using the compaction method, water
disturbance, changes in cross section, or loss of
content, and mass density prescribed by the
water content. If compression or any type of
individual assigning the test. Specimens may be
noticeable disturbance would be caused by the
molded by either kneading or tamping each layer
extrusion device, split the sample tube lengthwise
until the accumulative mass of the soil placed in
or cut off a small section to facilitate removal of
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 D3080/D3080M − 11
the shear box is apparatus. Other methods of proven accuracy for
compacted/reconstituted to a known volume, or calibrating the apparatus are acceptable.
by adjusting the number of layers, the number of
8.2 Assemble the direct shear device with a
tamps per layer, and the force per tamp. The top
metal calibration disk or plate of a thickness
of each layer shall be scarified prior to the
approximately equal to the typical test specimen
addition of material for the next layer. The
and a diameter or width that is slightly less than
compacted layer boundaries shall be positioned so
the direct shear box.
they are not coincident with the shear plane
defined by the shear box halves, unless this is the 8.3 Assemble the normal force loading yoke
stated purpose for a particular test. The tamper and apply a small normal load equivalent to about
used to compact the material shall have an area in 1 lbf/in2 [5 kPa].
contact with the soil equal to or less than 1⁄2 the
area of the shear box. 8.4 Position the normal displacement indicator.
7.3.1 Secure the halves of the shear box Adjust this indicator so that it can be used to
together and assemble in the bowl. Place a moist measure either consolidation or swell from the
porous insert in the bottom of the shear box. calibration disk or plate reading. Record the zero
Determine the mass of wet soil required for a or “no load” reading.
single layer and place it in the shear box. 8.5 Apply increments of normal force up to the
Distribute the material uniformly and compact the equipment limitations, and record the normal
soil to achieve the desired condition. Continue displacement indicator reading and normal force.
placing and compacting soil in additional layers Remove the applied normal force in reverse
until the entire specimen is reconstituted. sequence of the applied force, and record the
NOTE 9—The required thickness of the compacted lift normal displacement indicator readings and
may be determined by directly measuring the thickness of normal force. Average the values and plot the
the lift, or from the marks on the tamping rod which load deformation of the apparatus as a function of
correspond to the thickness of the lift being placed.
normal load. Retain the results for future
7.3.2 Determine and record the height and reference in determining the thickness of the test
initial mass of the test specimen. specimen and compression within the test
7.3.3 Place the top moist porous insert on top of apparatus itself.
the specimen. 8.6 If the apparatus deformation correction
exceeds 0.1 % of the initial specimen thickness at
7.4 Compacted Specimens—Test specimens any load level during a test, the correction must
may also be prepared by compacting soil using be applied to every measurement of the test.
the procedures and equipment used to determine
moisture-density relationships of soils (Test 9. Procedure
Methods D698 or D1557), and then trimming the 9.1 Assemble the shear box and shear box bowl
direct shear test specimen from the larger in the load frame.
compaction specimen as though it were an intact 9.1.1 Intact Specimen—Place moist porous
sample. The shear plane of the direct shear inserts over the exposed surfaces of the specimen
specimen should not be aligned with any of the in the shear box, place the shear box with the
compaction lift interfaces. intact specimen and porous inserts into the shear
box bowl and align the bowl in the load frame.
8. Calibration
NOTE 10—The decision to dampen the porous inserts or
8.1 Calibration is required to determine the use dry inserts depends on the problem under study. For
intact samples obtained below the water table, the porous
deformation of the apparatus when subjected to inserts are usually dampened. For swelling soils, the
the consolidation load, so that for each normal sequence of consolidation, wetting, and shearing should
consolidation load the apparatus deflection may prevent swelling until the specimen is equilibrated under
be subtracted from the observed deformations. the final normal stress.
