Cyclic Direct Simple Shear Test System
The ShearTrac II cyclic direct simple shear (CDSS) system performs the consolidation and cyclic shear phases of a test under fully 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 other strength tests (such as triaxial).
The system utilizes a micro-stepper motor to apply the vertical load and either a micro-stepper motor or an advanced zero-backlash servo actuation system to apply shear force and displacement to the soil specimen.
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Description
Common testing applications include earthquake engineering and ocean wave loading. Post-cyclic monotonic strength can be measured as well.


Features & Benefits
Precision Actuation
Superior Performance
Height Control Options
Superior Structural Integrity
Versatile Testing Capabilities
Flexible Consolidation Options
Dynamic Waveform Control
Seismic Simulation
Multi-Phase Testing
Built-in Safety Features
Sensor Customization
Rapid Report Generation
Data Export
Testing Flexibility
Specifications
Vertical load capacity up to 11 kN (2.5 klbf)
Strain (displacement)
waveform
CDSS software module to automatically run and report tests
Teflon® coated stack of aluminum rings for lateral confinement
Test preparation items
Sizes:
2.5 in (63.5 mm) diameter standard
Also available: 2.0 in (50 mm) and 4.0 in (101 mm) diameter
DS software module to automatically run and report direct shear and residual shear tests
Shear box sets to test square or round samples up to 101 mm (4 in)
• Includes loading pad and porous stones
CNS software module to automatically run and report constant normal stiffness tests
P&S wave measurement (bender elements)
Applicable Test Standards
ASTM
ASTM D2435
ASTM D3080
ASTM D4186
ASTM D4546
ASTM D6528
ASTM D8296
AASHTO
AASHTO T 216
AASHTO T 236
B
B 1377-7
ISO/TS
ISO/TS 17892-10
AS
AS 1289.6.2.2
Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cyclic DSS system on the ShearTrac II frame can be purchased with either a micro-stepper motor system or an advanced zero-backlash servo actuation system to apply horizontal shear force and displacement to the soil specimen. The micro-stepper motor system is best for users wishing to perform both slow and high-speed (up to 1 Hz) shear applications – e.g. direct shear, static direct simple shear, and cyclic direct simple shear. The advanced zero-backlash servo actuation system is best when premium cyclic performance is desired (up to 5 Hz). This system can also be used for static applications, but not up to the same capacity as the micro-stepper motor system.