IN-SITU VANE SHEAR TEST AZA0922 - Image 1
Click to enlarge
POCKET VANE SHEAR APPARATUS AZA0921
POCKET VANE SHEAR APPARATUS AZA0921
Back to products
AZA 0923 G.I. Frame Sieves | Azalab Aggregate Sieves
G. I. FRAME SIEVES 300 & 450 MM DIA (POWDER COATED) AZA0923

IN-SITU VANE SHEAR TEST AZA0922

The AZA0922 In-Situ Vane Shear Test Apparatus by Azalab is a precision field instrument designed for the direct determination of undrained shear strength (cᵤ) of soft to medium cohesive soils in their natural, undisturbed condition. It is an essential tool for geotechnical site investigations where laboratory sampling is difficult or where soil disturbance must be minimized.

This apparatus is especially effective for soft and sensitive clays and silts, providing reliable strength parameters for foundation design, embankment stability, and earthworks across varied field conditions

Enquiry on WhatsApp
Category:
Description

Description

Purpose and Significance

The in-situ vane shear test is a well-established field method for measuring the shear resistance of saturated cohesive soils without the need for sample extraction. By applying controlled torque to a cruciform vane embedded in the soil, the apparatus determines the soil’s resistance to shear failure directly in the ground.

The AZA0922 also enables soil sensitivity determination by measuring both undisturbed and remolded shear strength, which is critical for evaluating the behavior of sensitive clays under construction disturbance.

Applications

The AZA0922 is widely used in:

  • Geotechnical site investigations

  • Foundation and pile design in soft clay deposits

  • Embankment and slope stability studies

  • Retaining wall and excavation analysis

  • Dredging and soft sediment characterization

  • Infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, and buildings

Working Principle

  1. A cruciform vane is pushed into the soil at the required depth.

  2. Torque is applied at a controlled rate using a geared torque head.

  3. Soil fails along a cylindrical shear surface around the vane.

  4. Maximum torque at failure is recorded.

  5. Undrained shear strength (cᵤ) is calculated using vane dimensions and applied torque.

  6. For sensitivity, the soil is remolded by rapid rotation and the test is repeated.

Construction & Key Features

  • Torque Applicator Assembly
    Heavy-duty, base-mounted system with geared crank for smooth and controlled torque application.

  • Torque Measurement System
    Calibrated split proving ring with high-precision dial gauge and conversion chart.

  • Cruciform Vanes
    Manufactured from high-grade steel for durability and minimal soil disturbance.
    Standard H/D ratio of 2:1 as per standards.

  • Extension & Dummy Rods
    Square cross-section rods with secure couplings for testing at various depths.
    Dummy rods provided for friction correction.

  • Low-Friction Mechanism
    Thrust collars/bearings minimize rod friction to ensure accurate torque measurement.

  • Rotation Indicator
    Allows precise monitoring of angular displacement during testing.

  • Detachable Stand
    Provides stable anchoring during field operation.

  • Portable Design
    Supplied with a sturdy carrying case for easy transport and protection.

Standards Compliance

The AZA0922 is designed and manufactured in compliance with:

  • IS 4434:1982 (Reaffirmed 2016) – Field Vane Shear Test for Cohesive Soils

  • ASTM D2573 – Field Vane Shear Test in Cohesive Soil

  • ISO 22476-9 – Geotechnical Field Vane Test

Specifications

Parameter Specification
Model AZA0922
Test Method In-Situ Vane Shear Test
Application Undrained shear strength (cᵤ) & sensitivity
Soil Type Soft to medium cohesive soils (clays, silts)
Torque Capacity Up to 2000 kgf·cm (≈200 N·m)
Torque Measurement Split proving ring with precision dial gauge
Vane Sizes Supplied 37.5 × 75 mm, 50 × 100 mm
Vane Material High-grade steel
Torque Rods Square section, multiple lengths
Friction Control Bearings / thrust collars with dummy rods
Stand Detachable, heavy-duty
Carrying Case Included
Standards IS 4434, ASTM D2573, ISO 22476-9
Country of Origin Made in India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the AZA0922 measure?
It measures the undrained shear strength (cᵤ) of cohesive soils directly in the field.

Q2: Which soils are suitable for this test?
Soft to medium saturated clays and silts. It is not suitable for sandy or gravelly soils.

Q3: Why is in-situ testing preferred for soft clays?
Because it minimizes soil disturbance, providing more accurate strength values than laboratory tests on disturbed samples.

Q4: Can soil sensitivity be determined?
Yes. By comparing undisturbed and remolded shear strength values.

Q5: Is the apparatus suitable for field conditions?
Yes. It is robust, portable, and designed specifically for demanding field environments.

Additional information

Additional information

Model

AZA 0922
Test Method

In-Situ Vane Shear Test (Field Vane Test)
Stand

Detachable, robust stand for anchoring the instrument.
Construction

Heavy-duty, durable components suitable for field conditions.
Country of Origin

Made in India.
Standards Compliance

IS 4434:1982 (Reaffirmed 2016), ASTM D2573, ISO 22476-9.

Related products

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer AZA 0872 - In-Situ Soil Strength Test

DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER AZA0872

The AZA0872 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) from Azalab is a robust, field-proven instrument designed for rapid in-situ evaluation of soil strength, stiffness, and compaction. It is extensively used by civil engineers, geotechnical consultants, and construction teams for pavement design, quality control, and site investigation works.