Therefore, only deformation due to specimen 9.1.2 Reconstituted Specimen—Place and align
consolidation will be reported for completed tests. the assembled shear box, specimen, porous inserts
Calibration for the equipment load-deformation and bowl into the load frame.
characteristics need to be performed on the
NOTE 11—For some apparatus, the top half of the shear
apparatus when first placed in service, or when box is held in place by a notched rod which fits into a
apparatus parts are changed. The following series receptacle in the top half of the shear box. The bottom half
of steps provide one method of calibrating the of the shear box is held in place in the shear box bowl
retaining bolts. For some apparatus, the top half of the

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 D3080/D3080M − 11
shear box is held in placed by an normal force required to achieve each
anchor plate. intermediate normal stress level progressing the
9.2 Connect and adjust the position of the shear specimen from the seating load to the final
force loading system so that no force is imposed consolidation normal stress.
on the shear load measuring device. Record the 9.8.1 Apply the first load increment and, if
zero value of the shear load measuring device. required, fill the shear box bowl with test water,
and keep it full for the duration of the test. In the
9.3 Position and adjust the shear displacement
absence of specification, the bowl should be filled
measurement device. Obtain an initial reading or
with potable water.
set the measurement device to indicate zero
displacement. NOTE 13—Flooding the specimen with water eliminates
negative pore pressure due to surface tension and also
9.4 Place the load transfer plate and moment prevents evaporative drying during the test. If and when to
break on top of the porous insert. inundate the specimen as well as the water chemistry is
part of the test specification which should be provided by
9.5 Place the normal force loading yoke into the requesting agency.
position and adjust it so the loading bar is aligned.
9.8.2 For each intermediate stress level, apply
For dead weight lever loading systems, level the
the load as quickly as practical. Maintain each
lever. For pneumatic or motor drive loading
load level until primary consolidation is
systems, adjust the yoke until it sits snugly
essentially complete based on either a)
against the recess in the load transfer plate, or
interpretation of time versus normal deformation,
place a ball bearing on the load transfer plate and
b) experience with the material or c) a default
adjust the yoke until the contact is snug.
value of 24 h. Record the normal deformation at
9.6 Apply a small seating normal load to the the end of each increment and the increment
specimen. Verify that the components of the duration.
normal loading system are seated and aligned. 9.8.3 For the maximum normal stress level and
The top porous insert and load transfer plate must for the final normal stress level, apply the normal
be aligned so that the movement of the load load to the specimen as quickly as practical and
transfer plate into the shear box is not inhibited. immediately begin recording the normal
The specimen should not undergo significant deformation readings against elapsed time. Test
compression under this seating load. Method D2435 provides details of the loading
NOTE 12—The seating normal load applied to the procedure and suggestions for appropriate time
specimen should be sufficient to assure all the components recording schedules. For these load increments,
are in contact and alignment but not so large as to cause verify completion of primary consolidation before
compression of the specimen. For most applications, a load
resulting in approximately 1 lbf/in. 2 [5 kPa] will be proceeding to the next stage of the test by
adequate but other values meeting the objective are interpreting either the plot of normal displacement
acceptable. versus log of time or square root of time (in min).
9.7 Attach and adjust the normal displacement Test Method D2435 provides interpretation
measurement device. Obtain an initial reading for details of both methods.
the normal displacement measurement device 9.8.4 If the test specification requires
along with a reading of the normal load (either consolidation to a specific stress and then
weights or measurement device). rebounding to a lower stress prior to shearing,
then the maximum stress should be maintained
9.8 Consolidation—The final consolidation for at least one cycle of secondary compression.
normal load may be applied in one increment or
9.8.5 If the material exhibits a tendency to swell
in several intermediate increments depending on
under the maximum normal stress, the soil must
the type of material, the stiffness of the specimen,
be inundated with water and must be permitted to
and the magnitude of the final stress. Load
achieve equilibrium (essentially stop swelling)
increments must be small enough to prevent
under this normal stress before continuing on to
extrusion of the material from around the porous
the next stage of the test.
