Large Direct Shear / Simple Shear Apparatus – Series Overview

Description

This series consists of large direct shear / simple shear apparatuses designed for shear testing of coarse‑grained soils, rockfill, geosynthetics, soil‑structure interfaces, and other large‑size specimens. The equipment uses a detachable gantry reaction frame and offers various force ranges and specimen size options. Main models include:

First group (Large Direct Shear / Simple Shear Apparatus)

• BTU-DDS-100: 100 T (1200 kN) class, max. specimen L.750×B.750×H.400 mm
• BTU-DDS-40FM: 40 T (400 kN) class, specimen Ø500×H.300 mm or 300×300×300 mm
• BTU-DDS-35FM: 20 T (200 kN) class, specimen 300×300×300 mm or 200×200×200 mm

Second group (Fully Automatic Large Direct Shear Apparatus)

• BTU-DDS-35F: 20 T (200 kN) class, specimen 300/150/200/100 mm
• BTU-DDS-45F: 40 T (400 kN) class, specimen 500 mm (square or round)

Common features:

• Capable of standard consolidation, standard shear, fast shear, reciprocating shear, cyclic shear, rheological direct shear, simple shear, etc.
• Equipped with multi‑channel data acquisition unit and Windows acquisition/processing software.
• Horizontal shear speed steplessly adjustable (0.00001–10 mm/min).
• Optional upgrades: interface shear, simple shear, temperature control, etc.

Test Standards (International)

• ASTM D3080(Direct shear test)
• ASTM D5321(Geosynthetic‑soil interface direct shear)
• ASTM D6243(Geosynthetic‑soil interface shear strength)
• ASTM D3080‑04(Large‑scale direct shear for coarse‑grained soils)
• ASTM D6528(Simple shear test)
• ISO 17892‑10(Direct shear test)
• BS 1377‑7(Direct shear test)
• EN 1997‑2(Eurocode 7 – Part 2)

The series meets the requirements of these standards for large specimens, coarse‑grained soils, interface shear, and simple shear tests.

Specification

Based on the two screenshots, parameters for each model are summarised as follows (some data combined from both images):

> Note: The BTU-DDS-35FM frame capacity is written as 1200 kN but vertical loading is only 200 kN – likely a typo; actual frame capacity should match the loading capability.

Detail

• Detachable gantry reaction frame– Easy to transport and install on‑site; suitable for large specimens and high loads.
• Multiple specimen sizes– From 100 mm up to 750 mm side length/diameter, covering coarse soils and rockfill that cannot be tested in conventional triaxial cells.
• Shear box lifting system– Electric hoist for the largest model (100T), manual hoist or chain block for medium models, facilitating handling of heavy shear boxes.
• High‑accuracy load cells– Accuracy ±0.1% FS ensures precise measurements at high tonnages.
• Wide stepless speed range– 0.00001–10 mm/min, capable of simulating creep to rapid shearing.
• Simple shear capability– Some models support simple shear tests using stacking‑ring shear boxes.
• Rich software modules– Include standard consolidation, standard shear, reciprocating shear, fast shear, cyclic shear, rheology, simple shear, etc.; users can combine as needed.
• Upgrade flexibility– Software upgrades (coupling modules) and hardware options (interface shear, temperature control) available.

Application

• Coarse‑grained soils and rockfill– Determine shear strength parameters for high dams, subgrades, mine waste dumps, and other large‑scale engineering fills.
• Soil‑structure interfaces– Study friction characteristics of pile‑soil, retaining wall‑soil, pipe‑soil, etc. (requires optional interface shear module).
• Geosynthetics– Interface shear strength between geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids and soil.
• Simple shear tests– Simulate simple shear stress states for studying soil anisotropy or cyclic response.
• Reciprocating and cyclic shear– Evaluate strength degradation and residual strength under repeated loading (e.g., earthquakes, waves).
• Rheological behaviour– Creep under sustained load.
• High‑tonnage testing– Up to 1200 kN vertical force, suitable for high‑strength rock interfaces or large boulders.

