DIRECT SHEAR (MOTORISED TWELVE SPEED) AZA0901 - Image 1
Click to enlarge
DIGITAL DIRECT / RESIDUAL/ SHEAR APPARATUS AZA0900
DIGITAL DIRECT / RESIDUAL/ SHEAR APPARATUS AZA0900
Back to products
UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TESTER (MOTORISED) AZA0902
UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TESTER (MOTORISED) AZA0902

DIRECT SHEAR (MOTORISED TWELVE SPEED) AZA0901

The AZA0901 Motorised Twelve-Speed Direct Shear Apparatus from Azalab is a high-performance geotechnical testing instrument designed for accurate determination of soil shear strength parameters, namely cohesion (c) and angle of internal friction (φ). Engineered for precision, repeatability, and versatility, this apparatus is widely used in foundation engineering, slope stability analysis, retaining structure design, and academic research.

The AZA0901 is distinguished by its motorised twelve-speed drive system, offering exceptional control over shear displacement rates. This feature enables compliance with multiple international standards and allows laboratories to evaluate soil behavior under varying strain rates—an essential requirement for both routine testing and advanced research applications.

Enquiry on WhatsApp
Category:
Description

Description

Purpose and Applications

The AZA0901 is used to evaluate shear strength characteristics of soils for:

  • Foundation bearing capacity analysis

  • Slope stability and embankment design

  • Retaining wall pressure calculations

  • Pavement and subgrade investigations

  • Research on rate-dependent soil behavior

Motorised Twelve-Speed Control

Unlike conventional single-speed or manually operated direct shear machines, the AZA0901 offers twelve selectable shear rates, ensuring:

  • Constant and uniform rate of strain

  • Reduced operator dependency and human error

  • High repeatability of test results

  • Flexibility for different soil types and test standards

This makes the AZA0901 particularly suitable for laboratories handling diverse soil conditions and compliance-driven testing programs.

Test Principle

The direct shear test involves placing a soil specimen in a split shear box, applying a controlled normal load, and shearing one half of the box horizontally at a constant rate. The shear force and corresponding displacement at failure are measured to determine shear strength parameters based on the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion.

The AZA0901 ensures smooth, low-friction shear movement through precision bearings and a rigid frame, minimizing parasitic losses and ensuring accurate force transmission.

Construction & Features

  • Heavy-duty steel frame with high rigidity

  • Motorised constant-rate shear drive

  • Twelve discrete speed settings

  • Precision-machined shear box assembly

  • Roller bearing system for frictionless movement

  • Compatibility with mechanical or electronic measurement systems

Standards & Compliance

Designed to comply with major international standards, including:

  • ASTM D3080 – Direct Shear Test of Soils

  • IS 2720 (Part 13) – Direct Shear Test

  • Relevant ISSMGE recommendations

Technical Specifications

Feature Specification
Model AZA0901
Test Type Direct Shear Test
Operation Motorised, Constant Rate of Strain
Speed Control Twelve selectable speeds
Typical Speed Range ~0.001 to 2.0 mm/min
Normal Load Application Dead Weights with Lever Arm
Maximum Normal Stress Typically up to 8 kg/cm² or higher
Shear Box Sizes 60 × 60 mm, 100 × 100 mm, or circular
Shear Load Measurement Proving Ring or Electronic Load Cell
Horizontal Displacement Dial Gauge or LVDT
Vertical Displacement Dial Gauge or LVDT
Power Supply 230 V AC, 50 Hz
Construction Steel Frame, Brass / Stainless Steel Components
Mounting Stable Benchtop Design

Key Benefits

  • Twelve-speed motorised control for versatile testing

  • Constant strain rate for accurate and repeatable results

  • Suitable for a wide range of soil types

  • Robust, low-maintenance construction

  • Compliant with international testing standards

  • Ideal for both commercial and academic laboratories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main purpose of the AZA0901?
To determine soil shear strength parameters (c and φ) under controlled normal loads.

Q2: Why is the twelve-speed feature important?
It allows testing at different strain rates, improving accuracy and enabling compliance with multiple standards and research needs.

