Direct shear test: normal and tangential stresses evaluation according to constant and variable shearing area

Abstract

Investigations of soil shear strength properties for Baltic Sea shore sand along Klaipėda city is presented. Investigated sand angle of internal friction (φ) and cohesion (c) is determined via two different direct shear tests procedures. First procedure is standard and ordinary in geotechnical practice, when direct shear test is provided using constant shearing area. Second test procedure is different because shearing area according to horizontal displacement each test second is recalculated and reducing during horizontal movement. According to these two different testing procedures provided comparison of normal and tangential stresses.