Advantages

• High capacity and large size– Up to 1200 kN force and specimen 750×750×400 mm, allowing direct testing of field‑graded fills and avoiding scale effects.
• Modular frame– Detachable construction for easy transport and installation, suitable for limited lab space or on‑site use.
• High measurement accuracy– Load cells ±0.1% FS, displacement resolution down to 0.001 mm (1 μm).
• Multi‑function testing– One machine can perform direct shear, simple shear, reciprocating shear, cyclic shear, rheology, etc.
• Wide speed range– From extremely slow creep to fast shear, meeting various standards.
• Automated acquisition and processing– Windows software automatically collects data, displays real‑time curves, and calculates strength parameters.
• Expandability– Optional interface shear, temperature control, coupling modules for future research needs.
• Robust and safe– Strong reaction frame with overload protection.

What To Choose

Select the appropriate model based on testing requirements:

Requirement	Recommended Model	Reason
Largest specimen 750×750 mm, very high load (≥1000 kN)	BTU-DDS-100	1200 kN vertical/horizontal force, electric hoist
Specimen up to 500 mm, 400 kN force	BTU-DDS-40FM or DDS-45F	40FM supports simple shear; 45F is direct shear only
Specimen up to 300 mm, 200 kN force	BTU-DDS-35FM or DDS-35F	35FM supports simple shear; 35F is direct shear only
Need simple shear (stacking rings)	DDS-100 / 40FM / 35FM	These models explicitly include simple shear function
Need cyclic or reciprocating shear	All models support (software modules)	Confirm software includes required module
Need interface shear (soil‑structure)	Any model with optional “interface shear module”	Requires additional fixtures
Need temperature control (frozen soil or high temperature)	Optional temperature control unit /45	Verify temperature range with manufacturer
Budget limited, specimen ≤300 mm, force ≤200 kN	BTU-DDS-35F	Good cost‑performance, full functions
Large‑scale research, maximum flexibility	BTU-DDS-100	Highest force and size, plus optional coupling modules

> Note: “FM” in DDS-40FM/35FM likely stands for “Direct shear + Simple shear”. DDS-35F/45F may support only direct shear (no simple shear). Confirm software module availability when selecting.

Process Flow

Example:Large rockfill direct shear test (BTU-DDS-100, specimen 750×750×400 mm, constant normal stress)

• Specimen preparation
  • Prepare rockfill material according to field gradation, control water content, compact in layers to target density.
  • Specimen size 750×750×400 mm; total mass can be several tonnes.
• Shear box installation
  • Use electric hoist to place the lower shear box onto the frame base.
  • Place the specimen into the lower box, level the surface.
  • Position the upper shear box and attach the vertical loading plate.
• Install sensors
  • Install vertical load cell (1200 kN) and horizontal load cell (1200 kN).
  • Install vertical displacement sensors (multiple, e.g., one at each corner) and horizontal displacement sensor.
  • Connect the data logger to the computer.
• Apply normal stress
  • Apply target normal stress (e.g., 500 kPa, total force ≈ 0.5 MPa × 0.5625 m² = 281 kN) via the vertical loading system.
  • Start the software and record vertical deformation (consolidation) until stable.
• Set shear parameters
  • Select “standard shear module”.
  • Set shear rate (e.g., 1 mm/min).
  • Set shear displacement limit (e.g., 50 mm or 6‑10% of specimen side length).
  • For reciprocating shear, set number of cycles and displacement amplitude.
• Start shearing
  • Start the horizontal loading system to push the upper (or lower) shear box.
  • Software records horizontal shear force, horizontal displacement, vertical displacement, and time in real time.
  • Plot shear stress‑displacement curve.
• Stop condition
  • Automatically stops when preset displacement is reached or after a clear peak shear stress drop.
• Disassembly and cleaning
  • Unload normal force, retract horizontal piston.
  • Lift the upper shear box, remove specimen, clean the shear box.
• Data processing
  • Software calculates peak shear stress.
  • For tests at different normal stresses, plot Mohr‑Coulomb envelope to obtain c and φ.
  • If reciprocating shear was performed, obtain residual strength.
  • Generate test report.