Q3: What soils can be tested?
Sands, silts, and clays, in remoulded or undisturbed condition, provided they can be prepared in the shear box.

Q4: Does it comply with ASTM and IS standards?
Yes, it is designed to meet ASTM D3080 and IS 2720 (Part 13).

Q5: Is it suitable for research work?
Yes, the multiple speed options make it especially suitable for advanced geotechnical research.

AZA0901 – Motorised Twelve-Speed Direct Shear Apparatus

A reliable Azalab solution delivering precise, repeatable, and standards-compliant soil shear strength data for modern geotechnical laboratories.

Additional information

Additional information

Model Number

AZA 0901
Test Type

Direct Shear Test (for soil shear strength)
Operation

Motorised, constant rate of strain
Shear Box Size

Standard sizes (e.g., 60×60 mm, 100×100 mm, or circular samples)
Power Supply

Standard electrical supply (e.g., 230V AC, 50Hz)
Material Construction

Heavy-duty steel frame, precision-machined brass or stainless steel shear box and components.

Related products

AUTOMATIC SOIL COMPACTOR AZA0867

The AZA0867 Automatic Soil Compactor from Azalab is a precision-engineered laboratory machine designed to perform Standard Proctor and Modified Proctor compaction tests with high repeatability and minimal operator dependency. The system mechanizes the hammer lifting and dropping process, ensuring consistent compaction energy in strict accordance with international standards. This apparatus is essential for geotechnical laboratories involved in road construction, airfield pavements, embankments, earth dams, and foundation engineering, where accurate determination of Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) is critical for quality control and design validation.
Read more
Quick view

HEAVY COMPACTION TEST AZA0866

The AZA0866 Heavy Compaction Test Set from Azalab is designed for determining the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of soils using the Heavy Compaction (Modified Proctor) Method, in accordance with IS 2720 (Part VIII). This test is fundamental in geotechnical engineering, road and highway construction, foundation design, embankment works, and earthworks where soils are subjected to high compactive effort. The heavy compaction test realistically simulates field compaction achieved by modern construction equipment, enabling reliable prediction of soil behavior under service loads. This configuration is supplied with a 150 mm diameter mould (2250 cc volume), making it particularly suitable for coarse-grained and granular soils.
Scope of Use The AZA0866 Heavy Compaction Test Set is used to establish the relationship between moisture content and dry density of soil under heavy compaction energy. The resulting compaction curve is used to determine MDD and OMC, which are essential parameters for compaction control and quality assurance in field construction.
Read more
Quick view

METHYLENE BLUE TEST SET AZA0860

The AZA0860 Methylene Blue Test Set from AZA Lab is a comprehensive laboratory system designed to determine the clay content and clay activity in fine aggregates and soils through measurement of the Methylene Blue Value (MBV). The test is highly sensitive to active clay minerals—particularly montmorillonite—that can adversely affect the performance of concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials. This method is widely adopted in aggregate quality control, concrete mix design, asphalt technology, and geotechnical investigations, providing a reliable indicator of fines reactivity and cation exchange capacity.

Standards Compliance

  • EN 933-9 – Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates (Methylene Blue Test)
  • NF P94-068
  • UNE 83 180
  • UNI 8520-15
  • ASTM C837 – Methylene Blue Index of Clay in Fine Aggregate
Read more
Quick view

PLASTIC LIMIT SET AZA0848

The AZA0848 Plastic Limit Set is a standardized soil testing kit designed for the accurate determination of the plastic limit of fine-grained soils, in accordance with IS: 2720 (Part 5) and ASTM D4318. The plastic limit is a fundamental soil index property used in soil classification and in evaluating soil behavior under varying moisture conditions. This test kit is an essential component of geotechnical investigations, civil engineering projects, and soil mechanics laboratories, providing reliable and repeatable results in both laboratory and field environments. Purpose & Importance The plastic limit represents the lowest moisture content at which soil remains plastic and can be rolled into threads of 3 mm diameter without crumbling. Determination of this limit is critical for:
  • Soil classification (Atterberg limits)
  • Assessing workability and consistency
  • Evaluating shrink–swell characteristics
  • Supporting foundation, pavement, and earthwork design
The AZA0848 set provides all required accessories to conduct the test accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with applicable standards.
Read more
Quick view

