The shear vane test is a method of measuring the undrained shear strength of a cohesive soil. ... A gauge on the top of the rod measures the torque required to cause failure of the soil and provides a conversion to shear strength. The equipment has been in use since at least 1948.
Why vane shear test is performed?
To find shear strength of a given soil specimen. ... The laboratory vane shear test for the measurement of shear strength of cohesive soils, is useful for soils of low shear strength (less than 0.3 kg/cm2) for which triaxial or unconfined tests can not be performed. The test gives the undrained strength of the soil.
How is vane shear test conducted?
The test starts by pushing the vane and the rod vertically into the soft soil. The vane is then rotated at a slow rate of 6° to 12° per minute. The torque is measured at regular time intervals and the test continues until a maximum torque is reached and the vane rotates rapidly for several revolutions.