inserts. For stiff cohesive or coarse grained
material a single increment is normally 9.9 Just before shearing and after consolidation
acceptable. For soft materials, it may be necessary of the final increment is completed, record the
to limit the load increment ratio to unity as preshear normal displacement and then remove
described in Test Method D2435 (11.4) and apply the alignment screws or pins from the shear box.
a number of intermediate load increments. Based Use the gap screws to separate the shear box
on the above considerations and instructions of halves to approximately the diameter of the
the requesting agency, calculate and record the maximum sized particle in the test specimen or
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 D3080/D3080M − 11
0.025 in. [0.64 mm] as a requirements of 9.10.1 or 9.10.2 or when the
minimum default value for fine grained materials. specimen is significantly overconsolidated (OCR
Back out the gap screws after creating the gap. greater than about 2) under the maximum
NOTE 14—The gap screws in most equipment raise the consolidation stress, default values for the time to
upper box half relative to the lower box half by prying failure should be computed based on a normally
apart the halves. Creating the gap in this manner will consolidated coefficient of consolidation for the
apply a tensile stress increment along the potential failure
soil. In the absence of soil specific consolidation
surface. This can unintentionally weaken the material. The
top cap should not move upwards while creating the gap. data the time should be based on the soil type.
The following table provides these default values.
9.10 Determine Shearing Rate—The specimen USCS Classification (D2487) Minimu
m Time
must be sheared at a relatively slow rate so that
to
insignificant excess pore pressure exists at failure. Failure,
Determination of the appropriate rate of tf
SW, SP (<5% fines) 10 min
displacement requires an estimate of the time SW-SM, SP_SM, SM (>5% fines) 60 min
required for pore pressure dissipation and amount SC, ML, CL, SP-SC 200 min
MH, CH 24 h
of deformation required to reach failure. These NOTE 15—The tabulated times are based on estimates of
two factors depend on the type of material and the typical normally consolidated coefficient of consolidation
stress history. The following procedures should values for each soil type and a 1 cm drainage path. A
be used to compute the required shear rate. 9.10.1 particular soil can vary considerably from these typical
values. Square root of time interpretations can yield
and 9.10.2 may be used to compute times to erroneously fast rates of consolidation for partly saturated
failure when the maximum consolidation or very stiff materials. Shearing overconsolidated
increment yields well defined normal deformation specimens will soften the material in the shear zone
versus time curves and the material has a low causing a reduction in the coefficient of consolidation.
Consequently, the calculation of tf based on deformation
overconsolidation ratio. 9.10.3 provides default vs. time curves may produce an inappropriate estimate of
values to be used in all other situations. the time required to fail the specimen under drained
9.10.1 When data for the maximum conditions. For overconsolidated clays which are tested
under normal stresses less than the soil’s pre-consolidation
consolidation increment yield a well defined pressure, it is suggested that a time to failure be estimated
normal deformation versus log time curve which using a value of t50 based on the coefficient of
extends into secondary compression, the curve consolidation in the normally consolidated range for the
should be interpreted as in Test Method D2435 soil. Care should be exercised if the time curve
interpretation yields considerably shorter times than the
and the time to failure should be computed using tabulated values.
the following equation:
9.10.4 Estimate the relative lateral displacement
tf 5 50t50
required to fail the specimen. This displacement
where: will depend on many factors including the type of
tf = total estimated elapsed time to failure, min, t50 material and the stress history. In the absence of
= time required for the specimen to achieve 50 specific experience relative to the test conditions,
percent consolidation under the maximum normal as a guide, use df = 0.5 in. [10 mm] if the material
stress increment, min. is normally or lightly over consolidated fine-
grained soil, otherwise use df = 0.2 in. [5 mm].
