Automated Rock Direct Shear Tester (High Capacity)

The Automated Rock Direct Shear Tester, High Capacity (CT-DSA300) applies a controlled normal stress to a rock discontinuity and shears it under servo control. It is the high-capacity model in the Coretest direct shear group, intended for large or high-strength joints, with 500 kN normal load and 300 kN shear load capacity. Test methods are ASTM D5607 and the ISRM suggested method. Final load ratings and shear box size are defined per project.

How it works

The specimen is set in the shear box with the joint or plane lying in the shear plane. The normal axis applies load across the joint, and the shear axis displaces one half of the box relative to the other. Both axes run under closed-loop control. Normal loading follows constant normal load (CNL) or constant normal stiffness (CNS) conditions, and shear rate is held at the set value. A stiff reaction frame carries the loads.

The system records normal load, shear load, shear displacement and normal displacement. From these it reports peak and residual shear strength, dilation and friction angle. Maximum normal displacement is 100 mm and maximum shear displacement is ±50 mm. The listed specimen size is 150 mm diameter by 150 mm high. The frame weighs 1,250 kg and runs on 380 VAC, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz. Shear data feed slope stability, fault and discontinuity analysis.

What is included

• Stiff load reaction frame with normal and shear loading axes
• Shear box for 150 mm diameter, 150 mm high specimens
• Closed-loop servo control of normal stress and shear rate
• Load and displacement measurement on both axes

Specify for your project

• Specimen size and shape, and shear box dimensions
• Normal stress range and control mode, CNL or CNS, with normal stiffness for CNS tests
• Shear rate and displacement range
• Test standard, ASTM D5607 or ISRM
• Data acquisition, reporting and software: stated in the project datasheet
• Site power, 380 VAC, 3-phase

This description defines the product family. Guaranteed performance, included hardware, exclusions, interfaces and acceptance criteria are stated only in the project-specific technical proposal and approved datasheet.

Features

• Standard: ASTM D5607, ISRM
• Normal load capacity : 500 kN
• Shear load capacity: 300 kN
• Max. normal displacement : 100 mm
• Max. shear displacement : +/-50 mm
• Sample rig diameter : 150 mm
• Sample height: 150 mm
• Weigh: 1250 kg
• Power supply: 380VAC, 3 Ph50/60Hz

Benefits

• ASTM compliant
• Automated tests
• Stiff load reaction frame