PLUMMET BALANCE AZA0862

The AZA0862 Plummet Balance is a specialized laboratory apparatus designed for determining the specific gravity of fine-grained soils, particularly clays and silts that are difficult to test using conventional pycnometer methods. It is widely used in geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics laboratories, and construction quality control applications. Manufactured by Azalab, the instrument complies with ASTM D854 and IS 2720 (Part 3 / Sec 1) standards and provides rapid, repeatable, and reliable results for dispersed soil samples commonly used in sedimentation, pipette, and hydrometer analyses.
Working Principle The plummet balance method determines the specific gravity of soil solids by measuring the apparent weight of a suspended plummet immersed in a soil–water suspension. The balance pointer directly indicates the percentage of soil in suspension via a calibrated scale, eliminating lengthy calculations. A rack-and-pinion height adjustment allows the plummet to be positioned at the required depth. The percentage of soil in suspension is read directly from the graduated scale, making this method faster and more user-friendly than traditional sedimentation calculations. The set is supplied with a temperature correction chart relating the constant K to suspension temperature for soils with specific gravity ranging from 2.4 to 2.8, facilitating accurate application of Stokes’ law.
Read more
Quick view

PROCTOR NEEDLES (SPRING TYPE) AZA0868

The AZA0868 Precision Proctor Needles (Spring Type) from Azalab are designed for rapid, on-site estimation of soil compaction and moisture condition. This portable instrument provides a practical alternative to full laboratory Proctor testing for preliminary assessment and quality control, particularly on cohesive and semi-cohesive soils encountered in embankments, subgrades, and trench backfills. The instrument employs a calibrated, spring-loaded plunger to measure penetration resistance directly (0–40 kg range). Two graduated stems allow accurate tracking of penetration depth, while a comprehensive set of interchangeable needle tips enables testing across a range of soil densities and particle characteristics.
Applications
  • Field assessment of soil compaction
  • Estimation of optimum moisture condition
  • Subgrade, fill, and trench inspection
  • Construction quality control checks
  • Geotechnical and educational field investigations
Read more
Quick view
Rapid Moisture Meter AZA 0874 - Calcium Carbide Soil Moisture Tester

RAPID MOISTURE METER AZA0874

The AZA0874 Rapid Moisture Meter from Azalab is a compact, reliable, and field-proven instrument designed for quick determination of moisture content in soils, aggregates, sand, and other granular or fine materials. It is especially suited for on-site quality control in civil engineering, road construction, earthwork compaction, and geotechnical investigations, where timely moisture data is critical for effective decision-making.

Based on the well-established calcium carbide gas pressure method, the AZA0874 delivers accurate results within minutes, eliminating delays associated with laboratory oven-drying methods. Its portable, self-contained design makes it ideal for use at remote and demanding job sites.

Read more
Quick view

SEMI AUTOMATIC CONE PENETROMETER AZA0852

The AZA0852 Semi Automatic Cone Penetrometer from AZALAB is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument used for determining the liquid limit and consistency characteristics of fine-grained soils. Designed to eliminate operator-dependent errors, this semi-automatic model ensures uniform cone release and repeatable penetration results, making it an ideal choice for geotechnical, civil engineering, and construction material testing laboratories. The apparatus conforms to IS 2720 (Part 5) and BS 1377 standards and is widely used for soil classification, foundation assessment, and settlement analysis. Its semi-automatic clutch-based drop mechanism allows the cone to penetrate the soil sample under controlled conditions for a fixed duration of 5 seconds, ensuring consistent and reliable test outcomes.

Principle of Operation

A soil paste prepared at known moisture content is placed in the sample cup. The standardized cone, attached to a calibrated weight, is released using the semi-automatic clutch mechanism, allowing free fall penetration into the soil. After the specified time (typically 5 seconds), the penetration depth is measured using a high-precision dial gauge. The moisture content corresponding to a penetration of 20 mm is considered the liquid limit of the soil, as defined in IS and BS standards.
Read more
Quick view