LABORATORY VANE SHEAR APPARATUS (MOTORISED) AZA0920 - Image 1
Click to enlarge
DROP HAMMER AND GUIDE PIPE ASSEMBLY AZA0919
DROP HAMMER AND GUIDE PIPE ASSEMBLY AZA0919
Back to products
POCKET VANE SHEAR APPARATUS AZA0921
POCKET VANE SHEAR APPARATUS AZA0921

LABORATORY VANE SHEAR APPARATUS (MOTORISED) AZA0920

The AZA0920 Motorised Laboratory Vane Shear Apparatus from Azalab is a high-precision instrument designed for accurate determination of undrained shear strength (cᵤ) and sensitivity of cohesive soils such as clays and silts. The motorised drive ensures a constant and uniform rate of vane rotation, eliminating operator-induced variability and delivering highly repeatable, standard-compliant results.

This apparatus is an essential tool for geotechnical laboratories, research institutions, and civil engineering projects, particularly where reliable strength parameters of soft to medium cohesive soils are required for foundation, slope, and embankment design

View Specification PDF
Enquiry on WhatsApp
Category:
Description

Description

Principle of Operation

The laboratory vane shear test is a direct shear method performed on undisturbed or remoulded soil samples under controlled conditions:

  1. A cruciform vane of standard dimensions is carefully inserted into the soil specimen.

  2. The motorised drive applies torque at a constant prescribed rate.

  3. The torque required to cause shear failure of the soil is measured using a calibrated torsion spring system.

  4. The peak torque value is converted into undrained shear strength (cᵤ) using standard equations based on vane geometry.

  5. After remoulding the soil by rapid rotation, a second test determines remoulded strength.

  6. Soil sensitivity is calculated as the ratio of undisturbed to remoulded shear strength.

Applications

The AZA0920 is widely used for:

  • Determination of undrained shear strength of cohesive soils

  • Sensitivity evaluation of clays

  • Foundation and embankment design studies

  • Stability analysis of slopes and earth structures

  • Academic research and soil mechanics laboratories

  • Quality control in geotechnical investigations

Key Features and Advantages

  • Motorised rotation for constant and standard-compliant shear rate

  • High accuracy and repeatability compared to manual systems

  • Calibrated torsion spring torque measurement

  • Multiple interchangeable springs for different soil strength ranges

  • Adjustable vane head for precise insertion with minimal disturbance

  • Supplied with standard cruciform vanes

  • Robust laboratory-grade construction

  • Optional digital torque readout available

  • Supplied in a sturdy wooden carrying case

Standards Compliance

  • IS 2720 (Part 30): 1980 (Reaffirmed 2021) – Laboratory Vane Shear Test

  • ASTM D4648 / D4648M – Laboratory Miniature Vane Shear Test

  • BS 1377 – Part 7 – Shear Strength Tests

Specifications

Parameter Specification
Model AZA0920
Product Type Laboratory Vane Shear Apparatus
Operation Motorised
Power Supply 230 V AC, Single Phase
Rotation Rate Constant rate, typically 1/60 RPM (as per standards)
Torque Measurement Calibrated torsion spring system
Springs Supplied Set of 4 calibrated springs (various torque ranges)
Readout Graduated dial with peak value pointer
Vane Head Height adjustable via lead screw
Vane Blades Standard cruciform vanes (multiple sizes supplied)
Sample Container Suitable for prepared samples / sampling tubes
Construction Heavy-duty steel
Accessories Included Springs set, vane set, sample container, calibration chart, wooden carrying case
Standards IS 2720 (Part 30), ASTM D4648, BS 1377-7
Country of Origin Made in India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the AZA0920 measure?
It measures the undrained shear strength and sensitivity of cohesive soils in laboratory conditions.

Q2: Why is motorised operation important?
A constant rotation rate is mandatory for accurate vane shear testing. Motorised operation ensures compliance with standards and eliminates operator variability.

Q3: Which soils can be tested?
Soft to medium cohesive soils such as saturated clays and silts. It is not suitable for sands or gravels.