> **For simple shear tests** : Use a stacking‑ring shear box, maintain constant volume (undrained) or constant height (drained) during shearing, and select the “simple shear module” in the software.

Summary:This series of large direct shear / simple shear apparatus covers force ratings from 20 T to 100 T and specimen sizes from 100 mm to 750 mm. It can perform direct shear, simple shear, reciprocating shear, cyclic shear, rheology, and other tests. It is suitable for large‑scale testing of coarse soils, rockfill, soil‑structure interfaces, and geosynthetics. Selection should be based on maximum specimen size, required force, need for simple shear capability, and future upgrade requirements. The BTU-DDS-100 is the top‑level configuration for large‑scale engineering research; DDS-35F/45F are cost‑effective fully automatic direct shear systems; the FM series additionally provide simple shear capability.

About Us:
260 workers, 25000 ㎡ non-dust workshop, 16 years experience, SGS & INTERTEK certificated, one hour reach Tianjin port, this is how we keep good quality and competitive prices for global valued customers.
Our main products cover Universal testing machine, Compression testing machine, Soil,Concrete,Cement Mortar,Aggregates Rocks, Asphalt Bitumen, NDT,Pavement ,Paint,Ceramics,Drilling Fluids, Geotextiles, Textiles, Environmental,General Equipment,Universal Testing Equipment.BTUTEST is exporting its products to more than 60 countries by offering its services through its authorized distributors and representatives.
Our main customers are private and research testing laboratories, road and general contractors, concrete and cement manufacturers, asphalt manufacturers, government authorities, ministries, engineers, consultants and re-seller. We also cooperate with accredited research centers and the most important universities in the world.we can supply more top quality product and service for more customer’s.

Our Advantage:
Q1: What is your warranty ?
A: 12 months product warranty, but lifetime for services.
Q2: How-to video provided ?
A: Yes. If required, our engineers will record a specialized how-to video for you.
Q3: Are your company a trading one or a factory?
A: Yes, we are a manufactured factory & trade (integration).16 years focusing on test instruments field. warmly welcome to visit our plant (factory), we also support OEM and ODM.
Q4: After an order is placed, when to deliver?
A: Generally about 10 days. If we have inventory, we can arrange shipment within 7 days. Please be aware that our production lead times depend on specific items and item quantities.
Q5: What about the after-sales service and product’s quality?
A: 12 months warranty. After the warranty, the professional after-sale service team will provide perfect technical support. And help the customer solve problems encountered while using our product, handles problems and complaints professionally and timely. Each instruments must be carried out 100% quality examination and test when shipping and delivery goods.
Q6: what about the packing of equipment?
A: Covered with air bubble film before put the machine into the standard exporting wooden case, which not only has good shock absorption, impact resistance, heat SSO has the advantages of nontoxic, odorless, moisture corrosion, good transparency etc.

260 workers, 25000 ㎡ non-dust workshop, 16 years experience, SGS & INTERTEK certificated, one hour reach Tianjin port, this is how we keep good quality and competitive prices for global valued customers.

Our main products cover Universal testing machine, Compression testing machine, Soil,Concrete,Cement Mortar,Aggregates Rocks, Asphalt Bitumen, NDT,Pavement ,Paint,Ceramics,Drilling Fluids, Geotextiles, Textiles, Environmental,General Equipment.BTUTEST is exporting its products to more than 60 countries by offering its services through its authorized distributors and representatives.

Our main customers are private and research testing laboratories, road and general contractors, concrete and cement manufacturers, asphalt manufacturers, government authorities, ministries, engineers, consultants and re-seller. We also cooperate with accredited research centers and the most important universities in the world.we can supply more top quality product and service for more customer’s.