9.10.2 When data for the maximum
9.10.5 Determine the appropriate maximum
consolidation increment do not satisfy the
displacement rate from the following equation:
requirements of 9.10.1 but yield a well defined
normal deformation versus root time curve, the df
curve should be interpreted as in Test Method Rd 5 (3)
tf
D2435 and the time to failure should be computed
using the following equation: where:
tf 5 11.6t90 Rd = displacement rate, in./min [mm/min], and df =
estimated relative lateral displacement at failure,
where: in. [mm].
t90 = time required for the specimen to achieve 90
percent consolidation under the 9.11 Drained Shearing—For some types of
maximum normal stress (increment), apparatus, the displacement rate is achieved using
min. combinations of gear wheels and gear lever
positions. For other types of equipment the
9.10.3 When data for the maximum displacement rate is achieved by adjusting the
consolidation increment do not satisfy the motor speed. Select and record a displacement
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 D3080/D3080M − 11
rate that is equal to or slower than the 10. Calculation
value computed in 9.10.5. 10.1 General—Typical units are shown for both
9.11.1 Record the initial time, normal and IP and SI systems and SD stands for significant
relative lateral displacements, and normal and digits. Furthermore, the prefix used for each
shear forces. variable has been chosen based on current
9.11.2 Start the apparatus and initiate shear. practice. Other prefixes are permissible and will
9.11.3 Obtain data readings of time, normal and require different numerical values for the Unit
relative lateral displacement, and shear force at Conversion Factors. Other units are permissible,
the desired interval of provided consistency of units is maintained
displacement or time. Data readings should be throughout the calculations. See 1.8 for additional
taken often enough to accurately define a shear comments on the use of inch-pound units.
stress-displacement curve. At a minimum, data 10.2 Calculate the following for each reading
should be recorded at relative lateral during shear:
displacements of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 10.2.1 Nominal shear stress, acting on the
1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and then every 2 percent relative specimen is:
lateral displacement until test completion.
Fs
NOTE 16—Additional readings may be helpful especially τ5 (4)
at the beginning of the test in identifying trends in A
behavior and the value of the peak shear stress of over
consolidated or brittle material. where:
9.11.4 It may be necessary to stop the test and τ = nominal shear stress, lbf/in.2 [kPa] (3 SD),
re-gap the shear box halves to maintain clearance Fs = shear force, lbf
between the shear box halves. The test should be [kN] (3 SD), and A =
checked periodically to confirm that a gap persists area of the shear box, in. 2 [m2] (3
throughout the shearing phase of the test. SD).
9.11.5 The specimen should be sheared to at 10.2.2 Nominal normal stress acting on the
least 10 percent relative lateral displacement specimen is,
unless specific termination criteria are provided
Fn
by the specifying agency. Stop the motor drive to
σn 5 (5)
terminate shearing. A
NOTE 17—The shape of the shear force versus
displacement curve will depend on the soil type and stress where:
history. The curve may have a well defined peak or may σn = nominal normal stress, lbf/in.2 [kPa] (3 SD),
increase monotonically throughout the test. In general, it is
better to continue the test to large deformation rather than and Fn = normal force acting on the specimen, lbf
terminate based on shear force variation. [kN] (3 SD).
9.11.6 Remove the normal force from the NOTE 18—Factors which incorporate assumptions
specimen and disassemble the loading apparatus. regarding the actual specimen surface area over which the
shear and normal forces are measured can be applied to the
9.12 For cohesive test specimens, separate the calculated values of shear or normal stress, or both. If a
shear box halves with a sliding motion along the correction(s) is made, the factor(s) and rationale for using
the correction should be explained with the test results.
failure plane and in the direction of shearing. Do
not pull the shear box halves apart 10.2.3 Displacement Rate—The average
perpendicularly to the failure surface, since this displacement rate along the shear surface is:
motion would damage the specimen. Photograph, dh
sketch, or describe in writing the failure surface. Rd 5 (6) te
This step in the procedure is not applicable to
cohesionless specimens. where:
Rd = displacement rate,
9.13 Remove the specimen from the shear box
and determine the water content and dry mass in./min [mm/min] (3 SD), dh =
according to Test Method D2216. If applicable, relative lateral displacement, in.
collect the extruded material in a separate [mm] (3 SD), te = elapsed time of
container and determine the dry mass. test, min (3 SD).