The DCP test provides a fast and economical method to assess the strength of subgrades, sub-bases, and granular base course layers, with results that can be directly correlated to California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values. This eliminates the need for time-consuming laboratory testing or undisturbed soil sampling, enabling immediate decision-making at site.

Read more
Quick view

GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS (PIPETTE METHOD) AZA0856

The AZA0856 Grain Size Analysis (Pipette Method) Apparatus from AZA Lab is a precision testing setup used for determining the distribution of fine soil particles such as silt and clay. It is widely used in geotechnical engineering, civil construction quality control, soil mechanics research, and academic laboratories, particularly where conventional sieve analysis is ineffective for particles finer than 75 microns. This apparatus is designed for the mechanical analysis of sub-sieve soil particles, expressing quantitatively the proportion by weight of various particle sizes present in a soil sample. The pipette method, based on sedimentation principles and Stokes’ Law, provides accurate and repeatable results for fine-grained soils. The system consists of a sliding vertical panel operated by a precision screw mechanism, allowing an Anderson pipette to be raised or lowered accurately. A sedimentation tube is held securely below the pipette using a laboratory clamp. The depth of immersion is measured using a millimeter-graduated scale mounted alongside the sliding panel. The apparatus is supplied complete with a 10 ml Anderson pipette, a 500 ml glass sedimentation tube, and test form pads, conforming to standard laboratory practices.
Read more
Quick view

LIQUID LIMIT DEVICE (MOTORISED) AZA0854

The Motorised Liquid Limit Device – AZA0854 from AZA Lab is a precision-engineered instrument designed for accurate and repeatable determination of the liquid limit of soils. Equipped with a geared-down motor delivering a consistent 120 RPM, the device automates the drop mechanism, eliminating manual effort and ensuring uniform compaction blows for reliable test results. The AZA0854 is fully compliant with IS 2720 (Part 5) and ASTM D4318, making it suitable for soil classification, road and pavement design, foundation investigations, and routine geotechnical laboratory testing. The unit operates on 230V AC, 50 Hz, single-phase, ensuring compatibility with standard laboratory power supplies. The system is supplied complete with Casagrande and ASTM grooving tools and a 1 cm height calibration block, enabling immediate setup, verification, and testing.
Read more
Quick view

MOTORISED SAND EQUIVALENT SHAKER AZA0861

The AZA0861 Motorised Sand Equivalent Shaker is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed to automate the agitation phase of the Sand Equivalent Test. It ensures uniform, repeatable shaking in full compliance with ASTM D2419, AASHTO T176, and IS 2720 (Part 37), eliminating operator variability associated with manual shaking. This shaker is an essential accessory for soil, aggregate, and construction material testing laboratories where accurate assessment of sand cleanliness and clay-like fines is critical.
Purpose & Function The Sand Equivalent Test evaluates the relative proportion of sand versus clay-sized or plastic fines in fine aggregates. During testing, the sample and calcium chloride solution must be agitated for a defined stroke length and rate. The AZA0861 automates this process using a controlled reciprocating motion, delivering consistent agitation that improves repeatability, reduces operator fatigue, and enhances overall test reliability.
Read more
Quick view

PARTICLE SIZE SEDIMENTATION (HYDROMETER METHOD) AZA0857

AZA0857 – Particle Size Sedimentation Apparatus (Hydrometer Method) The AZA0857 Particle Size Sedimentation Apparatus (Hydrometer Method) from AZA Lab is designed for determining the particle size distribution of fine-grained soils, particularly silts and clays smaller than 75 microns. This method is widely adopted in soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering, civil construction quality control, and academic laboratories where accurate characterization of cohesive soils is essential. The hydrometer method is based on the sedimentation principle governed by Stokes’ Law, measuring changes in the density of a soil–water suspension over time. By recording hydrometer readings at defined intervals, the percentage of soil particles remaining in suspension is calculated, enabling precise determination of grain size distribution for fine soils beyond the practical limits of sieve analysis.
Read more
Quick view

POCKET PENTROMETER AZA0869

The AZA0869 Compact Pocket Penetrometer from Azalab is a field-ready instrument designed for rapid estimation of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and shear strength of cohesive soils. Fully compliant with ASTM D1558 and ASTM D2573, it enables engineers, geologists, and site inspectors to quickly assess soil consistency and short-term stability without the need for laboratory equipment. Widely used in foundation evaluation, trench wall inspection, and field soil classification, the AZA0869 delivers immediate, reliable results for clays and silts during preliminary geotechnical assessments.
Applications
  • Estimation of UCS and shear strength of soft to stiff cohesive soils
  • Field classification of soil consistency
  • Pre-construction soil stability checks
  • Trench safety and shallow foundation planning
  • Geotechnical education and field research
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

WATER LEVEL INDICATOR AZA0871

The AZA0871 Water Level Indicator from Azalab is a high-precision electronic instrument designed for accurate measurement of groundwater levels in boreholes, wells, standpipes, and observation tubes. It is an essential tool for professionals involved in groundwater monitoring, environmental site assessments, hydrological investigations, geotechnical projects, and dewatering operations.

Accurate water level measurement is fundamental for understanding aquifer behavior, monitoring seasonal or pumping-induced fluctuations, assessing contamination plumes, and supporting the design of foundations, irrigation systems, and water resource management plans. The AZA0871 provides a reliable, fast, and field-ready solution for both static and dynamic water level measurements.

Read more
Quick view