direct shear test - standard loading

[Structures33]

Hey there - I'm looking for some general information regarding direct shear tests. When these tests are performed, is there a specified/typical load that is applied to the specimens and what is the standard/typical area of specimen?
I have some values obtained from a direct shear test performed in another country and I am trying to determine if they used similar values.
Also, is there an ASTM standard for these tests?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Stoph]

ASTM D 3080...The loading depends on the consolidation pressure needed to simulate field conditions, and the specimen size varies based on the maximum particle size in the sample. See the ASTM (or in my DOT case AASHTO T-236) for details.

 

[iandig]

In the UK for materials to be used in highways construction, reference is taken from the Specification for Highway Works. Under series 600, the direct shear test is covered by clauses 636 and 639, the difference being that cl 639 looks at the inclusion of reinforcing elements. Loading conditions reccomended under these two clauses are 1 x height of structure, 0.5 x height and 0.25 x height, therefore each 'structure' should be considered in isolation. However, quarries providing these materials tend to adopt 'standard' loads to allow comparison and early ID of material properties, which, again in UK, is usually 50 kPa, 100kPa and 200kPa.