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 D3080/D3080M − 11
10.2.4 Percent Relative Lateral 11.2.11 Initial and pre-shear degree of
Displacement—The percent relative lateral
saturation, see Note 19.
displacement along the shear surface is: 11.2.12 Table of normal stress, final normal
dh displacement, and duration of load increment
Pd 5 100· during consolidation.
D 11.2.13 Table of nominal normal stress,
nominal shear stress, relative lateral displacement
where: or percent relative lateral displacement, normal
Pd = percent relative lateral displacement, % (3
displacement, and rate of deformation during
SD), and shear.
D = specimen diameter or lateral dimension in 11.2.14 Plot of deformation versus log of time
direction of shear, in. [mm] (3 SD). or square root of time for those load increments
10.3 Compute the initial void ratio, initial dry used to determine the shear rate.
density, initial water content, and initial degree of 11.2.15 Plot of nominal shear stress versus
saturation based on the specific gravity, initial wet lateral displacement or percent relative lateral
mass, final dry mass, and initial volume of the displacement.
total specimen. Specimen volume is determined 11.2.16 Plot of normal displacement versus
by measurements of the shear box lengths or lateral displacement or percent relative lateral
diameter and the measured thickness of the displacement.
specimen. 11.2.17 For cohesive material, observations
made relative to the shear surface.
10.4 Compute the preshear void ratio, dry
11.2.18 Departure from the procedure outlines,
density, and water content based on the values
such as special loading sequences or special
used in 10.3 plus the measured normal
wetting requirements.
deformation. NOTE 19—In most cases, there is significant soil loss
during shear and the specimen shape is such that the final
11. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s) phase relations (density, water content, and saturation)
cannot be determined with any degree of reliability.
11.1 The methodology used to specify how data Therefore these values are not required but may be
are recorded on the data sheet(s)/form(s), as given included in the test report.
below is covered in 1.9 and Guide D6026.
12. Precision and Bias
11.2 Record as a minimum the following 12.1 Precision—Test data on precision are not
general information (data): presented due to the nature of the soil or rock, or
11.2.1 Sample identification, project and both materials tested by this standard. It is either
location. not feasible or too costly at this time to have ten
11.2.2 Test number, date, apparatus or more laboratories participate in a round-robin
identification, and technician. testing program. In addition, it is either not
11.2.3 Description of type of shear device used feasible or too costly to produce multiple
in test. specimens that have uniform physical properties.
11.2.4 Description of appearance of the Any variation observed in the data is just as likely
specimen, based on Practice D2488 (Test Method to be due to specimen variation as to operator or
D2487 may be used as an alternative), Atterberg laboratory testing variation.
limits (Test Method D4318), and grain size data
12.2 Subcommittee D18.05 is seeking any
(Method D422), if obtained (see 7.2).
pertinent data from users of these test methods
11.2.5 Description of soil structure, that is
that might be used to make a limited statement on
whether the specimen is intact, remolded,
precision.
reconstituted, or otherwise prepared.
11.2.6 Initial thickness and diameter (width for 12.3 Bias—There is no accepted reference
square shear boxes). value for this test method, therefore, bias cannot
11.2.7 Dry mass of test specimen. be determined.
11.2.8 Initial and pre-shear water content. 13. Keywords
11.2.9 Initial and pre-shear wet density, see 13.1 compacted specimens; consolidated;
Note 19. direct-shear test; drained test conditions; intact;
11.2.10 Initial and pre-shear dry density and Mohr strength envelope; reconstituted specimens;
void ratio, see Note 19. shear strength

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D3080–04, that may impact the use of this test method. (Approved November 1, 2011)
 D3080/D3080M − 11
(1) Extensive editorial (31) Section 7.3 clarified method to form
changes to clarify text and renumber sections to specimen.
accommodate more substantial changes. The (32) Section 7.4 added requirement.
following items are only the substantial changes. (33) Section 8.1 added some flexibility to
Section and note numbers are referenced to this method which was previously in note.
revision. Summary of changes do not state specific (34) Section 8.2 changed specification on
relocations of section material or notes. calibration disk.
