The ShearTrac II cyclic direct simple shear (CDSS) system is a universal shear system capable of performing the consolidation, static and cyclic direct simple shear phases under full automatic control. The DSS test generates a fairly homogeneous state of shear stress throughout the specimen, which provides initial stress condition, stress path, and deformation configuration that models numerous field loading conditions more closely than any other strength tests such as triaxial. The system consists of a computer-controlled unit that utilizes a micro-stepper motor to apply the vertical load and an advanced servo motor to apply the horizontal cyclic load to the soil specimen.