Soil Simple Shear Test

GCTS offers two Simple Shear systems, the SSH-25 and SSH-100, both featuring closed-loop digital servo-control of shear and normal loads for automated conventional and cyclic testing (including liquefaction and cyclic strength). Stresses or strains may be prescribed for either actuator. A high-precision vertical deformation sensor enables liquefaction testing on dry sands under zero-vertical-deformation conditions. The electro-hydraulic system maintains prescribed loads or deformations with very low compliance.

The SSH-25 is cart-mounted with integrated hydraulics, wireless interface, and standard power for flexible placement. It can also be configured for static or dynamic direct shear testing.

The SSH-100, based on GCTS external cell wall triaxial design, features a fixed top and sliding base on linear bearings, plus a stiff internal support to minimize top-cap lateral compliance. Confining pressure provides lateral support, eliminating the need for a reinforced membrane and permitting consolidation at K-values other than K₀ (thin Teflon-coated rings are included for optional K₀ reinforcement of standard latex membranes). It accommodates 100 mm (4 in.) and 71 mm (2.8 in.) diameter specimens of varying heights—up to 2.5 times the diameter—allowing both simple shear and triaxial testing.