Q4: Can both undisturbed and remoulded samples be tested?
Yes. The apparatus supports both, enabling sensitivity determination.

Q5: What vane sizes are provided?
A set of standard cruciform vanes of different dimensions is supplied to suit various soil strengths and standards.

Additional information

Additional information

Model

AZA 0920
Product Type

Laboratory Vane Shear Apparatus
Operation

Motorized (Electrically operated)
Power Supply

230 V A.C., Single Phase
Rotation Rate

Constant rate of rotation, typically 1/60 R.P.M. (or 0.1 degrees per second) as per standards.
Vane Head Assembly

Adjustable height via lead screw and drive wheel for precise lowering of vane.

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
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

HEAVY COMPACTION TEST AZA0865

The AZA0865 Heavy Compaction Test Apparatus from Azalab is designed for performing the Heavy Compaction Test, commonly known as the Modified Proctor Compaction Test. This test establishes the relationship between moisture content and dry density of soils under high compaction energy, simulating field conditions achieved by modern heavy compaction equipment. The apparatus is essential for determining Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) for soils used in heavy-duty pavements, airfield runways, embankments, dams, and foundations, where higher strength and durability are required.
Purpose of Test The Modified Proctor Test applies significantly greater compactive effort compared to the Standard Proctor test. The results are used by engineers to:
    • Specify target field compaction densities
    • Control moisture during earthwork
    • Ensure long-term stability and load-bearing performance
Read more
Quick view

LINEAR SHRINKAGE MOULD AZA0850

The AZA0850 Precision Linear Shrinkage Mould from AZALAB is a compact and highly accurate laboratory instrument designed for determining the linear shrinkage of fine-grained cohesive soils in accordance with BS 1377-2. This test is a key component of soil classification and is especially important in identifying shrink–swell behavior of clays and expansive soils.

Linear shrinkage testing measures the reduction in length of a soil specimen upon drying, expressed as a percentage of its original length. The results provide valuable insight into soil expansiveness, volume stability, and suitability for foundations, pavements, and earthworks.

Manufactured from high-quality brass or stainless steel, the AZA0850 mould offers precise internal dimensions, excellent corrosion resistance, and a smooth polished finish for easy sample preparation and removal. Its robust construction ensures repeatable, reliable results even under high-frequency laboratory use.

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

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
shrinkage limit set

SHRINKAGE LIMIT SET AZA0849

The AZA0849 Shrinkage Limit Set from AZALAB is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument used for determining the shrinkage limit of cohesive soils, a critical parameter within the Atterberg limits framework. This test plays a vital role in understanding the volume change characteristics of fine-grained soils when subjected to drying. The shrinkage limit represents the maximum moisture content at which further reduction in water content does not cause any appreciable decrease in soil volume. Beyond this point, air begins to enter the soil voids, and the soil mass maintains a constant volume. Accurate determination of this parameter is essential for predicting soil behavior in foundations, embankments, earth dams, and pavement structures.

Standards Compliance

The AZA0849 Shrinkage Limit Set conforms to major national and international testing standards, ensuring reliable and universally accepted test results:
  • IS 2720 (Part VII)
  • ASTM D427
  • BS 1377
  • AASHTO T 92
Read more
Quick view
Soil Hydrometer

SOIL HYDROMETER AZA0858

AZA0858 – Reliable Soil Hydrometer for Fine Particle Analysis The AZA0858 Soil Hydrometer from AZA Lab is a precision glass instrument designed for grain size analysis of fine-grained soils using the sedimentation (hydrometer) method. It is specifically intended for soils in which more than 10% of the material passes through the 75-micron sieve, ensuring accurate assessment of clay and silt fractions in accordance with internationally recognized standards. Manufactured from high-clarity transparent borosilicate glass, the AZA0858 features a permanently engraved density scale for direct, reliable readings of suspension density over time. The instrument is factory calibrated and optimized for use at 27°C, delivering high precision in both laboratory and controlled field testing environments.
Read more
Quick view