DIGITAL DIRECT / RESIDUAL/ SHEAR APPARATUS AZA0900

The AZA0900 Digital Direct / Residual Shear Apparatus is a high-precision geotechnical testing instrument designed for comprehensive evaluation of soil shear strength parameters, including both peak and residual conditions. This advanced, motorised and digitally integrated system is ideal for laboratories requiring accurate determination of cohesion (c) and angle of internal friction (φ) for design and analysis of foundations, retaining structures, pavements, and slope stability projects.

Unlike conventional direct shear machines, the AZA0900 is specifically engineered to perform residual shear testing, enabling the assessment of long-term soil behavior after large shear deformations. This capability is critical for the analysis of landslides, reactivated slopes, and pre-failed soil masses, where residual strength governs stability rather than peak strength.

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Description

Description

Purpose and Applications

The AZA0900 is used to determine shear strength parameters under controlled, constant-rate-of-strain conditions for:

  • Foundation and retaining wall design

  • Slope stability and landslide analysis

  • Pavement and embankment studies

  • Long-term soil behavior assessment

  • Academic research and advanced geotechnical investigations


Digital Measurement & Automation

The key advantage of the AZA0900 lies in its fully digital architecture, which includes:

  • High-accuracy electronic load cells

  • LVDT displacement transducers for horizontal and vertical movement

  • Real-time digital display of all test parameters

  • Optional PC connectivity with data acquisition software

This configuration eliminates manual reading errors, improves repeatability, and enables automated plotting of shear stress vs. displacement curves for both peak and residual strength evaluation.


Residual Shear Capability

After initial peak failure, the AZA0900 allows continued shearing at controlled displacement rates to reach residual shear strength, representing the minimum shear resistance of soil after significant deformation. This feature makes the apparatus particularly valuable for:

  • Existing landslides

  • Slopes with prior movement history

  • Stability reassessment of failed or distressed earth structures


Construction & Features

  • Heavy-duty, vibration-resistant steel frame

  • Precision-machined shear box assembly

  • Motorised drive with constant rate of strain

  • Roller bearing mechanism for smooth shear movement

  • Overload protection for sensors and drive system

  • User-friendly digital interface


Standards & Compliance

Designed in accordance with major international standards:

  • ASTM D3080 – Direct Shear Test of Soils

  • IS 2720 (Part 13) – Direct Shear Test

  • Relevant guidelines from ASTM and ISSMGE


Technical Specifications

Feature Specification
Model AZA0900
Test Type Direct Shear & Residual Shear
Operation Motorised, Constant Rate of Strain
Shear Rate Range Approx. 0.001 to 2.0 mm/min (typical)
Load Measurement Electronic Load Cells
Normal Load Capacity Up to ~20 kN (typical)
Shear Load Capacity Up to ~10 kN (typical)
Displacement Measurement LVDTs (Horizontal & Vertical)
Data Display Digital – Load & Displacement
Shear Box Sizes 60 × 60 mm, 100 × 100 mm, or circular
Normal Load Application Dead Weights with Lever System
Connectivity USB / RS-232 (PC Interface)
Power Supply 230 V AC, 50 Hz
Construction Steel Frame, Brass / Stainless Steel Parts
Compliance ASTM D3080, IS 2720 (Part 13)

Key Benefits

  • Accurate determination of peak and residual shear strength

  • Fully digital measurement for improved precision

  • Motorised constant strain rate for repeatable results

  • Data acquisition ready for automated reporting

  • Ideal for slope stability and landslide analysis

  • Robust construction for long-term laboratory use


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What makes AZA0900 different from conventional direct shear machines?
Its digital measurement system and residual shear testing capability, allowing accurate evaluation of long-term soil behavior.

Q2: Can both peak and residual shear strength be measured?
Yes. The AZA0900 is specifically designed to measure both peak and residual shear strength parameters.

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

Q4: Is PC-based data acquisition available?
Yes. PC connectivity and data logging software are available as standard or optional configurations.

Q5: Is this suitable for slope stability analysis?
Absolutely. Residual shear strength data from AZA0900 is essential for reliable slope stability and landslide assessments.


AZA0900 – Digital Direct / Residual Shear Apparatus

A high-precision Azalab solution for advanced soil shear strength testing, delivering reliable data for both immediate design needs and long-term geotechnical stability analysis.

Additional information

Additional information

Model Number

AZA 0900

Test Type

Direct Shear, Residual Shear (for soil shear strength parameters: 'c' and '
phi')

Operation

Motorised, constant rate of strain with multiple speed options (e.g., 0.001 to 2.0 mm/min or similar range)

Compliance

Designed to meet international standards (e.g., ASTM D3080, IS 2720 Part 13).

Dimensions

Varies, designed for stable laboratory benchtop use.

Power Supply

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