(2) Changed standard number and (35) Added section 8.3 and renumbered
modifications to make dual units. subsequent sections.
(3) Section 1.1 to clarify the Method covers (36) Added section 8.6 specifying when
only one test. correction is necessary.
(4) Added section 1.6 on test series. (37) Section 9.1 altered method to be
(5) Added section 1.8 on Units. consistent with section 7.
(6) Add reference in Section 2. (38) Added clarification to Note 10. (39)
(7) Added definitions 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, and Section 9.2 added requirement.
3.2.6. (40) Section 9.4 added moment break.
(8) Modified section 4.1 relative to strain rate. (41) Section 9.6 added clarification to
(9) Section 5.2 added statement on shear rate. seating load.
(10) Added Note 1 relative to fast tests. (42) Note 12 added clarification.
(11) Section 5.5 added requirement. (43) Section 9.7 added requirement.
(12) Added section 5.6 on contact area (44) Section 9.8 added clarification and
changes. reference to D2435.
(13) Section 6.2 added requirement to shear (45) Section 9.8.1 new procedural step.
box. (46) Added Note 13 for clarification.
(14) Section 6.3 new requirement to check (47) Added Section 9.8.2 for intermediate
stones. consolidation increments.
(15) Note 4 (and throughout) change (48) Section 9.8.3 added requirements for
permeability to hydraulic conductivity. time deformation data.
(16) Note 4 added guidance on stone care. (49) Section 9.8.4 new requirement for
(17) Section 6.4.1 added option to use screw overconsolidated tests
driven load frame for normal force. (50) Section 9.8.5 moved information from
(18) Section 6.4.2 moved shear rate prior note.
requirement to suggestion in Note 5 (51) Section 9.9 changed gap specification.
(19) Added guidance to Note 6. (52) Added Note 14 identifying potential
(20) Section 6.4.3 added title. problem.
(21) Added Section 6.5 specifying normal (53) Section 9.10 completely reorganized
force measurement. and added some discussion to clarify method of
(22) Section 6.7 changed SI resolution. interpretation. Added numbering of equations.
(23) Section 6.8 added function. (54) Section 9.10.1 specification for the log
(24) Added section 6.10 for specification of time method.
test water. (55) Section 9.10.2 specification for the root
(25) Section 7 changed title and time method and changed equation 2.
reorganized some of the (56) Section 9.10.3 added default time based
sections. on material type and high OCR specimen.
(26) Section 7 separated into Intact, (57) Added Note 15 with rationale and
Reconstituted and Compacted sections. clarification.
(27) Section 7.1 changed undisturbed (58) Added section 9.10.4 which was
to intact throughout standard. mandatory material in a note.
(28) Section 7.1 clarified that standard is for (59) Section 9.10.5 new terms in same
one test but sample should be large enough for test equation.
series. (60) Section 9.11 reorganized for shearing
(29) Section 7.1 added method to trim and add specification of shear rate.
specimens. (61) Section 9.11.3 increase rate of data
(30) Section 7.2 added method to process collection.
material and changed USCS symbols.
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 D3080/D3080M − 11
(62) Add section 9.11.4 (70) Equation 6 change symbol for
which was information in a note and is now displacement rate.
required. (71) Section 10.2.4 change equation and
(63) Section 9.11.5 change termination symbols.
requirement. (72) Section 10.4 add requirement,
(64) Added note 17 for clarification. (73) Section 11 change reporting
(65) Section 9.12 add clarification. (66) requirements in several
Section 9.13 add requirement. locations.
(67) Add Section 10.1 for clarification. (74) Section 12 change to standard precision
(68) Section 10.2 clarify units and significant caveat.
digits. (75) Change title of Figure 1.
(69) Equation 5 fix equation symbol.
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